HISTORICAL ADVISOR

Please email Monroe your questions by clicking on "Contact US".
Please label your email "Monroe: Question".

Some questions and answers will be posted in this section.

 
 
Page 6: Questions 121-144, click on links or browse page.
Q121 P-47D Bonnie ? Q131 P-47D Hairless Joe ?
Q122 Main tire size for P-47 ? Q132 Photo of Major Compton and his plane?
Q123 Dual control P-47 ? Q133 "Old Boy" P-51 of 102nd Observation Squadron ?
Q124 Battle of Gien information ? Q134 More info on 102nd Observation Squadron?
Q125 Stearman Kaydet tail colors ? Q135 Corsair cockpit pictures?
Q126 3499th Mobil Trianing Group ? Q136 14th Fighter Squadron?
Q127 Later 78th P-47 colors ? Q137 P-47 of Col. William Bailey?
Q128 Death Rattlers ? Q138 Col. Gordon Compton?
Q129 P-40 colors ? Q139 ?
Q130 P-40 drop tanks and using guns to stop dive ?    
 

Question 121: "Dear Lt. Col Monroe I would like to model the P-47D-23 "Bonnie" of Col Bill Dunham, but I don't have too much information about it, only one b/w photograph and the picture on the cover of "P-47 Thunderbolr In Action". Do you know if there is more information about this plane, like photos, detailed plans, design patterns, colours, etc.? What was the final history of P-47 Bonnie? Thank you very much Pablo"

Monroe: "Thanks Pablo for your question. Not much real help on the net about "Bonnie". I think you will have to go by some models that have been made. They appear to be pretty accurate. There is no information available as to the final history of Bonnie. Maybe the links below will help you with your project..Good luck and Thanks..>>Monroe."
http://web.inetba.com/aircraftmodelscorp/item7320.ctlg
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-HC33814
http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/topa0135.html
http://www.web-birds.com/5th/348/348th.htm

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Question 122: "Could you tell me the actual size main landing gear tires on the P-47 Thunderbolt? Thanks, Ken"

Monroe: "Thanks Ken for your question..it's a good one. I have many Take-offs and landings on those tires, but I don't remember what size they were. I called Desser Tire and Rubber Co. They were sure mustang tires were 27 Inch. They said one of the options for the P-47 was 890X12.5. They are probably the largest Aircraft tire co in the world. If you would like to contact them, see the link below. Thanks...>>>Monroe"
http://www.desser.com/

UPDATE-- Ken, after I sent your message, I got this E-mail from Desser Tire and Rubber co, stating that they were not sure of the size of the P-47 tires and suggesting I contact Confederate Airforce (CAF) which I did. But, they said they do not have a P-47 and didn't know the tire sizes. So, I contacted the National Museum of the US Airforce. She called me back and advised they have two P-47Ds and the tire size on them are 34X9.9 , 14 ply. Their phone number is 937-255-4704 ext 333.
Good luck, I hope this helps..Thanks..>>>Monroe

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Question 123: "Dear Sir. I am trying to find out some information on this plane. Was it dual controle, if not, what was in the back seat. Any information, pictures or direction i could look into would be much appreciated. Thanks Steve Cook"

Monroe: "Thanks Steve for your question. The aircraft you are speakig of is a P-47D S/N 42-75276 that was assigned to the 56th Ftr Gp. It was in the 61st Squadron as a combat aircraft with code letters LM-M . Then was transferred to the 63rd Squadron and converted to a category "E" two seater with code letters UN-Q. There is no information as to what controls were in the back seat, but it is my opinion there were no duel controls. I believe there was only a seat installed for hauling passengers. See the link below and note the statement "used to haul VIPs and for a general hack". Thanks again, Steve, and good luck..>>Monroe"
http://www.modelingmadness.com/scotts/decals/aero/am48786.htm

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Question 124: "Hi I have been searching the net for information about The Battle of Gien June 1940. This is what I found . I live in Gien and would love to find out more. If you have any news I would be extremely grateful. Many thanks, JO"

