tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866919025890978202024-03-18T10:08:24.975-04:00Florida Beaches To The Bering SeaHonoring the legacy of a grandfather & all who served alongside him in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska during WWII Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-75924483017271241552024-02-02T07:21:00.000-05:002024-02-02T07:21:22.066-05:00Land of the Living<p>Where have I been? I know you are wondering. Good news is that- I'm still here! These last few years have gotten the best of this blog (do people even say this word anymore, blog?) BUT not to worry, I have still been thoroughly immersed in history projects that frankly, have kept me too busy to write on this platform! Each post I write typically requires hours of research (I like to be accurate with the facts) and tons of emotional energy. I LOVE it but sadly, there has simply not been enough of me or time over these last few years post regularly. You'll understand in a minute. To keep you up to speed, here are just a few things that have been keeping me busy: co-editing the Williwaw newsletter for the Park Service, I started taking flying lessons which ended in disappointment (I'll have to write a separate post about that.., ) led two back to back history expeditions through the Aleutians, flew to Dutch Harbor on a 1942 Widgeon, attended numerous warbird conferences and clinics and this one other little thing.... </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBCivt3eaqR7kmPDi7Tg9hTbkxFuYTpetJvqPzbv4EuRoOZUVfOt1PVSfE9LP3gxuOGKw5c5iuw5aHGJV32EJzOsQN1JqNVzxYU8dlXUSrIUchu35dtsKULAprGXYPQOaZXurUMC1AKUb0YK2unfTZrg2Au9Qcn20NO-LzQ6aSKDvTtOFuXkc_viVKFgl/s1527/IMG_0583.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1727" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBCivt3eaqR7kmPDi7Tg9hTbkxFuYTpetJvqPzbv4EuRoOZUVfOt1PVSfE9LP3gxuOGKw5c5iuw5aHGJV32EJzOsQN1JqNVzxYU8dlXUSrIUchu35dtsKULAprGXYPQOaZXurUMC1AKUb0YK2unfTZrg2Au9Qcn20NO-LzQ6aSKDvTtOFuXkc_viVKFgl/w400-h286/IMG_0583.jpeg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>I wrote a book for the National Park Service Aleutian Island WWII National Historic Area! You read that right. A book. This publication required every spare moment of my time to complete and I could not be more proud to present it to the public. More details to follow but holy cow! </p><p>Aside from that, a bunch of regular life stuff like the whole coming down from the pandemic thing, sending that sweet little girl you see on the homepage off to college, moved business locations, have been caring and worrying about two aging parents with dementia from far away, recovered from two shoulder injuries and then two knee injuries and and and...you get the idea, fun times. Perfect time to write a book, no?</p><p>Ah well, as my grandfather said "C'est le guerre" but in this case, "C'est la vie." Life. It's filled with ups and downs, air pockets and depressions. just like the air the airmen flew through in the skies over Alaska. The main thing is to keep flying; the airplane will keep flying. So that is what I am doing, forward momentum, slow and steady. Turns out, it is true, life does keep flying!</p><p>Through it all, I return to aviation, a community I really do love so much. Although it is sometimes hard to pull myself away from my other 'for profit' or familiar obligations, I need to do it. I need it for my soul. One of my go-to's is NATA (North American Trainer Association.) North American was an aircraft maker. They were responsible for making the trainer the T-6 Texan (in Canada it was called a Harvard made by Canadian Car & Foundry, the US Navy called it the SNJ) as well as the P-51 Mustang, the T-28 Trojan, the B-18 Beechcraft, the B-25 Mitchell... NATA organizes formation clinics several times a year so that pilots can practice the art and skill of flying in formation. Even though I do not fly, I go for fun and to learn and I love it. Of course. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxfz0u6n-_cVgkTl2-uxNRLuaMEGhgMEABU57Ccl5gSUI12FWPhjXJtM8WZMwtr6Urtk3W9MLvJ_4__RdgIDNsyBAVy4GIVSpLVFse3i03anZqrSrZGsluYowFqZjpXCmEGphtsCY8WF4j-5ywLzygB01sLXVlnLiHEAxDY_3sGKNiptsgVpV6FnUlw/s3088/IMG_8404.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxfz0u6n-_cVgkTl2-uxNRLuaMEGhgMEABU57Ccl5gSUI12FWPhjXJtM8WZMwtr6Urtk3W9MLvJ_4__RdgIDNsyBAVy4GIVSpLVFse3i03anZqrSrZGsluYowFqZjpXCmEGphtsCY8WF4j-5ywLzygB01sLXVlnLiHEAxDY_3sGKNiptsgVpV6FnUlw/w300-h400/IMG_8404.heic" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Coming to these clinics reminds and motivates me to keep moving forward in the name of preservation and the perseverance to honor my grandfather and his willingness to stand up in defense of our countries. Being here is part of the process. The Harvard (T-6) is how he learned to fly. It is how most pilots learned to fly during the war or at least it was the last step into the fighter realm. Sitting in the plane connects me to the process in which I am trying to share with the world. I am so lucky to have the chance. <p></p><p>So there you have it. I am still here in the pursuit of history. I may not be writing about it here but I am living it. And now that the book is finished, I'll work on finding a way to share stories more often and in fact, I have something else in mind... YouTube! </p><p>Stay tuned for more on the new book and the new channel plus lots of other fun history projects and stories in the works. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the book let me know. </p><p><br /></p>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-18240510451661727092024-01-31T18:40:00.002-05:002024-01-31T18:40:56.849-05:00Smooth Seas To Our Captain Billy<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #161a1e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4gEJ80Jii9QVIbKdc6UXskpLNGvY3_CSwqYGE2kc8eKaUhb_WbNakaRA7RT93Ugou5SnObDLxDUWcYfx28t6sZN15D1ND6GgVH1v8M3WULIBC5ta7yQuaYSadOnKhLlmVmYHnhJO12u-4hwjZts9X9G0gPXHtOYQqwNUGTY9JyQVNwHMVtHRRUWrGhIjJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4gEJ80Jii9QVIbKdc6UXskpLNGvY3_CSwqYGE2kc8eKaUhb_WbNakaRA7RT93Ugou5SnObDLxDUWcYfx28t6sZN15D1ND6GgVH1v8M3WULIBC5ta7yQuaYSadOnKhLlmVmYHnhJO12u-4hwjZts9X9G0gPXHtOYQqwNUGTY9JyQVNwHMVtHRRUWrGhIjJ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></i></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #161a1e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><i><br /></i></i></p><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i><i><br /></i></i><i>Captain Billy Choate or as I called him, Captain Q. Billy was not only our boat Captain for the Aleutian History Expeditions, he was an inspirational human and my friend. His calm demeanor at sea was always soothing to myself and our tour goers. In rough water, he remained undisturbed, I can remember several instances when the rest of us were barely keeping our stomachs down and dishes were crashing onto the floor of the galley causing our chef extraordinaire, Nicole (Puddin Pants) to swear loudly, Billy at the helm, sat there serenely and ate his dinner without a care in the world. Nothing he had not see before. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />Captain was 71 when I met him in 2016. I was always in awe of his zest for life and his quiet way of going about it. During random times of the year when we’d talk, he’d be busy roller blading, cross country skiing, hiking or playing granddad to the light of his life, his granddaughter, Sienna. Billy had a very rare cancer that returned four years ago. He handled his diagnosis and treatments admirably. We spoke several times this year and I am so happy we did, "Good to hear you." he'd always say. I can hear his voice clear as day, a voice that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i> </i><br /><i>This is one of my favorite photos of Billy at the helm. I believe we were prepping for our Summer Solstice party on the deck of his beloved boat, the M/V Puk Uk, while just off shore of Umnak Island in 2017. He built the Puk Uk (Inupiat for ‘Poking Around’) boat by hand in St. Augustine, Florida then sailed it through the Panama Canal and up to its home in Homer, Alaska. He was always up for anything we wanted to do, as crazy as it was, including these ridiculous bow ties we make everyone where during our Old Salt cocktail/poem reading party ; this old Bering Sea crab fisherman was a lover of poetry and all things arts. Billy was one of the few who would venture as far wast as Attu and he loved it, he loved the Aleutians. He was always willing to try new things for the sake of history, like getting us to Chichagof Harbor, docking at the rock dock on Umnak, or dropping us off at Jeff’s Cove on Kiska. But he always did so safely. He knew those waters like no one else. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />Not sure what this means for the future of the Puk Uk or our Aleutian History Expeditions. I know he was trying to sell it. Whoever buys it will have some enormous shoes to fill. Truthfully, no one can replace Billy Choate I will miss you Captain Q and our trips will never be the same without you. RIP friend. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoebfI60-eKNh5kwkYHkLZqPoWA3pk85V93crg1JstftXDna3t2_aEoSmywsV8YFgmGGLyRI0Xci5tUWZ4wo0gCoz-UfByF1wcrKIDTy79zPHe4EBPY__BUdGSWHdxSs6f9D3R-tjtw5Kj0qqj_gvupMUDDLw9OTfMWGSQOvVuJSjzEJ6lW-0UhThCqsmH/s4000/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoebfI60-eKNh5kwkYHkLZqPoWA3pk85V93crg1JstftXDna3t2_aEoSmywsV8YFgmGGLyRI0Xci5tUWZ4wo0gCoz-UfByF1wcrKIDTy79zPHe4EBPY__BUdGSWHdxSs6f9D3R-tjtw5Kj0qqj_gvupMUDDLw9OTfMWGSQOvVuJSjzEJ6lW-0UhThCqsmH/w400-h300/IMG_0137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #161a1e; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #161a1e; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #161a1e; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><i></i></span></p>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-56786606422721604282021-09-25T16:17:00.106-04:002021-09-28T15:35:06.036-04:0025 September, 1942<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">75 years ago today marks the first joint U.S. and Canadian Operation of the Aleutian Campaign with the first P-40 escorted bomber mission successfully completed. In actuality, this mission was schedule to take place 22 September, only escorting 12 B-24s with 20 P-40's slated to come in from behind and 15 P-39's sent forward. Encountering rain squalls and diminishing ceilings around the half way point, Colonel Eareckson, leading the bombers, scrubbed the mission and turned back unbeknownst to the P-40's who continued flying at under 200 foot ceilings and who then met head on, the returning P-39s! As Major Al Aiken, 18th Fighter Squadron leading the flight of P-40s said, </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"<i>It was the maddest scramble for safe airspace I ever </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>experienced in my life.</i>" </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">He managed to get his flight turned around and up through the clouds avoiding the mess down below only to discover that Lt. John A. Bernston was missing. He had gotten disoriented and spun into the water. Thus, he became the first casualty of the 18th FS in the Aleutian Campaign. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Below is an official 'List of Officers assigned for Mission.' Dated 18 September, 1942</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2km5Rg7n6NeFdyQMGLfWN5gHkU7vFakAGg1rGt5R5gBTiI6MhhC99i8ADfcMS_VZpw1O3eCnGwAST5naBV_FXMM2N9PU-HOZTtg_fXrZKlnM2N47ehV6dm5jCkyFCPzoabPbRIwvzvZx/s2048/Ordered+for+Mission+Sept+25th%252C+1942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2km5Rg7n6NeFdyQMGLfWN5gHkU7vFakAGg1rGt5R5gBTiI6MhhC99i8ADfcMS_VZpw1O3eCnGwAST5naBV_FXMM2N9PU-HOZTtg_fXrZKlnM2N47ehV6dm5jCkyFCPzoabPbRIwvzvZx/w442-h640/Ordered+for+Mission+Sept+25th%252C+1942.jpg" width="442" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><i>Because I spent so much time with <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2019/03/blue-skies-and-tail-winds-bob.html" target="_blank">Lt. Col. Bob Brocklehurst</a>, (18th FS), and <br />have done so much research,</i> <i>I feel like I know half the people on here: <br />Gayle, Rex Rynerson, Al Aiken, Saxhaug... </i><br /><i>Bob would talk about these people and tell funny stories... And of course, <br />the Canadian pilots, some of the families of these gentlemen <br />I am now in contact with. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The morning of 25 September, 1942 Major Jack Chennault, (eldest son of of Claire Chennault) would lead 8 P-40's from the 11th, 7 from the 18th and 4 from 111(F), RCAF, as escort to eleven B-24 bombers, lead by Col. Earekson against Kiksa. Also supported by Major Miller, Commander of the 42nd FS, and his group of 11 P-39s. The mission was a success, with the fighters suppressing the anti-aircraft fire so the bombers could get into position to hit different shipping positions and shore facilities. Several Rufes (A6M Zeros on floats) came up to greet the fighters, one was hot on the tail of Lt. Al Akien in his P-40 over Kiska Harbor when Canadian Squadron leader Kenneth Boomer shot the Rufe down. The second one was downed by American lead, Jack Chennault. The entire mission took 3:35 hours. To read S/L Boomer's debriefing on his encounter with the zero, you can see that in a previous post titled <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2016/06/" target="_blank">"One Hell of a Layover"</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sadly, Major Miller would be killed several days later on further operations over Kiska when he flew to aid of one of the fighters that was was being attacked. Another air battle ensued but this time, he did not come out on top and his P-39 when down in the water. Al Aiken, who was almost lost during the mission on the 25th recalls,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
