Gil Wymond

Air Classics, Jun 2002 by Cassiday, Benjamin B Jr

Your article in the February issue about Colonel Gil Wymond brought back many great memories. I did not know him personally, but I flew the Republic P-47 - both the "razorback" and "bubble" - and did know of the many improvements for which he and his men were responsible - mainly the "Wymond Release," a lever which released our bombs. This was a great improvement over the original release which reminded me of the old hand brake on a Ford Model A or the WWII Jeep.

I was assigned to the 79th Fighter Group in May 1944 but the 79th had arrived in North Africa shortly after the 57th FG had arrived (November 1942). Both Groups were under the British Desert Air Force - we both knew and respected our friendly rivals.

The main reason for writing is basically concerning your picture on page 27, showing P-47s on the break. It gave me goose bumps until I saw that it was credited to the 37th FG - a group which I don't remember as having been in the Med area during the time of the P-47.

In fact, the photograph was a flight of P-47s assigned to the 79th. I enclose a page from our WWII book The Falcon published in May 1946 showing the same photo. Although the tail insignia in your photo is a bit blurred, those of us in the 79th knew it well. Thunderbolt X-01 was that of our group commander so I would appreciate a correction.

The picture of the 15,000th T-Bolt also brings up the fact that Ten Grand, the 10,000th T-Bolt built, was assigned to the 79th.

The article about Colonel Wymond was outstanding. I had heard many great things said about him and often wondered what happened to him. Now I know.

Benjamin B. Cassiday, Jr. Brig. Gen.

(USAF, Ret.)

5621 Kalanianaole Hwy.

Honolulu, HI

96821