Monroe: "Thanks Jo for your question...it was interesting. It looks like your town is an interesting place. I didn't find much help for you, but I have three links that may be of interest. In the first link you will find this statement:

"Gien is last famous once in the history at the time of the Second World war. June 11 1940 of the German or Italian planes bombard the small city, transformed at once into a significant blazing inferno. The castle is not saved, but it is especially the city which is disfigured forever. The rebuilding starts as of June 46, dictated by a preoccupation with a fidelity so much so that certain authors do not hesitate to speak about a "jewel of the French rebuilding".

http://www.frenchwayoflife.net/int/ville.asp?v=Gien
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campagne_de_France_(1940)
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2003/03/49198.shtml

Good luck Jo, sorry I couldn't help you more..>>Monroe"

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Question 125: "Hi Monroe, I am currently working on a Boeing Stearman N2S and was wondering if you knew why sometimes I see a "blue" rudder on some and not on others? What would the "blue" rudder have meant ? Special squad maybe? Thanks, Jim"

Monroe: "Thanks Jim for your question. As you probably know, the Stearman N2S was Navy and the Stearman Kydet was Army. I can find no specific reason that some of the Navy Stearmans had Blue tails. Tha standard Navy color scheme was all yellow. See this statement in the link below:
U.S. NAVY

Standard Navy coloring for primary training since the 1920's was all-over chrome yellow to achieve maximum visibility. They were nicknamed "Yellow Perils" because of their color and the student pilots in the cockpit. Yellow remained standard throughout the war years. Some N2S-1's and 4's turned over to the Navy directly from Army contracts used the original Army blue and yellow without the Army tail stripes. Others were delivered in an all silver finish. In a few cases silver airplanes flew with removeable metal panels intended for yellow airplanes.

The Navy sometimes applied three-foot-wide green bands around the fuselage and chordwise around the wings of primary trainers used for instrument work.

A very special Navy marking was used on "Recall" airplanes at Navy primary schools along the Gulf Coast. Since the trainers had no radio, they could not be recalled if a storm or other emergency came up. When it was desired to call them in, a special Kaydet painted with barber-pole stripes was flown to the nearby training areas. The cadets had orders to head for home whenever they saw that plane.

http://opencockpit.net/kaydet_markings_1.html

From 1936 till early 1942, the Army Kadet had a red and white striped tail. See the links below for more info on the Stearman paint schemes. Thanks again Jim and good luck..>>>Monroe"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Stearman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearman
http://www.marchfield.org/pt13d.htm

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Question 126: "Hello, My Question is for Lt. Col Monroe Q. Williams, regarding his bio page, and his time with the 3499th Mobile Training Group. Sir, I am wondering if you could clarify the following:

#1. What exactly made these squadrons/groups "mobile?" Did the Group's squadrons and detachments travel to various bases for short periods and move on, or does the "mobile" refer to something else?

#2. What type of "training" did the 3499th conduct? Pilot/flight training, maintenance, basic training, or what?

I am a military collector & historian, and I located the RC Warbirds website while researching the 3499th MTSq on line. I am researching Capt. David E. Love, a mobile training detachment commander in the 1950s. I would appreciate any answers you can provide for the two questions above. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply. Andy"

Monroe: "Thanks Andy for your question about the 3499th Mobile Training Group. I could write a book about mobile and field training , but I will try to stick to the point and answer your questions. The mission of the mobile training group was to train maintenance personnel of the various tactical organizations when transitioning into a new type aircraft.
The Group and Squadrons were stationed at Chanute AFB, Ill and provided support for many Detachments that traveled through out the US and overseas training the maintenance personnel prior to receipt of their new type aircraft. The detachments were made up of a Detachment Commander, usually a Capt, and approximately ten Sgt. instructors that had been trained at the Aircraft factory. Traveling with the detachment, is a complete set of operational mock-up trainers depicting each operation of the aircraft. Because of personnel turn over at the bases, many times it was necessary to keep a detachment at the bases on a permanent basis. This led to a Field Training concept with a permanent Detachment on every SAC, TAC, and ADC base. I was fortunate to have been selected to plan, service test, and implement this Field training concept for the Airforce.
Andy, thanks again . I hope this answers your questions..>>Monroe"