<i>"I followed him in a more loose formation. I couldn't call him, I couldn't say anything, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>I was just helpless as far as he was concerned to communicate. So I just sat there </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>and watched him helplessly fly right into the water. I feel to this day that he was</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i> either dead since I </i></span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">couldn't see any damage on his airplane, or he could have </i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>been </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>hit and unconscious... I just don't know, but the airplane </i></span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">went in and I never saw it again.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"> It didn't skip or anything, </i><i style="font-family: helvetica;">just went in like a bullet... When I got back to Adak, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">I learned that it was Major Miller. "</i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You can see both of them noted here in my grandfathers logbook.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FchWwzl9EnoV2EIzYvswbTQ_vfei5X5nNrQJtpe2cvEoxkzWLIlFmQO1NgJ2HMcIB7SVDTWl_pSDTvi5Dy7sSPY7KEtHKFvTtFFnpcyHlqiwrVPtW0RinbeqY8oFCTA9z5JzNKeoDY3P/s2728/IMG_3230.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1828" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FchWwzl9EnoV2EIzYvswbTQ_vfei5X5nNrQJtpe2cvEoxkzWLIlFmQO1NgJ2HMcIB7SVDTWl_pSDTvi5Dy7sSPY7KEtHKFvTtFFnpcyHlqiwrVPtW0RinbeqY8oFCTA9z5JzNKeoDY3P/w640-h270/IMG_3230.heic" width="540" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I love that he logged downed pilots names in his book, there are other examples as well. This was very real for them, these were their buddies. They all knew at any moment, it could be them next. Now, as we honor their legacies, it is important to remember, as Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst put it,</span> ".<i>.. that this was a war and it wasn't all parades and beautiful flying in the skies.</i>" </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thank you Lt. John A. Berntson and Major Wilbur G. Miller for you service and sacrifice to our countries. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><br /></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-18191124470643097262021-08-21T07:47:00.003-04:002021-08-21T07:49:23.924-04:00RCAF In Alaska. On This Day In History<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="498" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffloridabeachestotheberingsea%2Fposts%2F2979543098950785&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-79699044343422794472021-02-24T09:57:00.007-05:002021-02-24T10:18:17.917-05:00Why They Should Fly<p style="text-align: justify;">There has been so much discussion over the last few years of whether or not warbirds should continue to fly and offer the unique public experience of riding in one. Although I somewhat understand the point of wanting to ground them in an effort to protect them and avoid unnecessary and unfortunate loss to both planes and passengers, I still feel that their benefits to historical preservation far outweigh the unlikelihood of a loss. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Flying museums, which is essentially what warbirds are, provide a very tangible way for younger generations to learn an important part of history, demonstrated perfectly in this video taken by my friend's daughter Molly (14), her sister, Madeline (8) and my daughter, Aly (13). This clip, created by these teenage girls, took place on a quiet day during a Collings Foundation Tour stop in Punta Gorda, Florida four years ago. The downtime gave the girls a chance to hang out in the B-24 Witchcraft and the late, B-17 Nine-0-Nine. They really learned something about these planes; like what the gadgets did, why the aircraft were important and aviations role in the outcome of history. But THEN, best of all- they shared it publicly for others in their generation to learn from too! And they were excited about it. It was brilliant! THAT is exactly what this is about. To pass the lessons from our greatest generation on so the lives that were lost in such an ugly conflict are never forgotten neither are the circumstances leading up to it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To see the seamless educational experience that these aircraft have in action during this video is beautiful. THIS is what these planes can do when given the chance. They make history come ALIVE. They stimulate ones ability to absorb the information which hopefully, they make use of throughout their lifetime. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mmBYdiD9RzQ" width="560"></iframe> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes- this really gets me pumped up. It is important. You know, I would bet good money that these young ladies learned, and better yet, retained more from those two hours in that living museum then they ever would in a school history class learning about the exact same subject; and that is not a knock on history teachers because my daughter has had some amazingly dynamic history teachers over the years but none, can compare to this type of learning environment. At the very least, an encounter like this will help them connect the dots to the bookwork taught in school. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We will save for another day, the summary of other positive and life enhancing ways these dynamic historical machines contribute to the connectedness family members of those who served feel or the light and joy that passes over veterans faces when reunited with their aircraft. It is priceless and should you witness this firsthand, you will understand for yourself why they need to stay in the air! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you must see the evidence now, check out <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/03/once-pilot-always-pilot.html" target="_blank">Bob Brocklehust's ride in a P-51</a> a few years ago, an end of life changing event for him. Just ask his family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is also important to remember that all of these benefits are possible thanks to the tireless work of the planes, the pilots and the people who spend countless hours maintaining them so that the story of those who flew them is never forgotten. And when a loss happens, no one feels it more than those who put their heart and souls into the mission of honoring a generation that is near extinct.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Keep Em Flying! </p><p><br /></p>
Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-86718487488166446742020-09-25T13:54:00.002-04:002020-09-25T13:54:16.153-04:0078 Years Ago In the Aleutians...<p> </p><div id="fb-root"></div>
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<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/posts/2424180087820425" data-show-text="true" data-width=""><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/posts/2424180087820425" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><p>77 years ago today, the first U.S.- Canadian joint offensive mission would take place in the North Pacific over Kiska...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/">Florida Beaches To The Bering Sea</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/posts/2424180087820425">Wednesday, September 25, 2019</a></blockquote></div>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-25250794044470614792020-09-11T21:25:00.000-04:002020-09-11T21:25:29.558-04:009-11-1942<div id="fb-root"></div>
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<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/posts/2723520594553038" data-show-text="true" data-width=""><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/posts/2723520594553038" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><p>9-11. I bet the gentlemen in 111 (F) Squadron, RCAF, stationed at the remote base of Fort Glen on Umnak Island, Alaska,...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/">Florida Beaches To The Bering Sea</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/posts/2723520594553038">Friday, September 11, 2020</a></blockquote></div>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-60500332601725567242020-07-11T18:43:00.003-04:002020-07-11T18:45:43.744-04:00Commemorative Air Force WebinarHad the great pleasure of being part of a Commemorative Air Force webinar this morning, live form Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Thanks for the opportunity to tell their story!<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OcJCyYJh-Ok" width="560"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-2368733959872257262020-06-20T12:13:00.000-04:002020-06-20T12:13:04.241-04:00Rudy Frasca. Blue Skies & Tailwinds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last month, I learned of the passing of an American aviation icon, Rudy Frasca. No Rudy did not serve in the Aleutians, nor was he a WWII veteran, entering the Navy in 1949 just in time for the Korean war, but Rudy will forever have connections to me and the Aleutians through his love of a certain warbird, Kittyhawk AK905.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZArMyF38wHYu7N35-0D2KSmxpNcWRc3OWWsriX9gvXIDSoPbpYDlYgAV9Wn3b9O-XktjSEE4mqb7ijfzH_eZbOsZoTbS_lpdojFWc__dwMjTh_HB0nkrqbOREVeebSaMlXvxhrifwJNd1/s1600/Rudy+Frasca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="811" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZArMyF38wHYu7N35-0D2KSmxpNcWRc3OWWsriX9gvXIDSoPbpYDlYgAV9Wn3b9O-XktjSEE4mqb7ijfzH_eZbOsZoTbS_lpdojFWc__dwMjTh_HB0nkrqbOREVeebSaMlXvxhrifwJNd1/s400/Rudy+Frasca.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Rudy Frasca</b></i></span></td></tr>
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Rudy, born in Melrose Park, Illinois, always had a love of flight and early on, had a vision to create a flight simulator company. After the Korean war ended Rudy went back to the University of Illinois where he studied Aviation Psychology. By 1958 he had created his first flight simulator in his garage. Frasca Aviation..... was born! </div>
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Through out his many years in aviation, Rudy was involved in many different endeavors, and was awarded numerous awards over his career. He was inducted in to National Association of Flight Instructors hall
of fame in 2012 (Boy, I sure could use his expertise now as I begin my
flying lessons). He was one of the founding members of EAA's Sport Aviation as well as having held every board seat possible at Warbirds In America. He loved warbirds and this is where the Aleutians come in.</div>
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In the late 70's Rudy purchased his second warbird, a P-40E. This was not just any P-40 though, it was Kittyhawk AK905 and it was one that served on strength with 111(F) Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force stationed in Alaska during the war. It is a plane that my grandfather flew. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhud52KkIb8nhxZHWjMIpHTHlKBEKliKEdQ3h-Z0THszjcjCeeYI7FfJgf1lnptw4SzXAV8181lN47arqnQTYRrxV9FjoDUW0dmyoKnrdfeGF68EQSg2CVHvhd-FPwXI9Z03L-ISe6GBI/s1600/P40-ThenAndNow-color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="800" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhud52KkIb8nhxZHWjMIpHTHlKBEKliKEdQ3h-Z0THszjcjCeeYI7FfJgf1lnptw4SzXAV8181lN47arqnQTYRrxV9FjoDUW0dmyoKnrdfeGF68EQSg2CVHvhd-FPwXI9Z03L-ISe6GBI/s400/P40-ThenAndNow-color.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>My grandfather photo'd below form his collection and the current day Frasca P-40E. The Frasca's gave me this photo when I went to see the airplane for the first time in Urbana, Illinois where it lives. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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In the fall of 2018, I happened to be rummaging through my grandfathers artifacts, as I often do and stopped to notice a photocopy of a plane. I had always skimmed past this photocopy as it would not have been a period item and therefore seemed to be of less importance. But for what ever reason that day, I decided to look at what exactly this was. Turns out, it was a shot of a P-40 from above with the number 47 on the fuselage. I found that coincidental because the Frasca P-40 also has 47 on it. In fact, I found it so interesting that I texted the image to David Frasca, his son who now flies the aircraft. I was flabbergasted when his reply stated that the image my grandfather had was of his Dad, Rudy, flying the P-40! That he could tell because of the particular paint scheme on the wing and it also happen match an assortment of other images his dad had. Yes, you read that right, what I am saying is that my grandfather had a photo of Rudy Frasca flying a P-40 that he himself used to fly in the war. What are the odds? We were blown away. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>The photocopy that was in my grandfather's collection. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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Did my Papa know that was a plane he flew? Had he ever met or contacted Rudy? How and why did he have this? These questions will never be answered. But here we are today, at least 40 years after this could have possibly been photocopied, as decedents, divinely reunited to tell their story. A story that clearly wanted to be told. There are no accidents and this journey certainly solidifies this over and over. </div>
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I will forever be grateful to Rudy and his family for welcoming me with open arms, taking such good care of the airplane and for continuing to fly it ensuring that the legacies of the greatest generation are always remembered for years to come. My heart goes out to the family and friends of such exemplary human being. Who knows, maybe the two of them are up there now having a drink discussing this very photo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"><i>Rudy's son David & I at Oshkosh 2018. Click here to read more about our <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2019/03/ak905-needle-in-haystack.html" target="_blank">Warbirds In Review</a> Session.</i></span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Here are a few more links to learn more about Rudy Frasca's amazing contribution to the development of aviation. Thank you Rudy. Blue skies and tailwinds. </div>
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<a href="https://www.frasca.com/about-frasca/" target="_blank">Frasca Flight Simulators</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.warbirds-eaa.org/rudy-frasca-tribute/" target="_blank">Warbirds of America- Tribute to Rudy Frasca</a><br />
<a href="http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/aerospace-industry-mourns-passing-of-aviation-icon-rudy-frasca.html" target="_blank">Warbird Digest- Aviation Icon</a><br />
<a href="https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/may/12/flight-simulation-innovator-rudy-frasca-dies" target="_blank">APOA- Patriarch of family-run business with global reach remembered as a 'pioneer'</a><br />
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<br />Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-63361708523973067872020-06-11T17:13:00.001-04:002020-06-11T17:14:06.248-04:00<br />
This is the beginning of a series of posts I will create on the Facebook page outlining what life is like for us during our Aleutian Expeditions. <br />
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="792" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffloridabeachestotheberingsea%2Fposts%2F2644767165761715&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-3202034544387642572020-04-10T16:18:00.001-04:002020-04-10T16:18:02.873-04:00<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffloridabeachestotheberingsea%2Fposts%2F2514845458753887&width=500" width="500" height="774" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-44032686398748017492019-11-11T08:57:00.000-05:002019-11-11T08:57:54.247-05:00The Word Of An Airmen<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of a certain Aleutian airmen to be exact... my buddy Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst. This Veterans Day is dedicated to him and all those that flew with him in the Aleutian Campaign as well as throughout his 28 year Air Force career. Please take an hour out of your day, perhaps while you are in the car, cooking dinner or getting ready for work, to hear his story. </div>
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I made this video for Bob's family who are equally as inspiring as their patriarch. It was taken the first time Bob and I met in February 2017 when I showed up at his home loaded with my grandfather's memorabilia, ready to show all with hopes of it sparking some type of recollections. Or even better, that maybe, just maybe- they had crossed paths. Bob did not want to be video recorded that day though. He just wanted to talk. So, I hit record and placed my phone down on the table ensuring I would capture every word that he shared with me.</div>
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Little did I know, that this day would lead to a special friendship that I will forever deeply cherish. I miss Bob very much. Countless times I have wanted to pick up the phone and tell him the latest new discovery in my research. Or how I have come across his name or the names of the people he would speak about. It was good to hear his voice. It inspires me to keep on. Hopefully it does the same to you.</div>
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Today, I raise my special 41-G glass filled with a velvety scotch and dedicate it to a life well lived and an honorable service. Here's to you Bob my friend; here is to you! </div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cJsBWKkEhMc" width="560"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-91937163471473364492019-09-13T12:41:00.003-04:002019-09-13T12:41:42.995-04:00Bathtime Was Hard To Come By<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="792" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffloridabeachestotheberingsea%2Fposts%2F2415526395352461&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-40007069241579656972019-05-27T10:16:00.000-04:002019-05-27T10:16:12.083-04:00Freedom Isn't Free.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Memorial Day is for remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms- their lives. As I am preparing for another trip to Alaska in honor of those who served there, I am remembering those pilots in my grandfather's squadron, RCAF 111 (F) and some in No. 14 (F), who did not make it back to their families when the war was over. </div>
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So as you are sleeping in, jumping in that pool or firing up that grill, stop and take a moment to remember those who made these luxuries possible. It <u>IS</u> because of the brave that we have these liberties. Freedom isn't free. It is the most expensive thing of all. It costs lives. Let's give it the respect it deserves. </div>
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Happy Memorial Day.<br />
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<i><i>Note: after the Aleutian Campaign
both squadrons were sent overseas and re-designated: 111(F) Squadron to
440 FB (fighter bomber) and 14 (F) to 442 (F). Both played active
roles in preparation for the allied invasion of Europe and remained
there until the war ended in 1945. </i></i></div>
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F/O Leslie Ashburner, 23, St. Catherines, ONT<br />
F/S Gordon Baird, 22, Shoal Lake, MB<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZzsGE3P0CK9OqqyevW49KFxSF0HucYgfyJtwmFhVY24fcIsybyuUS20aBTNl-EVeKuhLtlrU3_qXURXTpT_QmUgB950O6IYoZKS9laKfbpaYx_ycGmfuPa6iauIENfrVYzP15HUkNs7w/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4818.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZzsGE3P0CK9OqqyevW49KFxSF0HucYgfyJtwmFhVY24fcIsybyuUS20aBTNl-EVeKuhLtlrU3_qXURXTpT_QmUgB950O6IYoZKS9laKfbpaYx_ycGmfuPa6iauIENfrVYzP15HUkNs7w/s400/fullsizeoutput_4818.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div>
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S/L Kenneth Boomer DFC, AAM, 22, Vancouver, B.C. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uw9uPmk9qRai-Iv5eoxUy5hSzGFB3KQGSJuIWz8I45wRdmpUDcstzqwwfIo1XaIywzPLQj3ZLw_VM0yWhZr1Jau1UdsE7XnxnzyFjSlZvjueX3uexi3rT1kJ4eT2t2C6HsZ4SFoqyVHX/s1600/EPSON159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uw9uPmk9qRai-Iv5eoxUy5hSzGFB3KQGSJuIWz8I45wRdmpUDcstzqwwfIo1XaIywzPLQj3ZLw_VM0yWhZr1Jau1UdsE7XnxnzyFjSlZvjueX3uexi3rT1kJ4eT2t2C6HsZ4SFoqyVHX/s400/EPSON159.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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F/O William Campbell, 22, Vancouver B. C<br />
Sgt. Richard Christy, 19, Victoria, B.C.<br />
F/O George Costello, 21, Stonewall, MB <i>(second to last)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNAq7VIgOQxdKSOGAvXNVPbizeh_zrZFYleHX1GJRtyHXCZ5oYsc743bqCXHL6SXhciAhJtyXKlXTQBUdLQ2m1htPvdQLY7_B2JdGlc6Z-gzcxRCMnRyH8EWB9bDM7rUjlwnkShV9GHw5/s1600/PL-13141-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNAq7VIgOQxdKSOGAvXNVPbizeh_zrZFYleHX1GJRtyHXCZ5oYsc743bqCXHL6SXhciAhJtyXKlXTQBUdLQ2m1htPvdQLY7_B2JdGlc6Z-gzcxRCMnRyH8EWB9bDM7rUjlwnkShV9GHw5/s400/PL-13141-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/O Frank Crowley, 23, Brockville, ONT <i>(second from the left)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBeJ45t0LB72JStChSDd7IllIsKRvj39MWvX5_my0XQRkkHxJHY3-ytk9OsdS3RHWK61LmoOAUdl4eSgHRXEoE6CeMdOLJtmdQXXaHoAMK2tZkMmzROTgS3VhH4ALKTSeNeSWvQQitA-Q/s1600/2850207_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1100" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBeJ45t0LB72JStChSDd7IllIsKRvj39MWvX5_my0XQRkkHxJHY3-ytk9OsdS3RHWK61LmoOAUdl4eSgHRXEoE6CeMdOLJtmdQXXaHoAMK2tZkMmzROTgS3VhH4ALKTSeNeSWvQQitA-Q/s400/2850207_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/O John Dewar, 21, London, ONT<br />
F/L James Doak, 31, Cowansville, P.Q.<br />
F/O Ronald Doidge, 20, Windsor, ONT<br />
F/L Ian Dowling, 35, Brandford, ONT<br />
F/L Odin Eskil, 27, Iron Mountain, MI<br />
F/L Stanley Garside, 24, Edmonton, ALBA <i>(standing center, dark life jacket)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8LbDkof9Sb5-iuDOiJ1N6Ui_fvkmGuLRDCFHxFhT3Gg-ToyGhz8Ei9QxUxMyLO_KWlBqC2yDak_68F1UeLiPeamRNSUYx6yRMQyAFvFV7hUYP50u8DE49FynSwYE2uryKUvnR3BWzrtZ/s1600/PL-13139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="650" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8LbDkof9Sb5-iuDOiJ1N6Ui_fvkmGuLRDCFHxFhT3Gg-ToyGhz8Ei9QxUxMyLO_KWlBqC2yDak_68F1UeLiPeamRNSUYx6yRMQyAFvFV7hUYP50u8DE49FynSwYE2uryKUvnR3BWzrtZ/s400/PL-13139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/L Jim Gohl AAM, 24, Roland, MB</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnbLLUF-i0Z0h05IM1ewc4LuUaeL_B0bWCRkmy3tTrZCpUC2JJ3MkMucbUJ0BZoMKO2DSDZ5eW7OlS6u7TQEHxRQXlb6Nb2gPHM-kmV3PNwqX1bj_IbegbNCJWoqlHnwMnsK8mRMFW5uv/s1600/fullsizeoutput_726.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnbLLUF-i0Z0h05IM1ewc4LuUaeL_B0bWCRkmy3tTrZCpUC2JJ3MkMucbUJ0BZoMKO2DSDZ5eW7OlS6u7TQEHxRQXlb6Nb2gPHM-kmV3PNwqX1bj_IbegbNCJWoqlHnwMnsK8mRMFW5uv/s400/fullsizeoutput_726.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/L Clifford Hicks, 22, Crediton, ONT<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD5B2PBYLyUipc3EuNd9dUyWVf14Jpe7KUiSJD57RQLLtZu2cBvz9iyoM_H3eZldXNuLn6wUCjOptj69ulf3QB96RfK9JGjwJXqY-tCzoqyP5CqAvQYOCXpaXuF71buVYUaB3aCfC2CkM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5793.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="931" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD5B2PBYLyUipc3EuNd9dUyWVf14Jpe7KUiSJD57RQLLtZu2cBvz9iyoM_H3eZldXNuLn6wUCjOptj69ulf3QB96RfK9JGjwJXqY-tCzoqyP5CqAvQYOCXpaXuF71buVYUaB3aCfC2CkM/s400/fullsizeoutput_5793.jpeg" width="296" /></a></div>
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F/L Arthur Jared, 27, Lansing, MI<br />
S/L John Kerwin, 24, Belleview, ONT<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_goYyFQcTxV5KHkDSPcXjHeLHPzo3xGOSn-467WpsSFAAgjYrPsd6raUZSXiYupCpAf6bGKnNAE9E0wFkour0mM4KcssuFq3ocUQurlgFFKH7Fc_hKVWQ9jyJMP5pePLLP654Lttjugih/s1600/fullsizeoutput_481c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="682" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_goYyFQcTxV5KHkDSPcXjHeLHPzo3xGOSn-467WpsSFAAgjYrPsd6raUZSXiYupCpAf6bGKnNAE9E0wFkour0mM4KcssuFq3ocUQurlgFFKH7Fc_hKVWQ9jyJMP5pePLLP654Lttjugih/s400/fullsizeoutput_481c.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div>
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F/S "Pop" Frank Lennon, 24, Clifton, NJ <i>(first hammock)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9n1gcs0g-uY09O-SQJIhjfBlYaiLu-L5YrFNzQSEy-yJB23mQR2uDxullPSjXwRyqkON68qupn8rnhW1ooYJTWhUHamzZfNXmAtATJBTBL6KMafWsqQF-fb8i6DAe5jnN4OLMv5z8rInS/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4908.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1012" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9n1gcs0g-uY09O-SQJIhjfBlYaiLu-L5YrFNzQSEy-yJB23mQR2uDxullPSjXwRyqkON68qupn8rnhW1ooYJTWhUHamzZfNXmAtATJBTBL6KMafWsqQF-fb8i6DAe5jnN4OLMv5z8rInS/s400/fullsizeoutput_4908.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/O John Lippert, 22, Kitchner, ONT<br />
F/S Stan Maxmen, 20, Moosejaw, SASK<br />
F/O Ed Merkely, 25, St. Vital, MB <i>(on the right) </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivogWLwaXmBm2Fy3c1FFe1WUeJL8Qi94FeKG08VVyrHrfAwRWfCb_jEnm0Y6w7Kj433rMb06-B8gQacCfp8b3H_uRkbuDI3tGYMWM3q9GgRsvxlsESqjFA_Gox-1_uogu6jXrh_WsVcyXJ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_28b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="461" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivogWLwaXmBm2Fy3c1FFe1WUeJL8Qi94FeKG08VVyrHrfAwRWfCb_jEnm0Y6w7Kj433rMb06-B8gQacCfp8b3H_uRkbuDI3tGYMWM3q9GgRsvxlsESqjFA_Gox-1_uogu6jXrh_WsVcyXJ/s400/fullsizeoutput_28b.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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F/L George Millar, 22, Winnipeg, MB<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG01oJuqdc6SWHwWqcPhiTQgDrTKtucrDo38HpXFg3xdBiUIE1t37cnv7dRrsZ3VsPaF4MgIFmQohqLyRsEPfS8bPCooXrDtDeUeK90OXypOlfQ751W4kg_ynzbF8klDvQqOyhxpBk0Tys/s1600/Fred+Paradie+-+PMR-76-201-AK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG01oJuqdc6SWHwWqcPhiTQgDrTKtucrDo38HpXFg3xdBiUIE1t37cnv7dRrsZ3VsPaF4MgIFmQohqLyRsEPfS8bPCooXrDtDeUeK90OXypOlfQ751W4kg_ynzbF8klDvQqOyhxpBk0Tys/s400/Fred+Paradie+-+PMR-76-201-AK.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/O William Peacock, 24, Noranda, P.Q.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V6XXVYdUtGT7wwtrqJ1ZWChyHIMREydqXGqQpKNQlOl-ocH4BjH0D2wnV70mj_dPs4N2EhJUzWXHrK4CfBLO4LKmzBahUJwUMkXB0kEJyvARlw6nd0hSQ23m9Cjm8Q5uEXLyG-hZtYhz/s1600/Flying+Officer+Pilot%252C+Bill+Peacock..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V6XXVYdUtGT7wwtrqJ1ZWChyHIMREydqXGqQpKNQlOl-ocH4BjH0D2wnV70mj_dPs4N2EhJUzWXHrK4CfBLO4LKmzBahUJwUMkXB0kEJyvARlw6nd0hSQ23m9Cjm8Q5uEXLyG-hZtYhz/s400/Flying+Officer+Pilot%252C+Bill+Peacock..JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
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S/L William Pentland, 27, Calgary, ALBT<br />
Sgt. Charles Pierce, 25, Port Rowan, ONT<br />
F/L Arnold Roseland, 22, Calgary, ALBT<br />
F/O George Schwalm, 23, Tottenham, ONT <i>(standing)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOowUjDUkybWErbjorJ5Pf-AmZqWZmuQAqS4E0R39A7YnOKMdIdUX7Ii3Q_fh4a0V8jYAUJlkiLFHoVWoNjrbbS4IZDZsU6A0aKtXXHIl8klVzdj9JmBqH3zm5Cot433Kcgk1RDIdcmpO/s1600/fullsizeoutput_404.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="739" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOowUjDUkybWErbjorJ5Pf-AmZqWZmuQAqS4E0R39A7YnOKMdIdUX7Ii3Q_fh4a0V8jYAUJlkiLFHoVWoNjrbbS4IZDZsU6A0aKtXXHIl8klVzdj9JmBqH3zm5Cot433Kcgk1RDIdcmpO/s400/fullsizeoutput_404.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/O Frank Skelly, 24, Kirkland Lake, ONT <i>(second from the left)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouksZqkP0FStLMJVJJaRx47tAiqPJk-1CaHKOVfNfIwRjVKspMocR1_SGuJoBdo4uYRmhdD1OhoKovU5CHhK7nuCJOMFVZ8wR6bkONzMWAXtW07HVlmfadVTH0XZnCxabzh7DjPXevJVt/s1600/EPSON011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="703" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouksZqkP0FStLMJVJJaRx47tAiqPJk-1CaHKOVfNfIwRjVKspMocR1_SGuJoBdo4uYRmhdD1OhoKovU5CHhK7nuCJOMFVZ8wR6bkONzMWAXtW07HVlmfadVTH0XZnCxabzh7DjPXevJVt/s400/EPSON011.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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Sgt. Doug Stapleton, 20, Hamiliton ONT<br />
P/O Donald Sterling, 20, Ottawa, ONT<br />
F/O Nicholus Stusiak, 24, Vancouver, B.C. <i>(center with life jacket)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntRE82KMk4bGMY9NVh82iuLik_JBiMzSGfYQVVypUGr9Az_CKphyAuR-LQHuNdTPToqBKVQdevZG_3aw6IVaNtp4Xbh6opXwaZ5Jz70mpDmzCGEDKi122XLwNZ-yZ7CjP-IV1uMjAKTp7/s1600/Fred+Paradie+-+No+111+Sq+RCA+Personnel++Amchitka++1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntRE82KMk4bGMY9NVh82iuLik_JBiMzSGfYQVVypUGr9Az_CKphyAuR-LQHuNdTPToqBKVQdevZG_3aw6IVaNtp4Xbh6opXwaZ5Jz70mpDmzCGEDKi122XLwNZ-yZ7CjP-IV1uMjAKTp7/s400/Fred+Paradie+-+No+111+Sq+RCA+Personnel++Amchitka++1943.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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F/L Dufferin Wakling, 23, Brantford, ONT<br />
P/O Dean Whiteside, 24, Waterville, KS<br />
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<br />Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-83457407034702138712019-04-06T10:36:00.000-04:002019-04-06T12:52:06.769-04:00Different Side Of History<br />
<h1 style="border-top: thin solid silver; margin-top: 10px; padding: 30px 10% 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>"Desire
is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a
keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."</i></h1>
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<i>Napoleon Hill - 1883-1970 - Author</i></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently traveled to Anchorage to do some long awaited research in <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/01/rest-in-peace-john-haile-cloe.html">John Cloe's</a> old archive room at Joint Base Elmendrof/ Fort Richardson. I was warmly greeted by a couple of his replacements, both like John, having arrived in Alaska from the southern regions of the United States. One of them was able to recount all kinds of fantastic historical events in a series of successive stories that rolled smoothly out of his mouth like a walking American history encyclopedia. Something I am always in awe of- how they remember so many facts and tactical details so easily. Afterwards, I began to reflect on how my interpretive delivery method of military history differs. John, the previous 11th Air Force's Military Historian for 20 plus years, God love him, was the most thorough individual. He knew the stuff he knew well. His newest book Mission To The Kurils, which was the follow up to Aleutian Warriors, was a big one. Reminiscent of my 10th grade history text book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In my writing, I try to blend the dry facts, thoroughly verified as John drilled into me "Make sure you have the facts correct," with the human side of war. Because ultimately, war is about people. Heck, everything is about people. And what I think lacks in much of the literature out there is an emotional connection to the individuals who pay the price for our continued modern day comforts. That is the gap I try to close with the work I do. At the end of the day, every single one of us is human and relating to each other and seeing how we are more alike then different is what will aid in the elimination of conflict going forward. Isn't that the ultimate goal of wars in the first place? To somehow find a more permanent peace? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2oHyNvObfeI" width="560"></iframe><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sweet Allan is now 103 and still going strong! In this video he shares what it was like being faced with his first combat experience and his realization of what it all means in the end.</span> </span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This year, one of my colleagues who is soon to take over the position of Historian for the RCAF has initiated the process of me becoming an official Royal Canadian Air Force Associate Historian, for which I am extremely humbled. It is hard for me to consider myself a historian especially when standing next to someone like the John Cloe's or Peter Coffman's of the world who have spent years in school studying and/or also in service but I suppose I am in my own right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although
the reason why I started this history filled blog journey may be
different than those that study and act as military historians for a
living, the work I do is equally as important and without a doubt, just
as relevant. </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My
work focuses specifically on a particular segment of WWII, a piece of
the war often overlooked by most supposedly 'in the know' people. </span> </span>It is this lack of awareness and recognition that deeply drives</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> my desire to tell