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Question 127: "Thanks for all your help and the efforts of your friends. It has helped me loads and shown me what a great invention the internet is. Just one more question, if its not too rude (i have imposed alot of your time).In the 78th the first p47s came with Olive drab and grey undersides. I have read when they started to come in bare metal finnish they were painted green with sky undersides. Later on, when they put chequers on the cowlings, what happend to the rest of the paint. Would it have been left as original or repainted. I only have black and white photos to reference and you cant tell. Thanks once again. I hope im not being too much of a menace asking more questions.Steve. "

Monroe: "Steve, click on the link below and scroll down the page. You will see the older planes still have the OD colors but now have the chequer nose. The OD color was for camouflage purposes considered necessary early in the war. Later it was not considered necessary , so the planes were delivered in bare metal finish. But, we did not repaint the old ones. Good luck..>>Monroe"

http://www.littlefriends.co.uk/gallery.php?Group=78

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Question 128: "hi Monroe: I was wanting to know how I can get the info on the "death rattlers" of ww2 and Korean wars. I have tried every thing I could think of but I keep hitting a wall of the something every time. I wanting to build a scale corsair of the "vmf-323 death rattlers". they have different versions and I like the one with the big snake on the nose. they have a book on the "death rattlers" and I am getting the book but I would like to find more on this squadron. do you know of any web sites that is loaded with pics and info? there is little known about them is what I am finding out. you can find all kind of stuff on the "black sheep" or the "jolly Rogers". I would like to have something different something nobody knows about. I will be a thanking you if you can point me in the rite direction. Keith"

Monroe: "Thanks Keith for your question. There is a lot of information about the vmf323, but I do not find pictures of their planes. I am leaving you several links that may help. As you will note in the first link, someone else is searching for color pictures of the same thing. Good luck on your project and I hope this may help...>>>Monroe"
http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/message/1163197644/Info+on+VMF-323+Korean+F4U-4B
http://ripsnort60.tripod.com/vmf323inquirer.html
http://www.zionantiquemall.com/store/media/US33013.jpg
http://www.aikensairplanes.com/corgi/us33013.htm
http://www.acepilots.com/usmc_vmf323.html
http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/mag11/vmfa323/history.asp
http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/mag11/vmfa323/default.asp

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Question 129: "Hello; I am trying to find a source for information on P-40's colors ect. that where flown by Allies during WW 2. I have tried a number of sites and have done some web searches but have come up with very little. Any suggestions? Richard"

Monroe: "Thanks Richard for your question. As you may know, the P-40 was used very early in the war. In fact the most famous period was with the American Volunteer Group before the US entered the war and later with the 14th Airforce with the Flying Tigers. I will leave you some links that may help you with your colors.....as you will note there were many different color schemes for the P-40. In the first link you will find this statement:
"The P-40 is best known for its snarling shark's teeth that were first painted on the nose by the Flying Tigers during WW II"
Thanks again, Richard and Good luck...>>Monroe"
http://www.flightjournal.com/fj/p-40.asp
http://www.aero-web.org/specs/curtiss/p-40e.htm
http://www.aero-web.org/database/museums/gallery.htm?airmast=p-0040%20cur
http://www.photovault.com/Link/Military/AirForce/Aircraft/P-40Warhawk.html

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Question 130: "Hi Colonel, Thanks for giving us this precious ‘eye witness’ information, and thanks for serving in this war and liberating my country back in 1944. I am currently finishing a Svenson P-40E in the colours of the Flying Tigers (AVG, China, april 1942). I noticed that on most pictures of the Flying Tigers, the P-40’s don’t carry drop tanks like the other fighter/bombers of the same period. I read you have flown the P-40, maybe you remember if there is a reason for this. Maybe the P40 had enough range on internal fuel, or the plane didn’t handle well when heavy? The P-40 is famous for its lack of power, but maybe that is yet another legend? And then I read this incredible story by some P-40 jockey who claims he came out of a lethal dive by firing one long burst of the guns, which slowed the plane just enough to clear the tops of the trees. I wonder if firing six .50 guns would really slow a combat aircraft in a fast dive? Thanks in advance, Laurent"