the forgotten story of my Grandfather and those he served with. My mission is personal and for the 144, 000 troops who were stationed in this remote and isolated area, it means the world and clearly validates the need for my efforts. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxFZxNrzY_WCaJm4MHmtrn3HxtbWuZgG198bSIBQbQNievGNvIo57Q8jdRlkSXHDiOk848iQCu5XW6Oyy9qtPzkafn3-V_GycL70GL0-q2SqHx2C_M6aiHQ3E9U16UB57n8X65MrZkFXn/s1600/IMG_E2656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="885" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxFZxNrzY_WCaJm4MHmtrn3HxtbWuZgG198bSIBQbQNievGNvIo57Q8jdRlkSXHDiOk848iQCu5XW6Oyy9qtPzkafn3-V_GycL70GL0-q2SqHx2C_M6aiHQ3E9U16UB57n8X65MrZkFXn/s400/IMG_E2656.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nine surviving Aleutian Island veterans at the Attu75 Commemoration in Anchorage. May 2018</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">BACK ROW (L-R): Allan Seroll (Signal Corps), Bob Hinsdale (USN), Joe Sasser (Army- 50th Combat Engineers), Paul Shaughency (Army), Bill Green (Seabees), Bob Brocklehurst (Pilot-Army Air Corps), Roy Dover (Co F, 50th Combat Engineers) FRONT (L-R): Clint Goodwin (Co B, 807th Combat Engineers), Gerry Rusello (USN Pilot)</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sadly, we have already lost Bob Brocklehust and Clint Goodwin since this photo was taken. </span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I definitely miss John Cloe's guidance but I know he had faith in what I was doing. As we were preparing the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor planning Committee, I had asked John if he wanted to be part of our group. And his reply- <i>"No Karen. You can cover for me."</i> was all I needed. With that I knew I had his approval of the work I was doing and before he passed, I vowed to him that I would continue on with his legacy. John spent at least the last 25 years dedicated to Military History in Alaska. He was a legend. You can read more about John <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/01/rest-in-peace-john-haile-cloe.html">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for me, take me or leave me- I am not going anywhere. My mission will continue on and it will do so keeping these fine fellas in mind. And so I write... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Members of 111(F) Squadrons. RCAF enjoying some downtime on Umnak after their rotation on Amchitka where they actively participated in missions over the Japanese occupied island of Kiska. </b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>BACK ROW (L-R): P/O Ed Merkley, WO1 Joseph McLeod, P/O Delbert English, P/O Hal Gooding DFC AAM, P/O Bill Peacock, P/O Alfred Harrison, P/O George Millar, P/O Jim Gohl. </b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> FRONT ROW (L-R): F/L John Clarke, P/O Frank Crowley, P/O Campbell DFC, P/O Billy Weeks DFC, P/O Bill Williams, F/S Delaney, W/C David Ramsey (driving), P/O Frank Skelly, and an unidentified airmen. </b></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>**P/O Campbell,DFC, P/O Crowley, P/O Gohl, P/O Peacock, P/O Merkely, P/O Millar and P/O Skelly did not survive the war and were killed over Europe. </b></i></span></div>
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-6714793128946229262019-03-17T13:20:00.000-04:002019-03-17T18:50:35.528-04:00Blue Skies And Tail Winds Bob Brocklehurst<div style="text-align: justify;">
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When this project of passion began nearly seven years ago, I could not have imagined the lengths at which this endeavor would reach. Although there have been numerous highlights, and I mean numerous- many of which have yet to make an appearance on this site, my friendship with WWII Aleutian Island P-40 pilot <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/06/lt-col-ret-bob-brocklehurst.html" target="_blank">Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst</a> has to be at the top. </div>
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I am not sure what the odds are of meeting the last living Aleutian Island P-40 pilot just fifteen minutes from where I live by way of a client who, at the age of 85, is still cutting hair at the old timers barber shop five minutes from where I work and who just so happen to cut Bob's hair one day, but they have to be in the range of 'winning the lotto' proportions. This jackpot reunion between Bob and I would lead to a non stop host of adventures that neither one of us could have foreseen. Funny how life does that. There are no accidents, even at the age of 96.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_G08mjWD9WtWl1G1w4IC9AWdILZUJn-YnKkMC2O2k-83nxobjNd-BL3Rte0tvdOJSixvZJ0XbjMRcq_jpPCpZN5tdnfCLltutXDgCSgJIsp8YLa5DCsqBUFz9sleJRsyeOSu7VQdSdEK/s1600/FullSizeRender-141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="640" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_G08mjWD9WtWl1G1w4IC9AWdILZUJn-YnKkMC2O2k-83nxobjNd-BL3Rte0tvdOJSixvZJ0XbjMRcq_jpPCpZN5tdnfCLltutXDgCSgJIsp8YLa5DCsqBUFz9sleJRsyeOSu7VQdSdEK/s400/FullSizeRender-141.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Our first meeting.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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Truth be told, I am not sure who was more excited- Bob or myself. He thought he was going to bore me with his war time stories. Little did he know what he was getting himself into. I showed up at his house with all my grandfather's memorabilia in tow and ready to record every word that came out of his mouth. From that point on the journey began and we never looked back. Bob's contribution to the the Aleutian Campaign research effort was immense. Through Bob I was able to get a better understanding of what my grandfather and his comrades were up against when flying in the Aleutians, what life was like being stationed in such a remote place and the challenges they faced day to day. He became the voice and face of those airmen who are no longer with us. And because of Bob's stories, I was able to connect faces and names to the literature I was researching creating an even stronger personal element to my work. Here are just a few examples of the extraordinary connections that we discovered along the way.<br />
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In April 1943 while stationed at Fort Glenn on Umnak, an RCAF Kittyhawk flown by P/O Thomlinson with No. 14 Squadron crashed killing the young pilot. Bob, also stationed at Fort Glenn at that time with AAF's 344th squadron, was the one who walked up the airstrip and found the Canadian airman.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidelwiLsHmiVp8pFTIPMlCiAsi1NsG87LFkEpTyUHurjAr8jQlq3Jc-Xm3jzc1qEqzA5Z9bl37IqFrQGBbognHQcDwiDx0VsetQz5r4CVtPmOxwC60_9mdoK5FPzLHKyywY20LEKHxk_kP/s1600/14thSqdn_tomlinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidelwiLsHmiVp8pFTIPMlCiAsi1NsG87LFkEpTyUHurjAr8jQlq3Jc-Xm3jzc1qEqzA5Z9bl37IqFrQGBbognHQcDwiDx0VsetQz5r4CVtPmOxwC60_9mdoK5FPzLHKyywY20LEKHxk_kP/s400/14thSqdn_tomlinson.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>RCAF airman P/O Thomlinson. He is buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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Bob also tells a story about his 41-G classmates, F/L Bacon, F/L Dunn and F/L Crisp and how they became the brunt of the joke at roll call (Bacon Dunn Crisp... ). This was one of the first stories he told me actually and it was just recently while researching the RCAF squadron diaries during the time they were stationed at Fort Glenn and flying joint patrols with the 11th Pursuit Squadron, that I, low and behold, discovered the names of both Lt. Bacon and Crisp as part of the days personnel on patrol with the Canadians- and with my grandfather I might add, who was also part of the days rotation! <br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Umnak </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">7-9-42</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We flew six patrols this morning. Lt. Bacon who substituted for P/O Gooding, flew with S/L Boomer. At noon W/C McGregor, P/O Orr, P/O English arrived from Elmendorf Field after spending the night at Cold Bay. bringing three P-40 K1's with them. Incidentally, a fair quantity of mail also arrived. They also brought with them socks for the officers and men, games and playing cards. These were donated by the American Red Cross and were greatly appreciated. This is the first time in the history of a squadron that a donation of any kind has been received. We take off our hats to the good ladies of the American Red Cross. In the evening, Major Ashkins' volleyball team defeated our sextet two games to three before a huge crowd of spectators. Flying time today totaled 13:05 hours. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron Diary </span></i></div>
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But best of all, is an entertaining recollection from his early days when he was with the 11th Pursuit Squadron in Oregon just before heading to Alaska. It was early 1942 and the day's flight path was Portland to Medford, Oregon. Bob somehow got lost and ended up landing his P-40 on a cub sized field in Grant's Pass, Oregon instead. By the time he got to the hanger area, what looked like, the entire town was gathered around to welcome him. He telephoned his supervisor, Major Al Aiken, who drove over the next day to fly the P-40 out of there while Bob, much to his dismay, was sent to the back seat of the staff car. Fast forward five months to the Aleutians- it is September 25th, 1942, the Americans and Canadians take off from Adak on their first joint offensive over Kiska Island and actually, the first P-40 escorted bomber mission of the campaign. My grandfather is one of the Canadians flying that day. As they approach, four zero's come up to meet them and one is hot on the tail of an American P-40 over Kiska Harbor. RCAF Squadron Leader, Kenneth Boomer sees it, flies up underneath him and let's him have it. The Japanese plane goes down and the American plane makes it home. The pilot of that American ship.... was none other than Major Al Aiken.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Canadian artist, <a href="https://www.richthistle.com/catalog-originals-prints/aviation-art" target="_blank">Rich Thistle</a> paints his version of the <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2019/01/happy-new-year-2018-has-been-phenomenal.html" target="_blank">battle over Kiska Harbor</a></b></i></span></b></i></span></td></tr>
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THESE are the things I will miss about Bob. The stories. The ability to call him up on a dime and ask him things or to share with him the latest discovery. Research is research but it means so much more when you can connect it personally. </div>
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Most importantly though, above all of Bob's irreplaceable contributions to the Aleutian Campaign recognition efforts, I will miss Bob's friendship the most. Bob was a inspiration. He epitomized what it means to live. To wake up every day with a plan and to pursue it with zest and with joy. To speak honestly and frankly. To be impeccable with your word. To say what you feel. Bob had a way to energize you. He inspired you to be at your best. His ability to remember names and details
of things put me to shame. I can barely even remember why I went in
the darn kitchen! His charisma and openness to all humans was magnetic. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>One of my favorite moments of Oshkosh. Engaging the younger generations so the lessons and sacrifices from his era are not lost.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Another one of Bob's fans last year at the Venice Airport. </b></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>My daughter Aly. What a gift he was to her as well. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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Bob also reminded me what a true gentleman looks like and the value in allowing a man to be just that; a gentleman. You see, I grew up surrounded by elders so having respect for them is something that is important to me. I remember vividly when Bob and I first met, I would naturally attempt to hold the door open for him until one day he firmly exclaimed "Karen will you let me be a gentleman!" I never held the door open for him again and I will always remember to allow the wonderfulness of gentlemanly behavior. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Bob was a letter writer. This was the first of many notes I received in the mail form him. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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The last time I saw Bob he was boarding a private jet as it's only passenger. He was headed home after a fun and successful 2018 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Bob and I were part of an <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2019/03/ak905-needle-in-haystack.html" target="_blank">Aleutian Island Campaign P-40 Warbird in Review session</a> where we got to represent those who flew in the most treacherous place on earth. What an honor for me on so many levels to share the stage with Bob and to have his blessing over the work I do. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Warbird in Review- Aleutian Campaign P-40 Session. July 2018. <a href="https://www.uflytv.com/programs/warbirds-in-review-p-40-aleutian-tiger-and-warhawk" target="_blank">Watch it online here</a>. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>100 signatures later and still smiling. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/aleu/index.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a> & the RCAF provided the books we were signing. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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We spent the rest of the time tooling around in a golf cart courtesy of his good buddy <a href="https://norrisaeroworks.com/" target="_blank">Brian Norris</a> and his amazing friends who took unbelievable care of us. Bob had always wanted to go the world's largest air show and after 98 years- he finally made it!! It just goes to show you that you are never too old for another first. In fact, Bob had such a good time, he was going to return this year as a volunteer!! I may have to go in his place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Bob & Brian Norris. Brian is the lucky pilot that gave Bob his <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/02/wwii-aleutian-pilot-flies-again.html">P-51ride</a> a few years back. Check out that flight <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/03/once-pilot-always-pilot.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/02/wwii-aleutian-pilot-flies-again.html?showComment=1502881498162">here</a>. They have been good friends ever since. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Another co-pilot opportunity for Bob- a helicopter ride over Oshkosh.</b></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Two WWII legends: Bud Anderson & Bob Brocklehurst in the green room. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Modern day aviation legend <a href="http://mikegoulian.com/" target="_blank">Michael Goulian</a> and his team were the ultimate hosts, opening their tents to us throughout the week. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Myself, David Frasca & Bob in front of my Papa's plane,<a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2019/03/ak905-needle-in-haystack.html" target="_blank"> AK905</a>. The <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2019/03/ak905-needle-in-haystack.html">Frasca family</a> now own the RCAF Kittyhawk (painted as a Fighting Tiger). David flew it to Oshkosh to be part of our P-40 Warbirds in Review session. In fact- David was the one who first suggested we do WIR! So glad he did!</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Bob bidding farewell to my best friend <a href="http://www.cdaumphotography.com/" target="_blank">Candice</a>. I am so thrilled she got to meet him. She flew up from Winnipeg to join the fun and good thing- she is a professional photographer and one of her aviation photos from that weekend helped her win <a href="http://www.cdaumphotography.com/" target="_blank">Photographer of the Year</a> in Manitoba! </b></i></span></td></tr>
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This blog journey has been chalked full of incredible synchronicities exactly like the ones that brought Bob and I together and I am certain they will continue to happen. As I have said all along, I am only the puppet following along the path being laid out by my grandfather, who coincidentally is also named Bob (Robert). Now, not only do I have my grandfather leading the way- Bob is up there as well. One Canadian, one American- a reminiscent joint effort. How fitting. Looks like I better buckle up!</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Robert L. Brocklehurst, you are truly one of a kind and I will miss you tremendously here on earth. I know you are still with me though and my work will continue in your honor and in honor of those who served with you. </i><i>Enjoy your eternal wings and the freedom you now have to do all the loops and rolls you want. No restrictions- let 'er rip and give my Papa a hug for me. </i></span></span></div>
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-28445614278946975252019-03-17T12:45:00.000-04:002019-03-17T18:59:05.972-04:00AK905- Needle In A Haystack<div style="text-align: justify;">
I used to think that finding an aircraft that my grandfather flew during the war would be the pinnacle of this journey so when we found the first one, <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/07/rcaf-kittyhawk-in-smithsonian.html" target="_blank">AK875</a> currently painted like a Fighting Tiger (aren't they all??) at the entrance to the <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/07/rcaf-kittyhawk-in-smithsonian.html" target="_blank">Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center,</a> it was almost too good to be true. Seriously- of all the places for it to wind up, it had to be at one of the most prestigious aviation museums in the country? Can it get much better? I didn't think so. That is until I got word of a second one...<br />
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That discovery came just days after returning from Washington to see the first one. Some random email from someone I didn't know appeared in my inbox letting me know of a P-40E (AK-905) that was still around. This one though, was still air worthy!! Ohhh baby, the level of excitement at that moment could not have been measured. After doing some research to confirm the accuracy, I immediately emailed the owner, introduced myself and attached a photo of my grandfather sitting in the plane in 1941.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC4wWCJyAYfuQE9nuK6NGKySNVFl7MIfndBHjwRDKczjSYiyz6BmBorUSZfSDjRLmRFFBHMV_THa34L80jGOpoRynrqJmqBlE9PJcFs58dax9G-P-zsZ-LfyAOOKsq484Euk9snQfqs3s/s1600/P40-ThenAndNow-color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="800" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC4wWCJyAYfuQE9nuK6NGKySNVFl7MIfndBHjwRDKczjSYiyz6BmBorUSZfSDjRLmRFFBHMV_THa34L80jGOpoRynrqJmqBlE9PJcFs58dax9G-P-zsZ-LfyAOOKsq484Euk9snQfqs3s/s400/P40-ThenAndNow-color.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>AK905 then, with P/O Lynch seated inside, and the now. David Frasca gifted me this photo which now hangs in my dining room.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>AK905 LZ-D, flying over the Alaskan range, 1942. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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They were equally thrilled to hear from me because just as it is rare to find a family member's plane from the war, it is equally as rare for warbird owners to find their plane's original wartime pilots. To put it in perspective, the Smithsonian's Air and Space Aeronautics Department chair told me he can count on two hands the number of times they have been able to make a personal connection to one of their aircraft. And he's been there 30 plus years with thousands of aircraft in their collection. Actually, the Smithsonian Air and Space collection ranks as the largest <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/collections/about-collection" target="_blank">collection</a> of aircraft on display in the world! So yeah, rare. <br />
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Part of the challenge of reuniting pilots with planes is that so many of the planes were lost during the war
and if the machines were lucky enough to make it through, the aircraft were
hastily sold or scrapped shortly afterwards. A horrifying thought for restorers or aficionados now a days. Couple that with the fact that many airmen do not have their logbooks anymore so
determining which aircraft they flew becomes even more difficult. Fortunately
for me, my grandfather was a meticulous record keeper and kept both of
his flight log books; a good copy with photos and notes and the one he
went to war with. This book has become my war bible of sorts, I
reference it constantly. And because of that book we have miraculously
been able to find THREE of the aircraft him and his squadron flew
during the war! Truly astounding. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2nRiQBKhR8icOF2LNOD5YU-QttHNYLZxnPahCamfSNcTrqI8LDLrj05iAXwg-xjhnh7A-htw4chEX0awQ1wtNaSwwfM_5p7KksvxmphqNut9O4zGXSudf_Czex7Ifb7-GbuygtiAPOD7/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2nRiQBKhR8icOF2LNOD5YU-QttHNYLZxnPahCamfSNcTrqI8LDLrj05iAXwg-xjhnh7A-htw4chEX0awQ1wtNaSwwfM_5p7KksvxmphqNut9O4zGXSudf_Czex7Ifb7-GbuygtiAPOD7/s400/photo-4.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>P/O Lynch's log book AK905 entry. You can see he flew AK905 in Anchorage for several days right before flying, and crashing the <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/07/rcaf-kittyhawk-in-smithsonian.html" target="_blank">Smithsonian's AK875</a>.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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The current owner of AK905, as I call it, is the none other than the aviation pioneer <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/mr-rudy-frasca-0" target="_blank">Rudy Frasca</a> (<a href="http://www.frasca.com/about-frasca/" target="_blank">Frasca International- Flight Simulators</a>) and I could not think of a better family to have it! It is immaculate (although painted, again.. like a Fighting Tiger). Rudy is an aviation legend and his name sits on the Smithsonian's Air and Space <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/mr-rudy-frasca-0" target="_blank">Hall of Fame</a> wall recognizing his enormous contribution to the development of aviation over the last 60 years. He purchased the Kittyhawk near his hometown in Illinois in 1976 and it has been his pride and joy ever since bringing it regularly to Air Venture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Rudy has been an active member of EAA's Warbirds of America since it's inception and at the suggestion of his son David, who now flies the plane, we were invited to participate in this year's <a href="https://www.uflytv.com/programs/warbirds-in-review-p-40-aleutian-tiger-and-warhawk" target="_blank">Warbirds In Review</a> session dedicated to the P-40 and it's contribution during the Aleutian Campaign. You can watch that session by clicking the link below the second photo. What an honor to be part of and to represent those who flew in the most treacherous and unpredictable of airspace around- the Aleutian Islands. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Myself, David and WWII Aleutian Campaign AAF pilot, <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/06/lt-col-ret-bob-brocklehurst.html" target="_blank">Bob Brocklehurst</a>, AirVenture Oshkosh, WI 2018</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Watch it online <a href="https://www.uflytv.com/programs/warbirds-in-review-p-40-aleutian-tiger-and-warhawk" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<b>HISTORY OF KITTYHAWK AK905</b></div>
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After it's service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Alaska (1941-1946) AK905 was struck off strength and by 1948 was for sale by Walter Motor Harris Dealership near Champion, Alberta. It was one of fifteen Kittyhawks available. A lucky Albertan named Bob Wardon scrounged up the $150 they were asking for it and using an old military jeep, towed the Kittyhawk back to their farm where they slowly starting working on it finally getting it back up in the air in 1962. </div>
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In the early 1960's, the P-40 flew in airshows around the area even making an appearance at the Abbotsford Airshow, the largest air show in Canada. In 1968, the Wardon's sold the Kittyhawk to Bill Ross from Chicago who owned it from 1968-72. It then sold again to Don Plumb from Ontario who did a lot of restoration work on it from 1972-1976 only to sell it to a fella from Colorado named Max Hoffman who turned around and sold it finally to Rudy Frasca where it still lives today. </div>
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What a gift my family has been blessed with. I still have to pinch myself. It is one thing to have it hanging on static display in one of the best aviation museums in the world. But it is a whole other experience to be able to hear the roar of the engines, smell the burning of the fuel, see it speed past you and ultimately touch the controls of the very same aircraft your loved one went to war in. Quite surreal.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSySQN_DSrwbG6GE32PYzNX5kN6q9va72ICPSsUdMGijl4OcOGnxDfLmI64nrMPqhGzhyphenhyphenVKoE1gwrCPd2dUymGeOwWIeZMwap8U4_ZWUIQcDlRzm68GD1Q3lpaz4-YtjpRTfMPi_Cx7aQ/s1600/DSC03613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSySQN_DSrwbG6GE32PYzNX5kN6q9va72ICPSsUdMGijl4OcOGnxDfLmI64nrMPqhGzhyphenhyphenVKoE1gwrCPd2dUymGeOwWIeZMwap8U4_ZWUIQcDlRzm68GD1Q3lpaz4-YtjpRTfMPi_Cx7aQ/s400/DSC03613.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>If only it had a back seat... My first visit to it's home in Urbana, Illinois. 2016</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>My grandfather, P/O Bob Lynch in AK905. Notice how it is hand written on the wing. 1941</b></i></span><br />
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I have to give enormous props to the Frasca family. They have been such
a blessing welcoming me anytime to come and visit the plane. I get to
sit in it like it is my own and most of all- I get to share it's story
of how it once served to defend this continent. </div>
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In keeping with my mission, this blog is not just about my grandfather, it is also about those he served with. To this date, here is a list of some of the other Royal Canadian Air Force 111(F) Squadron pilots who also flew AK905 in Alaska during the war. This plane lives on in their honor as well. </div>
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W02 Tom Orthman </div>
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F/L Arthur 'Art' Jared (did not survive the war, was killed in Alaska)</div>
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F/L Delbert English</div>
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W02 Samuel 'Red' McLeod</div>
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F/L Clifford Hicks (did not survive the war, was killed over France)</div>
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<br />Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-4094580821925579682019-01-02T14:23:00.002-05:002019-01-02T14:25:01.133-05:00New Years on Kodiak, 1943<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year!! 2018 has been a phenomenal year so much so that there was no way to keep up with writing about it all. I never would have dreamed in a million years where this project of passion would have taken me but I am sure glad it has. I am loving every minute of this work and feel incredibly honored to be able to do it on behalf of those who can not. 2019 will be no different with more of the same awesomeness on the horizon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for the guys in 111 (F) Squadron, New Year's Day 1943 brought a glimmer of jubilation for the squadron, now stationed on Kodiak Island, Alaska, with the announcement of their squadron leader, Battle of Britain veteran Kenneth Boomer, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in the first successful fighter escorted bombing mission over Kiska. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">RCAF S/L Kenneth Boomer, DFC, AA</span></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1- 1- 1943 </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">KODIAK </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Corporal
Henley, E., A.F.M. "A", and Mitchinson, T.C. Armourer (guns), "A"
appointed Acting Sergeants (Paid). LAC's Blow, C.A., Armourer (guns)
"A", Kellet, R. S., Armourer "A" and Fordham, J.G. A.F.M. "A", appointed
Acting Corporals (paid). Trade test results published. Majority
airmen on strength now have "A" grouping. LAC Paquet, J.W. was admitted
to post hospital at 2000 hours. At 1500 hours LAC Molar, N.J. and
Tomkinson, F. and fifteen other airmen who are returning to Canada to
proceed on leave, boarded the "USS Wallace". Flying Officer R. Lynch
has been appointed officer responsible the daily diary. W.O.2. Merkely,
E.A., made a reconnaissance flight to determine the best locality for a
bomb sight. The officers accepted an invitation to attend a steak
dinner in the Airmen's Mess and during that meal the news was received
that Squadron Leader K.A. Boomer had been invested with the D.F.C. by
his Majesty, King George VI. This was greeted with hearty applause.
Local training flights and one A & E test carried out. Total flying
time 6:10 hours. </span></i></div>
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It was during that joint offensive over Kiska, lead by Colonel Jack Chennault, son of Fighting Tiger fame, General Claire Chennault, where the Canadian Squadron Leader was able to down an enemy Rufe over Kiska Harbor forcing the pilot to bail out into the icy Bering Sea. This turned out to be an important event in RCAF history as this Aleutian aerial victory would serve as the only RCAF victory of the Pacific Theater. </div>
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Here is a Summery of the Operational Mission on Kiska written by S/L Boomer himself that appears in the Squadron Diary as Appendix Three, dated 29-9-1942. Equally as interesting is <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2016/06/one-hell-of-layover.html" target="_blank">Boomer's account</a> on what tactics and characteristics he observed from the enemy encounter. This written summary was to be distributed to other squadrons in an effort to help prepare the ally<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i> </i></span>pilots should they encounter this type of opposition in combat. Up until that point, the nimble Japanese fighters had dominated the skies. It was these types of reports plus the U.S. recovery and the rebuilding of the Koga Zero found on the Aleutian Island of Akutan that allowed the allies to gain air superiority in the Pacific. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 29-9-1942</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">"September 25, 1942</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqB_hIsfNhcuuG6lVEVcJCRZQtwOhtug2onSgsHU5XpP15w1UntTIXJ_7sgtVKVW6LBc6eiaaR53eu-ANflWi7Wc6KiM7Axvtp20Yi-TsdKf7xH2GTFVbO34FX_VlxQmR8S2AjcAfiO8E/s1600/na-4330-21.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqB_hIsfNhcuuG6lVEVcJCRZQtwOhtug2onSgsHU5XpP15w1UntTIXJ_7sgtVKVW6LBc6eiaaR53eu-ANflWi7Wc6KiM7Axvtp20Yi-TsdKf7xH2GTFVbO34FX_VlxQmR8S2AjcAfiO8E/s400/na-4330-21.tif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>4-RCAF Kittyhawks over Umnak en route to Fireplace (Adak), 22-9-1942</i> </b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Squadron Leader K.A. Boomer, Flying Officers R. Lynch, J. G. Gohl, and
Pilot Officer H.O. Gooding departed from Fort Glenn at 1330 hours,
22-9-42 to refuel at Fireplace, then to strafe Kiska. The mission
consisted of 9 B-24's, 12 P-39's and 20 P-40's. The aircraft landed at
Fireplace at 1600 hours, 22-9-42, refueling by all crews was carried
out, and the following morning at 0900 hours the aircraft took off to
complete the mission. Heavy rainstorms and poor visibility was
encountered for approximately one hour's flying, and the aircraft
were forced to turn back, weather necessitating the aircraft ascending
to 17,000 feet on the return trip. One American aircraft was lost,
supposedly due to weather, and the planes landed at 11:45 hours.
Continued bad weather prevented the operation from being carried out
until the morning of the 25th. At 0800 hours, 25-9-42 the aircraft again
took off, and the weather was good throughout the trip. We arrived at
Kiska harbour at approximately 10:00 hours. The Canadian Flight
crossed Little Kiska Island, experiencing little fire from that point.
Crossing the north head of the Harbour they heavily attacked naval gun
emplacements and also several 50 <span style="color: black;">caliber</span> guns, continuing they attacked
the main camp area and Squadron Leader Boomer with Pilot Officer Gooding
also attacked enemy Radar Stations. Turning right the formation
re-crossed the north head again attacking gun emplacements. Inside
the Harbour area one enemy zero fighter float plane was encountered and
destroyed by Squadron Leader Boomer. After circling the harbour, an
enemy submarine was discovered also being attacked by American pilots.