Monroe: "Thanks Laurent for your question....good to hear from someone in Belgium. We only used drop tanks when we had long flights before we encountered enemy aircraft. We would not go into a fight with drop tanks on....it effects the flight of the aircraft. I note that the P-40E was equipped for belly tank and was installed for long non-combat flights. I don't think the Flying Tigers had such long flights before encountering the enemy and would not require external tanks as we did in the P-47 and P-51, flying from England. I don't think it was because of the lack of power in the P-40.
I have never heard of firing the guns to pull out of a dive.. although firing the six or eight 50 cal. guns does give you a shudder and a little slowing, but I don't think it was a recommended solution for pulling out of a dive.
Thanks again and I hope that answers your questions..>>>Monroe"

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Question 131: "G'day Monroe, happy Thanksgiving! Mate was wondering if you could help out with pictures showing the camo scheme for Col Schillings P47D bubble top " Hairless Joe" I need left and right plus top if at all possible. Many thanks cheers Peter"

Monroe: "Thanks Peter for your question. I don't know if these links will help you or not, but I'll leave them for you to look at. Thanks again..>>>Monroe"
http://mo.playnet.com/schilling/schilling.htm
http://www.fightingcolors.com/p-47_page.htm
http://www.acejackets.com/ProductImageGallery.asp?ProductID=276&GalleryItem=1

Peter, here is another group of pictures of P-47D, "Hairless Joe" that looks pretty good..>>Monroe
http://www.ffmc.de/modelle/christerk/christerk_p47_3/christerk_p47d_3.html

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Question 132: "I don’t know where to start so I’m going to just dive right on in here……..I was hoping that you may have a photo of an individual who flew with your fighter group, Major Gordon B. Compton and his plane “Big Bouncer”, YJ-0. My boss (Gordon B. Compton Jr.) is retiring next month and this is his father. I want to surprise him with a photo of his father and possibly his plane at his retirement party on January 3rd, 2007. If you don’t have any photos could you possibly write up something you remember about flying with him? Thanks, Traci "

Monroe: "Thanks Traci for your question. I remember Gordon as a very fine person and an excellent pilot. The only picture I have of him is standing with three other original 353rd pilots in front of his "Little Bouncer", P-51D. Left to right is: Frank Emory, Bill Maguire, Vic Byers and Gordon Compton. I have attached a picture of them. I hope this will help with your project. If you need more information, you might contact Col. Fred LeFebre, he was the Squadron Commander. He is a very nice, helpful, fellow. Thanks again...>>>Monroe
P-S- Do you have equipment for printing a photo copy for framing? If not, let me know.....I can help. "

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Question 133: "Hi Col., I just bought a Older Top Flite P-51 Mustang. It is outfitted with a blue nose and tail, the name "Old Boy", and a decal for the 102nd Observation Battalion. I have looked for info on this plane and unit but have not been very successful. Any insight as to who this group was? Thanks Adam"

Monroe: "Thanks Adam for your question. The P-51D you are referring to is P-51D, Tail no 44-72826 that was in the 479th Ftr Gp in WWII. See the link below for a history of the plane. http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/pages/44-72826.html You will note that in 1991, when owned by Steve Collins, it was painted as you have suggested and named "OLD BOY". Also note that in July 2005, it was repainted as Gen Robin Olds' P-51K , Scat VI and flown to Oshkosh convention to meet with Gen Olds. Gen Olds was a Maj, at the time, in the 434th Ftr Sq of the 479th Ftr Gp I find no record of a 102nd Observation Battalion. That may have had some meaning to Steve Collins when he repainted the plane. Thanks again, Adam....I hope this helps..>>Monroe"