Canadians joined in this and made several attacks each. The formation
then joined the B-24's, five miles east of Segula Island and returned to
the base at Fireside </span><span style="font-size: small;">(sic)</span><span style="font-size: small;">, </span><span style="font-size: small;">landing at 11:50 hours.<br />The
Canadian Pilots expended their full load of ammunition and returned
safely with no damage to the aircraft. The time of the trip was 3 hours
and 50 minutes."</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhz6znoho_N2_l-STzeHQGWK_Uz5FCCTT71es0Z8r4k31K1hTLlrfyOgAVmgb1iuvXRBIG8jmwma6v_u0Wu5G7TOaIqD1yf9PdbAjtxH6p7EXkfMvVmuhJ_xB5wdGrzgtoI9NRBEj6F6a/s1600/EPSON003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhz6znoho_N2_l-STzeHQGWK_Uz5FCCTT71es0Z8r4k31K1hTLlrfyOgAVmgb1iuvXRBIG8jmwma6v_u0Wu5G7TOaIqD1yf9PdbAjtxH6p7EXkfMvVmuhJ_xB5wdGrzgtoI9NRBEj6F6a/s400/EPSON003.JPG" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>L-R- P/O Bob Lynch, General Corlett, P/O Hal Gooding and an American airman. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span></span></i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Three other Canadian pilots who participated in that joint mission also received American Air Medals making them, in all likelihood, the very first Allies (and definitely the first Canadians) to receive American Air Medals during WWII. Yet another interesting factoid that this campaign provides. Photo'd above, on the left is my grandfather P/O Lynch and his squadron-mate P/O Hal Gooding who is receiving his Air Medal ribbon from General Corlett. General Corlett is the American Army commander who lead the joint landing on Kiska which was the final push to reclaim the territory and officially end the campaign. Corlett must have been stationed at Fort Greely as he appears several times in the squadron diary, hosting dinners for the Canadian officers, conducting inspections and as you see him here, pinning ribbons. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">SIDE NOTE: Incidentally, the zero that S/L Boomer shot down was in pursuit and actively firing at an American P-40 flown by Major Al Aiken.<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i> </i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just weeks before I discovered the American account of this mission that listed Major Al Aiken as the pilot in that troubled Warhawk, my good buddy- Aleutian WWII P-40 pilot <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/06/lt-col-ret-bob-brocklehurst.html" target="_blank">Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst</a>, just happen to be telling me a wartime story about when his not so happy Major had to rescue him from a farmers cub sized air strip in Grant's Pass, Oregon where he had accidentally landed his new P-40 (instead of the intended strip in Medford, Oregon). The next day, the Major showed up in a staff car and much to the dismay of Bob, flew the P-40 out of there while Bob watched from the back seat of the auto. This Major was none other than Al Aiken! It took me all of a hot minute to get Bob on the phone so I could tell him that the Canadian Squadron Leader (who was also flying with my grandfather) saved Major Aiken's life during a mission over Kiska! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJVLayngH1DzzgvuV-AuFPjnsoULUncTbIBkxwpiwCJ_PWbID4XLdcr4vM0-eB_9KWUAHFDblfXJwnOQjrgnH_A8mObBk489d84ZDkOujaRDndfZLClzjZTYZXiapmHXA3vaXcBg_YbBo/s1600/victoryoverkiska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="650" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJVLayngH1DzzgvuV-AuFPjnsoULUncTbIBkxwpiwCJ_PWbID4XLdcr4vM0-eB_9KWUAHFDblfXJwnOQjrgnH_A8mObBk489d84ZDkOujaRDndfZLClzjZTYZXiapmHXA3vaXcBg_YbBo/s400/victoryoverkiska.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Canadian artist, <a href="https://www.richthistle.com/catalog-originals-prints/aviation-art" target="_blank">Rich Thistle</a> paints his version of the battle over Kiska Harbor.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is stories like these that continually demonstrate how the pieces of this journey keep connecting itself to one another. One would think I would be used to these happenings by now but nope- I am still awestruck by it with every single occurrence and find it most reassuring to keep on this path. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here is another- from the first day I met Bob he would recount several stories about his good friends, American airmen Lt. Bacon and Lt. Crisp and how during roll call they would make jokes about crispy bacon... (get it..?). And just the other day when researching the Canadian squadron diaries I came across an entry that actually had these two lieutenants, Crisp and Bacon, listed as being on patrol duty with our 111 Squadron pilots, Jim Gohl and Hal Gooding while on Umnak! Love love these connections. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so I write... </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-47079885367961560442018-10-29T15:16:00.000-04:002018-10-29T15:18:24.334-04:00Aleutian Island WWII History Expeditions- PLANE WRECKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After our <a href="https://www.uflytv.com/programs/warbirds-in-review-p-40-aleutian-tiger-and-warhawk" target="_blank">Aleutian Campaign Warbirds</a><a href="https://www.uflytv.com/programs/warbirds-in-review-p-40-aleutian-tiger-and-warhawk" target="_blank"> In Review</a> Session at Oshkosh this summer, I had many people asking me about how they could be part a Aleutian Island WWII Historical Expedition. And actually, the tour company who handles all the details of our tour was too wrapped with their D-Day events that we did not have a tour scheduled for 2019. Not anymore....<a href="http://www.pukuk.com/" target="_blank"> Alaska Marine Expeditions </a>and I decided this would be a great opportunity to create a special <i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a</span>viation <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t</span>hemed <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">h</span>istory <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e</span>xpedition through the Aleutians! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am happy to announce, due to popular demand, a <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/p/2019-battleground-tour.html" target="_blank">WWII Battleground Expedition- Plane Wreck tour</a> has been added to the schedule for the summer of 2019! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This tour will have many of the main sights we would normally see but we will spend more time exploring and hunting out wreck sites that we have not gone to before. Exciting stuff! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For more information check out the <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/p/2019-battleground-tour.html" target="_blank">event page</a> and contact me with questions. In the meantime, here are a few (of<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>thousands) of my favorite shots from our previous trips. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Experience</span> of a lifetime! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">4.7 Inch Coastal Defense Gun, North Head of Kiska</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoctNjElBcUEmKHKoutxmctgrFDcTVC6ZUd0xB9a4XpB4aRiRrS43FUO2xjdXqNTHk5b2GDfdtxrlV5vPji0eHUALjzSNzJZ1SXil0SErAgPz4eDemCOkvC7Q-gwMuOGPTAUKnrXphstm/s1600/DSC06387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoctNjElBcUEmKHKoutxmctgrFDcTVC6ZUd0xB9a4XpB4aRiRrS43FUO2xjdXqNTHk5b2GDfdtxrlV5vPji0eHUALjzSNzJZ1SXil0SErAgPz4eDemCOkvC7Q-gwMuOGPTAUKnrXphstm/s400/DSC06387.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Pulled up marston matting on Alexai Point Airfield, Attu. </i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeLPzfhCPy7rHdeD65oFM8ziQZzdot8HNt33WCwDYYfkiHRy6_Z8IBav-cpJrmpl-Tzinx_Gpwxa-oWSTXjTMEbyNV76nnTmZ1sdnCPs3HL-e4vjm9yTYBTvJ2NnPMlkB9nekz0-MCldv/s1600/DSC03049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeLPzfhCPy7rHdeD65oFM8ziQZzdot8HNt33WCwDYYfkiHRy6_Z8IBav-cpJrmpl-Tzinx_Gpwxa-oWSTXjTMEbyNV76nnTmZ1sdnCPs3HL-e4vjm9yTYBTvJ2NnPMlkB9nekz0-MCldv/s400/DSC03049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>The wreck of a P-61 Black Widow on Umnak. </b></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnAmpallDrnN_Piqp9ashci2c3bXT8zdMykDrS7MmcXPh4TvmZzdtbcOSazYEgqneNtyjqs-I1UcP-c3oNhvL5KzAc5tnow05wAtdBAgWAhPi9C9lDUcnd3vXghNgusnVozhqw1bSlLnM/s1600/DSC05104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnAmpallDrnN_Piqp9ashci2c3bXT8zdMykDrS7MmcXPh4TvmZzdtbcOSazYEgqneNtyjqs-I1UcP-c3oNhvL5KzAc5tnow05wAtdBAgWAhPi9C9lDUcnd3vXghNgusnVozhqw1bSlLnM/s400/DSC05104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Gun Emplacement attached to a network of trenches and buildings on Umnak.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The landing gear of a <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2018/08/b-24d-wreck-on-atka-island.html" target="_blank">B-24D on Atka</a>. </b></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>We had a visitor at the Japanese Sub Base on Kiska.</b></i></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Japanese shipwreck- Nozima Maru in Kiska Harbor</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Old WWII beechwood hanger on Umnak with Tuilik Volcano in back.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Lunchtime on Attu.</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>The Officer's Club on Umnak. </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_VaYWGCByQwIToEyOaxxFuEaxE2APm1zoActcPNWf2E5cemgnrhNRS884kAQNQIM1JhF5ncsKHggcT4by_pXF8Q-yvE7UWSDR-Tuy_oxq-l46dgw2qh-rwysGhlds3kcwxJYzr24IWXA/s1600/IMG_6426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_VaYWGCByQwIToEyOaxxFuEaxE2APm1zoActcPNWf2E5cemgnrhNRS884kAQNQIM1JhF5ncsKHggcT4by_pXF8Q-yvE7UWSDR-Tuy_oxq-l46dgw2qh-rwysGhlds3kcwxJYzr24IWXA/s400/IMG_6426.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>WWII Aerol<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gy Building now <a href="https://www.nps.gov/aleu/index.htm" target="_blank">Aleutian WWII Nati</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/aleu/index.htm" target="_blank">on</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/aleu/index.htm" target="_blank">al <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Historic</span> Area</a> Visitor Center.</span></span></span></span></b></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dutch Harbor <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pill box. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ballyhoo Mountain (For<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Schwat<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ka) in back. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-74956983570416614642018-08-18T09:06:00.000-04:002018-08-20T09:56:32.636-04:00B-24D Wreck on Atka Island <div style="text-align: justify;">
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The site of this 1942 B-24D crash site sits on the northwest part of the historic island of Atka along the Aleutian Island chain. The small mountainous island is situated just 90 miles east of Adak and has a long history dating back 2,000 years with Unangax^ as its occupants. Around 1747 the Russians discovered Atka Island and made it a primary trade site while forcing the Aleut people to hunt and process the skins of seals and sea otters only to benefit the wealth and position of the Russians. The townsite of Atka was officially settled in 1860.<br />
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As with the other Aleut villages along the chain of islands the arrival of the U.S. military meant the evacuation of its people to relocation camps in the Southeast Alaska - sent to dwell in dilapidated fish canneries in a temperate rain forest and an environment completely unfamiliar to its new inhabitants. Meanwhile Atka was burned to the ground to prevent Japanese from gaining any benefit. Nonetheless, Atka residents fared slightly better than most as the US Navy reconstructed their village after the war and residents were able to return along with other Unangax^ from villages deemed too remote or unsustainable by the powers that be - sadly including those from battle filled Attu. The war had significantly changed the lives of the Aleuts forever. Today, sixty-one people call Atka Island their home with most living on the southeast side of the island. <br />
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<b> CRASH of B-24D- <i>40-2367</i></b><br />
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It was early morning December 9, 1942, when two pilots, Captains John Andrews and Louis Blau from the 404th Bombardment Squadron who were assigned to take high ranking officials, Brigadier General William Lynch and General Arnold's Inspector General on a weather patrol. They wanted to see and experience for themselves what the pilots of the 11th Air Force were having to deal with - and experience the elements they did. Departing from Adak they flew to Attu to conduct reconnaissance on the Japanese occupation forces - and at the request of the generals extended their mission a bit too long. On the return, the once visible Adak airstrip had become completely covered in fog including the surrounding alternative island landing sites. With no improvement in conditions and running out of fuel the pilot radioed for the latest weather report and learned Atka Island offered a small window of opportunity for emergency landing by visual approach. As the Atka runway was not operational yet the options were narrowed to either bail out or crash land on the tundra. After circling the island they found a level valley on the Northwestern side to glide the B-24D into. After 150 rough and painfully noisy yards it came to a halt. They all jumped out unharmed expect the bruised ego and broken collar bone of the General who had insisted on lingering over Attu. </div>
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Although this plane sits on part of the federally protected Aleutian Island World War II National Historic Area sites, it has been scrapped over the years with people helping themselves to whatever parts they wanted to needed. Even so, it is still in great shape and has survived the harsh climate well. As we approach and the fog envelops the steep slopes surrounding the valley where it sits, it acts as yet another example of the dangers that Aleutian Campaign pilots faced every day. </div>
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-31577360550464303082018-07-13T11:52:00.000-04:002018-07-13T11:52:34.089-04:00RCAF Kittyhawk in the Smithsonian<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With all of the exciting 'stuff' going on, it occurred to me when creating a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floridabeachestotheberingsea/" target="_blank">Facebook post</a> on what the significance of today was for my family (WWII life saving crash day), that I failed to write a blog post about this SUPER exciting find at the Smithsonian! So here it is, better late than never... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A few years ago, thanks to Ron Walker of Canada's West Coast, and his diligent work of data basing Canadian Military Aircraft, I was made aware that a plane my grandfather flew while in the Aleutians was now hanging proudly at the entrance to the Smithsonian's Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. With very little RCAF history noted on their website, naturally, I contacted their curators to fill them in on the role of the plane during WWII. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With the generosity of a dear client of mine, my daughter and I flew up there, with log books in tow, to meet with Russ Lee, Chair of the Aeronautics department. Upon greeting me, he mentioned that in his thirty years there, he can count on two hands the number of times someone had come forward with a personal connection to one of their aircraft. Needless to say, they were as thrilled as I was to be in contact. This was a special moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During our meeting, we laid
out five future objectives on how to update the exhibit to reflect the
new information. Currently though, the Air and Space
Museum is neck deep in a total remodel of their facility therefore some
of the goals we laid out are sitting idle until the renovation is
complete. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>P-40E Hope's Lope or as we know it, AK875 in the Udvar- Hazy Center.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is particularly interesting to me that this Kittyhawk (P-40E) AK875, is one of the aircraft to actually survive and be on display in one of the most prestigious aviation museums in the world. For my family, this has always been a special angel plane because it was in this very P-40 that my grandfather had his life saving ground loop at a refueling stop while en route to Umnak Island. This crash put the plane out of service and him on a transport. The rest of the formation would fly on with a majority of them <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2012/10/unalaska-plane-wrecks-mission-of-honor.html" target="_blank">fatally crashing</a> into a mountain side when they got disoriented in the ever so dense and unforgiving Aleutian fog. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4o7nLfzVp8MOmriLzo3tYAPeLdGJbQ4Gtc69Avbi1qC1PeeZgF76B3my8Ya5Wua3RDvxfcnVk2ejIKeg5yg5lBLdcYpu-Gz46yNZZs5SSvvW39fa4_UV4ik5s07e7hrtuyGC4Oh5cKDoC/s1600/P-40-111Sqn4.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="821" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4o7nLfzVp8MOmriLzo3tYAPeLdGJbQ4Gtc69Avbi1qC1PeeZgF76B3my8Ya5Wua3RDvxfcnVk2ejIKeg5yg5lBLdcYpu-Gz46yNZZs5SSvvW39fa4_UV4ik5s07e7hrtuyGC4Oh5cKDoC/s400/P-40-111Sqn4.tif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>AK875 presumably crashed in Naknek due to my grandfather's ground loop. DND Photo </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm0O9JjNPdeixq5MpoN99dlgYEf1rJni2e8niazbI-oStWUC0gKC2yzkh_ukklPy_-Kry9UvxVDjBJR1WPnQQw7120MJNtLu1r8L7_bhqrKvJctClizm7VCXOpMm60QX2TavqOEwV_2nM/s1600/IMG_0855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm0O9JjNPdeixq5MpoN99dlgYEf1rJni2e8niazbI-oStWUC0gKC2yzkh_ukklPy_-Kry9UvxVDjBJR1WPnQQw7120MJNtLu1r8L7_bhqrKvJctClizm7VCXOpMm60QX2TavqOEwV_2nM/s400/IMG_0855.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>His log book entry of that day and the events that followed. P/O Lynch collection.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For me, this plane lives on so that the stories of those it flew with could also. </span>It
reminds me of my purpose and that is
to tell the stories of those who flew and served in the forgotten
Aleutian Campaign</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">Read more about it in an <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/unknown-history-curtiss-p-40e-lopes-hope" target="_blank">article</a> that the Air and Space Museum posted this spring. And the next time you are at the <a href="http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A19650242000" target="_blank">Udvar-Hazy Center</a>, say a silent "Hi" to those airmen that flew it. To date, here is list of those known to have flown Hope's Lope in 111(F) Squadron, RCAF:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O Robert Lynch, AM- survived the war</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O Johnny Ingalls- survived the war</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O John Eskil, was killed in Europe, 1944</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O Frank Crowley, was killed in Europe, 1944</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O Nick Stusiak, killed in Europe, 1944</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O Ed Merkley, killed in Europe, 1943</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">P/O Al Watkins, DFC- survived the war</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">F/L Bo Middleton, DFC- survived the war</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="ek5m6-0-0"><span data-text="true">S/L Kenneth Boomer, DFC, AM- killed in Europe, 1944</span></span></span></div>