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Question 134: "Hi, Thank you for your service to this great nation. I just bought a Top-Flite P-51 that was built about 8 years from their kit. The markings on the plane are what I am writing about. It has a blue tail. The name of the plane is "Old Boy". It is from the 102 observation Squadren? I have been unable to find any information about this trim scheme or plane. Who were they? Where were they based? Any information would be great. Adam"

Monroe: "Adam, see the link below about the 102nd observation Squadron. Please note the type planes they have flown does not include the P-51. Your plane appears to be the one I mentioned in my previous message that was repainted by Steve Collins. Good luck..>>Monroe"
http://www.hampublicservice.org/goofyLogo.php
http://www.philippecolin.net/106thRQW.html

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Question 135: "Greetings, I'm building a F4U-1A Corsair to honor Lt. JG Jim Streig who flew Corsair marked #3 with the Jolly Rogers squadron VF-17. I am trying to locate detailed, close-up pictures of the 1A cockpit. I'm trying to find pictures of the side panels that show the wording of the switches, breakers, labels, decals, placards, etc. so I can copy them. I have many books, drawings, pictures, etc but there are no close-up pictures showing the detail I am looking for. I have many of the 1D but there are enough differences between it and the 1A that I want to try to find 1A pictures to be as accurate as I can. Can you help? Thanks in advance."

Monroe: "Thanks Richard for your question.  Check the link below and see if it can be of help. I'm not sure, but I think these panels may be of the F4U-1A. You will probably know better than I.  Thanks again and good luck..>>Monroe" http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/F4USTUFF.html

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Question 136: "Sir, I'm currently a 271 (Air Ops Ctrlr) for the 14th Fighter Squadron (fornerly aka 14th Reconnaisance SQ) out of Misawa AB, Japan.  I read your Bio and I notice that you were with the 10th Troop Carrier Squadron.  I was with the 4th Airlift Squadron (aka 4th Troop Carrier Squadron) from May 2002-Feb 2005.  The 10th has been inactive for almost 40 yrs until half of my squadron help stood it up and reactivate it in back 2003.  I thought you might like to know that the 10th along with it's historical sister squadron (4th,7th,8th,97th,728th,313th) are actively serving in today's Operation Iraqi Freedom, GWOT and Enduring Freedom. Providing stratigic combat airlift in the front lines.  The following squadron's are based out of McChord AFB, WA under the 62d Airlift Wing (aka 62d troop carrier group) but always have at least one squadron deployed out of Rhein Main AB, GE until the base closed in 2006.  The 10th along with 32 Original cargo/troop carrier squadrons served out of the old "Berlin Airlift HQ's" in Rhein Main, continuing their rich heritage of combat airlift. Now, they are forward deployed out of Al Udeid AB, Qatar known as 817th Airlift Squadron "The Life Line in the Front Lines" supplying and medevac all the wounded soldier in the front.  Also,  back in 2003 we Airdroped the 173thBrigade out of Italy with 15 C-17's headed by the 62d AW, the largest Troop Airdrop since D-Day.  I flew on 3rd shipline as the Air Control Cell Ship formation specialist, airdroping 500 troops and equipement in Northern Iraq during the invasion.  I was merely a sniffling 19 yr old kid at the time but I was glad that I had the privilage and honor of partaking in that historical event with the some of the most prestigious squadrons.  My grandfather retired as a 3 star in the Army and served in the pacific during WWII. When I was a kid, I was always amazed by his war stories, I often envied his courage and bravery along with his friends who often shared their experiences back 60 some yrs ago.  As a young kid, I always dreamed of participating in such a historical events and now I have served in the front lines for 6 yrs in a row with my lastest trip last summer in Balad, Iraq, about 50 miles north of Baghadad.   I just thought I'd let you know about one of your previous assigned units is back in active service and continuing it's rich heritage and legacy...Chuck"

Monroe: "Chuck, thank you for the update on the 10th Troop Carrier Squadron....I appreciate it.  During the airlift I was with the 12th Troop carrier Sq flying C-54s.  After the airlift, I transferred over to the 10th Squadron of the 60th Troop carrier Gp, flying C-82 aircraft,  and completed my three yr tour. That was great duty. I do thank you for your service....I'm sure you are recording your nitch in History as your Grand-dad and I did in ww2. I wish you the best of luck and a safe, successful career. Thanks again...Monroe "

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Question 137: "Hello Colonel Monroe, I am getting ready to start a P-47 build and am trying to do a little research. I am partial to the razorbacks and also like the unique camo that Col. William Bailey, who you evidently know, used on his “Butch II” P-47 bubble canopy. I am attaching a photo of a similar camo scheme on another SX-B plane in his squadron that is a razorback. I can’t make out the serial number. Is this perhaps the original “Butch”? I’d like to model this razorback, or one like it, and I’d love to be able to use invasion stripes, at least on the lower surfaces, if appropriate. I know you’re the man in the know with the 353rd group and I hope you can educate me!

Was the razorback “Janny M” of William Lahke (or any others in your squadron) also painted with the green / grey camo? If so, that would be a great subject for me to model.

Any info, links, or pictures or suggestions of other unique planes and pilots in your squadron or group would be appreciated.

By the way, I live very near Richmond, VA where I see you had some training in the P-47. And on a business trip, I happened to pass by the old airstrip in Moultrie, GA where you trained in the P-40, and saw the Maule aircraft company and an RC club that flies there, so I pulled in and was able to meet some fellow RC flyers.

My father was a soldier in WWII who went through France, Germany, and into Czechoslovakia. When talking about the war, except for memories of his buddies, some of his best memories were seeing P-38s and P-47s busting up German gun emplacements with rockets and guns, making it possible for them to advance. Thank you for your service to our country and world. Thank you, Sam Arrington Amelia, Virginia, USA"

Monroe: " Sam, thanks for your question. The P-47 razor Backs that you find are primarily early model P-47 D prior to the D-25. Most all of them were shipped over in solid OD colors. By the time I got there, most all had been replaced with D-25s or later....I don't think I ever saw a razor back in the  camo colors. I am not sure about Bill Lahke's early plane. I think you are correct about the picture you sent...I think that is Bill Bailey's original " Butch" ....I think it is a P-47 D-15. The later Ds were all sent over in silver colors. I liked them better than the old OD colors. I am attaching some pictures of older razor back planes of our group for you to look at. You will note that some of them have a white nose, before we changed to the checker nose. I appreciate your comments about Richmond and Moultrie Ga....Lot of memories. Also, thanks for the info about your father....those ground fellows had it rough.I'm sorry I couldn't help you more...good luck...>>Monroe" Download Zip of pictures

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Question 137: "In reference to Question #132.  Col. Gordon Compton is my Grandfather.  We are proud of him and all that he is accomplished.  I am always interested in learning more about his military career.  I would love to hear from you and know how you knew him."

Monroe: "Thanks for your question.  I'm sorry I don't have your name...I assume you are a Grand-son or a Grand-daughter of Gordon. I must say you have a fine Grand-dad. I was not real close with Gordon but I flew a lot of missions with him during ww2 while we were serving in the 351st Fighter Squadron. I do know he was a very good pilot and a fine person. As I remember, he served , at times , as an assistant Operations officer, Flight leader , and at times, led the Squadron on important missions.

There is a book by Graham Cross, "Jonah's Feet are Dry" , history of the 353rd Fighter Group, that I recommend , if you don't already have it. There are several references to your Grand-dad in there. See the link below:http://www.netherhall47.freeserve.co.uk/

I am also attaching a picture of your Grand-dad standing with his P-51, along with three other pilots. They are Left to right: Frank Emory, Bill Maguire, Vic Byers and Gordon Compton. Thanks again for your question, feel free to reply and let me know who you are....>>>Monroe" Download picture

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