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-72618959313871672812018-07-08T12:06:00.001-04:002018-07-08T12:10:09.982-04:00WWII at Elmendorf Air Field <span class=" _c24"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="a7eqb-0-0"><span data-text="true">Last Sunday, on Canada Day nonetheless, I was blessed with the opportunity to fly out of the very same airfield as my grandfather did 76 years prior, Elmendorf Field, (Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson). It was 1942 and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t</span>he RCAF had just arrived in Anchorage<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to</span> commence<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>joint operations with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Here is what their day looked like. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">“A six plane scramble today to intercept Bolingbroke aircraft.</span></span><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-1"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-2" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">The scramble was not successful as the wrong vector was given.</span></span><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-3"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-4" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">The second scramble at lunch time- Bolingbroke aircraft intercepted and identified as Bolingbroke.</span></span><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-5"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-6" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">Section formation carried out for an hour.”</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class=" _c24"><span data-offset-key="fdfvv-0-0"><span data-text="true">Elmendorf Air Field in 1941 roughly six months prior to the arrival of the RCAF. </span></span></span></span></span></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class=" _c24"><span data-offset-key="fdfvv-0-0"><span data-text="true">Elmendorf Air Field 2018, looking westward.</span></span></span></b></i></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span class=" _c24"><span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-6" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our
westward take off out of what is now Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson
using the same WWII runways that my grandfather and his squadron would
have used. Look closely and you will see the U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds lined up. They were there as part of the weekend's Arctic
Thunder Air Show. Incidentally, "Thunderbird" was also the name of my
grandfather's squadron; 111(F) Thunderbird Squadron, RCAF. Neat! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8Z8MYEyljceImEk-ESVzh55u_k6fD4mUytZLdEV8vxwLcLExrJwLpn4DAc9lSxAh80PYiNCc-3yJ632WctS3QIorbP6njUJ5jLIp8nNPwDcTKcOs84LLsRcKDb2-TALKHy4MYrBpwhI5/s1600/Fred+Paradie+-+P-40-111Sqn2.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="733" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8Z8MYEyljceImEk-ESVzh55u_k6fD4mUytZLdEV8vxwLcLExrJwLpn4DAc9lSxAh80PYiNCc-3yJ632WctS3QIorbP6njUJ5jLIp8nNPwDcTKcOs84LLsRcKDb2-TALKHy4MYrBpwhI5/s400/Fred+Paradie+-+P-40-111Sqn2.tif" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>RCAF P-40's flying over an Alaskan range. Photo courtesy of Maj. Fred Paradie.</i></span></span></b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-6" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A humongous thank you to the <a href="https://www.cafalaska.org/" target="_blank">Commemorative Air Force- Alaska Wing</a>. Such a great group of people. If you have an interest in WWII aviation or WWII in Alaska then I strongly encourage you to join the squadron and support their efforts in keeping the legacies of these warbirds and those who flew them alive. It was the best thing I have ever done! </span></span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="2hrmt-0-6" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.cafalaska.org/join-us/" target="_blank">JOIN THE SQUADRON!</a> </span></span></span></div>
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Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-68018281518726481162018-06-06T05:00:00.000-04:002018-06-06T14:24:34.418-04:00Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brocklehurst<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lt. Col (RET) Robert (Bob) Brocklehurst, is one of the last remaining WWll Aleutian Island pilots at nearly 98 years young. I met Bob a few years ago when his barber<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> (</span>my client) connected us. He has not been able to get rid of me since! What a blessing Bob has been to me and to my daughter. Most of my life I grew up with people blessed in years and I learned the most valuable lessons from them. My daughter gets to experience that in Bob. He is an inspiration and we are so proud to call him our friend.</span></span> </div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-cWxjkN9a9lEvD5wCQeTYinIA4XTuozgHnIOyTgOiz9-xVJDxvvavdIABm5TBvDzCKL2ufDMmkqkAXjUfuOjwb9eqJmiISilv6cBO-V6Xgu5U_qpzxWqUKBGBH4M7jjwTDs2Oda-BfIh/s1600/FullSizeRender-142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-cWxjkN9a9lEvD5wCQeTYinIA4XTuozgHnIOyTgOiz9-xVJDxvvavdIABm5TBvDzCKL2ufDMmkqkAXjUfuOjwb9eqJmiISilv6cBO-V6Xgu5U_qpzxWqUKBGBH4M7jjwTDs2Oda-BfIh/s320/FullSizeRender-142.jpg" width="248" /></a></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Robert
“Bob” Brocklehurst began his 28 years of military service months before the
United States entered World War II. Interested in becoming a pilot, he became a
cadet in the Army Air Corps in February 1941 and completed his training in the
fall of that year. In the weeks following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor,
Brocklehurst and 23 other pilots and their P-40s were deployed north to Alaska.
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Brocklehurst, w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">as</span> attached to the 11th Fighter Squadron and lead by Col. John
“Jack” Chennault , son of infamous Claire Chennault, in their P-40’s when they landed in Fairbanks, March of 1942.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was soon transferred to the 18th Fighter
Squadron, which also flew P-36s. The squadron eventually moved west to Kodiak
in defense of US Naval Base. <br />
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In addition to worrying about a Japanese attack, the pilots also had to contend
with Williwaws; blizzards with hurricane force winds, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>zero visibility, sketchy navigational aids and
poor communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Brocklehurst flew out to Umnak to reinforce the island in June of 1942, just
before the Japanese struck Dutch Harbor, Alaska from the air on two consecutive days. Within a week the Japanese then landed and occupied the American island of Attu,
killing one and taking over 40 civilian prisoners, and Kiska, where they
captured the 12 man crew of a small US weather reporting station. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtbkkkQfjp4589AE2E99K-x6IO7kwyMryuyFbzmYkUVSpbqDTQIkmYLy6HjK0jXJYlNL1iG1c-P_1PNPluL5bQuywntI-2s0wtcmwHV_vqXuNFyW9h81kix_x7Xd4Kylvwg2RmGktU8yr/s1600/BobBrocklhurstFlathat+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtbkkkQfjp4589AE2E99K-x6IO7kwyMryuyFbzmYkUVSpbqDTQIkmYLy6HjK0jXJYlNL1iG1c-P_1PNPluL5bQuywntI-2s0wtcmwHV_vqXuNFyW9h81kix_x7Xd4Kylvwg2RmGktU8yr/s320/BobBrocklhurstFlathat+%25281%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a><span lang="EN">After the attack
Brocklehurst was ordered back to Anchorage to form a new unit, the 344th
Fighter Squadron, flying P-40’s and was appointed squadron commander after
successfully leading a formation of 12 Warhawks through horrendous weather
to land safely on Adak. He took his new squadron all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>600 miles west along the Aleutian chain where
he earned the distinction of being the first fighter pilot to land on the
island of Attu just days after it was liberated in June of 1943. <br />
<br />This May, Bob returned to Anchorage with several of his fellow veterans of
the Aleutian Campaign to commemorate the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Attu75Commemoration/" target="_blank">75th Anniversary of the Battle of Attu</a>
and the end of the war in Alaska. And this July, Bob will join us in a 2018 EAA Oshkosh Warbird in Review segment featuring the fliers of WWll<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s</span> Aleutian Campaign. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Bob’s Air Force career had him flying eighteen
different aircraft including: P-36, P-38, P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51, F-86 and a T-33
with stints in Alaska- twice, Okinawa, Camp Springs Army Airfield (Andrews)
twice, Steward Air Force Base and lastly the Pentagon </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">In 2016 Bob got the chance to fly one of his old Warbirds again, thanks to the <a href="https://www.collingsfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Collings Foundation</a> and Brian Norris. The flight ended up making national news but more importantly ignited a ripple of memories he is still riding. As the newscaster says, this may be the best thing you watch all day. Thank you Bob for your service then and for your friendship now. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">For Bob's full flight- visit <a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/03/once-pilot-always-pilot.html" target="_blank">Once A Pilot, Always A Pilot.</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=eyJtIjoiZXBmb3giLCJwIjoiZGVmYXVsdCIsInYiOiIzMzk5NjAiLCJhbnZhY2siOiJhbnZhdG9fZXBmb3hfYXBwX3dlYl9wcm9kX2IzMzczMTY4ZTEyZjQyM2Y0MTUwNGYyMDcwMDAxODhkYWY4ODI1MWIiLCJwbHVnaW5zIjp7ImRmcCI6eyJjbGllbnRTaWRlIjp7ImFkVGFnVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJhZHMuZy5kb3VibGVjbGljay5uZXQvZ2FtcGFkL2Fkcz9zej02NDB4NDgwJml1PS82Mzc5MDU2NC93dHZ0L25ld3MmY2l1X3N6cz0zMDB4MjUwJmltcGw9cyZnZGZwX3JlcT0xJmVudj12cCZvdXRwdXQ9dmFzdCZ2cG9zPXByZXJvbGwmdW52aWV3ZWRfcG9zaXRpb25fc3RhcnQ9MSZ1cmw9W3JlZmVycmVyX3VybF0mY29ycmVsYXRvcj1bdGltZXN0YW1wXSZkZXNjcmlwdGlvbl91cmw9aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5mb3gxM25ld3MuY29tJTJGbmV3cyUyRmxvY2FsLW5ld3MlMkY5Ni15ZWFyLW9sZC13d2lpLXBpbG90LXRha2VzLWZsaWdodC1hZ2Fpbi1pbi10YW1wYSJ9fSwicmVhbFRpbWVBbmFseXRpY3MiOnRydWV9LCJodG1sNSI6dHJ1ZX0%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="540"></iframe></span></span>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-28298076865719498452018-06-04T11:31:00.000-04:002018-06-04T11:31:40.707-04:00WWII Japanese Guns (120cm) on Kiska Island, Alaska<div style="text-align: justify;">
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And just like that another year has zipped along right before my eyes only proving once again the old cliche 'Where does the time go?' is actually still a valid question. It seems like it was only a few months ago that I was aboard the Puk Uk rubbing my tired throbbing feet after having just returned from one of our long tundra hikes through some of the most forgotten about battle sites in all of WWll; the Aleutian Islands. </div>
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This year has been busy with different Aleutian related projects: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/aleu/index.htm" target="_blank">WWll Visitor Center remodel in Dutch Harbor,</a> Canada wide RCAF in the Aleutians museum exhibit, EAA Oshkosh Airshow Warbirds In Review Aleutian Campaign segment, RCAF commemorative hike in Unalaska, <a href="https://www.cafalaska.org/" target="_blank">CAF- Alaska Wing</a> and their RCAF Goldilocks revival, and the big event of the year- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Attu75Commemoration/" target="_blank">75th Anniversary of the Battle of Attu</a> held just two weeks ago in Anchorage (more on that, on a later day...) No wonder I have not had time to write!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9guOYXeXJtOV9_5aQpOisaLogifmMV-u-q3OD7PvBMUHKT3d7Z-p4dMsx830yHymX4EUOH_6Z3m9HA5dAl5DgiE5Hzcx8bCGaM0aU0ZMEEMrWwxNQj_Q8aJN1ILaDj4YZbzmKh4NdY5Sp/s1600/IMG_2656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9guOYXeXJtOV9_5aQpOisaLogifmMV-u-q3OD7PvBMUHKT3d7Z-p4dMsx830yHymX4EUOH_6Z3m9HA5dAl5DgiE5Hzcx8bCGaM0aU0ZMEEMrWwxNQj_Q8aJN1ILaDj4YZbzmKh4NdY5Sp/s400/IMG_2656.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nine Aleutian Island Veterans made the trip to Anchorage to Commemorate Attu75.</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></i></b> </div>
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In preparation for this year's trip beginning THIS Saturday, yikes, I thought I would post this teaser. It is just a minuscule fraction of what we see while hiking on Kiska Island where the Japanese Imperial Navy had their largest garrison during WWll's Aleutian Campaign at roughly 5000 soldiers, all of which, under a veil of the oh so common- Aleutian fog, quietly boarded a Japanese troop carrier that had secretly made it's way into the Harbor right under the noses of US Navy. The ship safely made it's way back to Japan leaving the island with nothing but bad memories. This evacuation was not officially discovered until a combined Canadian/US force of 35,000 troops, code named Operation Cottage, landed on the Island on August 15th, 1943 and found nothing but empty gun positions and well build Japanese bunkers. Even then, on a now unoccupied island, over 300 Allied soldiers died either by confused in the fog friendly fire or booby traps left by the Japanese. </div>
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In the video, we were walking around the North Head of the island where the Japanese big guns are located, four 120cm dual purpose guns all guarding the west side of Kiska Harbor which really is the perfect vantage point for any one trying defend Kiska Harbor against a land invasion. </div>
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It is such a privilege and honor to be able to co-lead this expedition and share with people the uniqueness of this campaign and the stories of those who served. Our next trip is scheduled for 2020! Make sure you are on it! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HE-AHClVrLU" width="480"></iframe>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186691902589097820.post-88794790253494739572017-11-13T07:11:00.000-05:002018-06-03T20:58:24.473-04:00For The Love Of Flying!<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One
of the areas I worked diligently on during the planning of the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Commemoration of the </span>75<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bombing <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of Dutch Harbor and Aleut <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Evacuation</span></span></span></span> in Unalaska (D<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">utch Harbor)</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> this past June,</span></span></span> was making sure we had some period planes
attend the event. For the first eleven months, the Aleutian
campaign <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">took pla<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ce p<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">r<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">imaril<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y</span></span></span></span></span> by air in some of the most dangerous flying conditions in
the world. It was important for the
airmen and the planes that they flew, to be represented. I may be stating the obvious by
saying that I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">could possibly</span> be slightly biased but that really is a fact, the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">se p<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lanes</span></span> serve to be an important living
history item at any event<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and people <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">truly<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>love seeing these o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ld bir<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ds! Just take a look at <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Richard</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">h</span>e just got off the Harvard! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivQB8BNDELsolHQnSHMLiOKVzVEcnXeOOEn0mVmy3DOP_5GSiMlW6RAkgGOsqYgcbpqNW17fwfZtMjfqMRRE7OmVqNiiABGvol13cCXJJm01gw2FGu5oXEMG718CGEzGNUhtMd5Dtb7Uy/s1600/75HappyFlier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivQB8BNDELsolHQnSHMLiOKVzVEcnXeOOEn0mVmy3DOP_5GSiMlW6RAkgGOsqYgcbpqNW17fwfZtMjfqMRRE7OmVqNiiABGvol13cCXJJm01gw2FGu5oXEMG718CGEzGNUhtMd5Dtb7Uy/s400/75HappyFlier.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Richard, Unalaska resident.</b></i> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With
the help of PenAir, Alaska Airlines, APIA (Aleutian Pribilof Island Association), A<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">laska Humanities</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Forum</span> and numerous other
community sponsors, we were able to bring the <a href="http://www.alaskawingcaf.org/" target="_blank">CAF (Commemorative Air F<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">orce)</span> Alaska Wing’s</a> Harvard Mk lV
(AT-6) and a privately owned 1942 Grumman Goose to Unalaska for the community
to enjoy. And enjoy they did! Those planes had line ups the entire weekend<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>flying <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gleeful</span> community members well into each night and far exceeding anyone’s expectations of their
participation. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp_JgM6jdRkTCAZpqTr9jSR8GQKoiEeasQs3lMrvMmQPXfW4qXX72Jpdi0RcQvhs7Oik6fF1m_sMm1-Z2q2VmsNHkQJwjESEl3Ppw4qSz1B2m_OwofVr2W_KF91lUPr_kF-EZhy2tLIIx/s1600/Goose+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp_JgM6jdRkTCAZpqTr9jSR8GQKoiEeasQs3lMrvMmQPXfW4qXX72Jpdi0RcQvhs7Oik6fF1m_sMm1-Z2q2VmsNHkQJwjESEl3Ppw4qSz1B2m_OwofVr2W_KF91lUPr_kF-EZhy2tLIIx/s400/Goose+Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Happy Goose fliers on the left and on the far right </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Goose owner, John Pletcher & pilot Burke Mees beside him. </b></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They
touched down at the Tom Madsen airport around 10:30pm completing their
long nine hour flight from Anchorage. We, along with around <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">20</span>
other community
members who had heard the undeniable sound of their radial engines
flying
overhea<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d</span>, came out to the airfield to welcome them. This was a big deal
for the community. It was the first time that the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">C<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ommemorative</span> Air Force<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>had ever traveled
to Dutch Harbor<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. T</span>hat alone is a big feat. The trip from Anchorage is no ordinary
journey, even now <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with all the modern technologies,</span> and it involved
some serious risks. The flight pat<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">h which was</span> d<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rawn out <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">by local <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Goo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">se legend<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and Alaska Airlines pilot</span> </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Burke Mees<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">was similar to that which <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">my grandfather and h<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is squadron <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">followed</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> on th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ei</span>r way to Um<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nak, </span>Ju<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ly of 1942. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">breathtaking<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> route</span></span> i</span></span>s over remote unfor<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">giving </span>mountainous terrain <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with the last <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">leg mostly</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>over the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">equally unforgiving </span>water. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Couple t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hat</span></span> with rapidly changing weather, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">very few</span> emergency
landing strips<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> old aircraft<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and... </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">enough</span> said, you<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> get the pictu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">re</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-</span> it<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s ris<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ky. And</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ven though<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the </span></span>CAF pilots are all experienced
commercial airline pilots familiar with Alaskan skies, this was still some uncharted territory for them in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">these</span> 75 year <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ircaft</span></span>. To say it was a beautiful sight to see
those war birds flying in formation over the Unalaska skies is an
large understatement… Sigh. Oh the memories…</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From
that point on, those guys did not stop flying<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ait times reaching three hours at one point<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> You know, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t</span></span></span></span></span></span>here is something quite special about seeing the wonderment on the faces
of those witnessing the magic of aviation, eyes as big as gumballs, or maybe
those were <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mine</span>…. anyways, I see it
time and time again at airshows. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Ther<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is something so <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">special </span>about a warbird. It has a story to tell.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> I guess
that is why I enjoy them so much. I wa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nt to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ar th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ei</span>r story. </span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJJlA8RUZlVja-1S_YYIULRlmL9IVzXo7Gu1WGHKE8PPIcDLV7ONUiXBjbbu6-kS4ylXMCMVR41Gb7kZLCW-0EtgITS5TBpCLqhxGjaO2_-TsFQd-nL4mgAqKUfGjIoVP-EcWzKl4SRKo/s1600/18921683_779334732245822_8771537252817473394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJJlA8RUZlVja-1S_YYIULRlmL9IVzXo7Gu1WGHKE8PPIcDLV7ONUiXBjbbu6-kS4ylXMCMVR41Gb7kZLCW-0EtgITS5TBpCLqhxGjaO2_-TsFQd-nL4mgAqKUfGjIoVP-EcWzKl4SRKo/s400/18921683_779334732245822_8771537252817473394_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Headed home. </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Photo credit:<a href="http://www.tobyharriman.com/" target="_blank"> Toby Harriman</a> & the <a href="http://alaskawingcaf.org/" target="_blank">CAF Alaska Wing</a> </span></b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3XBGGF_bLa_kRX-OxRFYZOfN7RnDoUete8ehEwBK5dPOGl6YxsnlFgSBRGkBj1qmps6ShWxpZlGf6CVPl127Bh0vr1tAgE0DT9AdvDe4LPe-pgpNicOQBTa5K-jsSO51EjkAbkcXfHk1/s1600/Warbird+Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3XBGGF_bLa_kRX-OxRFYZOfN7RnDoUete8ehEwBK5dPOGl6YxsnlFgSBRGkBj1qmps6ShWxpZlGf6CVPl127Bh0vr1tAgE0DT9AdvDe4LPe-pgpNicOQBTa5K-jsSO51EjkAbkcXfHk1/s400/Warbird+Arrival.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The eagles have landed in Dutch Harbor. </span></b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Aleutian terrain.</span></b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Just another road sign in an aviation community.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
Harvard, the Canadian<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> or British </span>name for an AT-6, was a two seat trainer<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>aircraft used by all
branches of military to prepare their pilots for flying the more advanced fighters
like a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>P-51 Mustang or P-40 Warhawk.
The Canadian squadron had them in Alaska and used them to check out new
pilots who had come up to join the squadron and also according their squadron
diary, used them for transport of squadron member<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> different bases</span></span></span>. 111 (F) <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">veteran<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, LAC Harold C<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ross, </span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">told me </span>a great story about how the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y used them for <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a target training exerci<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">se. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While stationed </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in Pat Bay (<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Victoria Airport)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, </span></span>j<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ust </span>b</span></span>efore depl<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oyment <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e Aleutians, </span></span></span></span>the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> LAC's <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Leading <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aircraftmen) </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">would<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> take the back seat loaded</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with barrels filled with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">aluminum dust</span> stacked six hig</span>h on th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eir <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">aps. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">O</span>ne <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">by one, t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hey would t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hrow them over the side of the plane into the water<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. T</span>he <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pilots and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">their</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">P-40's</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> would then use the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fl<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oating <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">barrels </span></span></span>as target practice. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">loud of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dust indicated a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">direct </span>hit<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>We actually found Harold's name <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">as the second pilot <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(</span>ba<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ck seat) in</span></span></span> my g<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">randfather<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s flight log book<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">during one of these <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">exercises<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">! <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><u><b>Date Aircraft No. 1st Pilot 2nd Pilot Duty Time</b></u> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">42-Apr 29 Harvard 3332 Self LAC Cross Drop Target :35 </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCP0fO2siDgd3sCRsD79TUuKp1c0ykms3ih38_Yxtfj4fjg2Usq6_90ouC0GapmJdY9fSAo1zwGkTmElZjps7z73y8WLOJOYfNxqWfxfolKjUiqQ8I8UntvCovHA8ktZDFLOJOAJ9Fa6j/s1600/EPSON005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1013" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCP0fO2siDgd3sCRsD79TUuKp1c0ykms3ih38_Yxtfj4fjg2Usq6_90ouC0GapmJdY9fSAo1zwGkTmElZjps7z73y8WLOJOYfNxqWfxfolKjUiqQ8I8UntvCovHA8ktZDFLOJOAJ9Fa6j/s400/EPSON005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>My grandfather P/O R.W. Lynch, RCAF and his Harvard, 1941.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlPIXFs6FeenA645fICMFpJummFCVmukwM1NU1c4pxhxhyphenhyphenlV3Sv5Kr8mixKzaPXYXayOPgV4-8b-Brg8gb5Mi2iz4-lK1tU7lGNYnFIwlLEouOYwqaZ-8KwyGePJna3SJPBMoYxuMHnNL/s1600/MeHarvard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlPIXFs6FeenA645fICMFpJummFCVmukwM1NU1c4pxhxhyphenhyphenlV3Sv5Kr8mixKzaPXYXayOPgV4-8b-Brg8gb5Mi2iz4-lK1tU7lGNYnFIwlLEouOYwqaZ-8KwyGePJna3SJPBMoYxuMHnNL/s400/MeHarvard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Me and the <a href="http://alaskawingcaf.org/aircraft.html" target="_blank">CAF Alaska Wing</a> Harvard in Dutch Harbor, June 2017</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
Grumman Goose is a twin engine amphibious plane that started out as a luxurious eight seat<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> flying</span> commuter <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">plane. </span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">C</span>ome war time, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">it </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">morphed into the ideal</span> U.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">S. </span>military transport plan<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e and<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> ended up <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">servi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">g <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> many other <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">air forces</span> includi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ng <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the </span></span>RAF<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and</span> RCAF. It </span></span></span></span></span>was</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ideally suited for commuting around Alaska<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and </span></span></span></span></span></span>continues to be<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> well</span></span> known around the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dutch Har<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bor</span></span>
area<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> In fact, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Burke </span>used to fly the Goo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">se in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unalaska<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">right up until 2012</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>RCAF 440 (T) Sqd- Maj. Muckosky & David Shears with </i></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Goose owner John Pletcher & pilot Burke Mees, Dutch Harbor 2017</i></b></span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aside from warbird rides for the community, th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e aircraft<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> al<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">so teamed up for<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span>some formation flying <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">during</span> our fly overs<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with WWll Aleutian <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">v</span>eteran <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pilot <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lt. Col (R<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ET)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Bob Bro<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cklehurst <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in the right seat</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">!</span> To some of you, this name <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ma<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y sound familiar, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this i<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s the same young man who just <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">flew the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/02/wwii-aleutian-pilot-flies-again.html" target="_blank">TF-51 Mustang in F</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/2017/02/wwii-aleutian-pilot-flies-again.html" target="_blank">lorida this past February</a>! T<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">alk about an inspiration. Bob <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">turned 97 in July. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0whdo1mwTuTMFW-iiYRYAxTNird9XanzPZuInwWebZABmRd37K_jsS4GGq_eu6Ki6o9pLPYI-ZJtKMA7gpTfbywXigBGqErLbRYTW3g3kOeWepzlvnEvvbvOYEvLE3XZvaVcht-L54Cm/s1600/BobGoose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0whdo1mwTuTMFW-iiYRYAxTNird9XanzPZuInwWebZABmRd37K_jsS4GGq_eu6Ki6o9pLPYI-ZJtKMA7gpTfbywXigBGqErLbRYTW3g3kOeWepzlvnEvvbvOYEvLE3XZvaVcht-L54Cm/s400/BobGoose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Our Co-pilot, WWll Aleutian Island veteran pilot, Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst.</b></i></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwBPBvuencvICBRgeE-wkFj3ycbgTSVVJHXjP3IU6ny4b7D6MImVDr-jZP8NC70HYdZFG05Pfu0vvIKdKhqICYw6LlISUX69eGxUE9NnDU8tWQnt6C3m1HUGlNCzyDSmyUS41CeufcLkt/s1600/75FlyOver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwBPBvuencvICBRgeE-wkFj3ycbgTSVVJHXjP3IU6ny4b7D6MImVDr-jZP8NC70HYdZFG05Pfu0vvIKdKhqICYw6LlISUX69eGxUE9NnDU8tWQnt6C3m1HUGlNCzyDSmyUS41CeufcLkt/s400/75FlyOver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Formation flying is the bomb! </b></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b> View from the Goose during the fly over. </b></i></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you want to see som<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e vid<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eo of footage of all th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ings aviation<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, i<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ncluding the water landing in the Goose<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> (<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oh baby, was that awesome..) </span></span></span>during the 75th, you can check out the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eight minute montage I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">created. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdTrdvYX9HM" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And most <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">importantly</span>, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">if you enjoy wa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rbirds <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">then j</span></span></span>oining
the <a href="https://www.commemorativeairforce.org/" target="_blank">CAF</a> (Commemorative Air Force) is a great way to keep the legacies of these airmen and the planes they flew al<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ive! </span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They are the ultimate living museum and<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>they endeavor to keep at least one of e<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">very <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">type of w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">arbird flying</span></span></span> so that the lessons of what the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">se planes represent</span> will always be remembered. They have local chap<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ters (Wings) all over the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ountry<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dedicated and passi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">onate volunteers who <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">could <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">use your support. Being part of the CAF is one of the be<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">st things I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> have done in the last few years<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Cli<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ck on<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the <a href="https://www.commemorativeairforce.org/" target="_blank">link</a> to find the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wing nearest to you, tell them I sent you! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Karen A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06627180422286542930noreply@blogger.com2