I tracked down a suitably large piece of Stuka aluminum for the project "Eagle of the Eastern Front". This panel comes from the port wing (underside) and still contains a 90% of the original RLM 76 (Light Blue) paint. The panel comes from the aircraft JU-87 B1 Stuka W.Nr. 5611; II/StG1. The aircraft was lost near Juchnow (Yukhnov) in Kalouga area on 18 April 1942. A somber reminder that war is hell and the sacrifice these pilots made will not be forgotten.
Ira Kepford and the Story of the Jolly Rogers - "Fighting 17"
On February 19, 1944, Ira "Ike" Kepford of VF-17 downed a Japanese Rufe fighter near Cape Siar, marking the start of a harrowing solo battle against 20 enemy Zekes that tested his skill and resolve. Despite overwhelming odds, Kepford returned victorious, adding three kills to his tally and cementing his place as one of the Pacific's most daring aces.
TADLUR and the Story behind "Through Danger Let Us Ride"
19 August 1943 - B-17F 41-29595 TADLUR (Through Danger Let Us Ride), piloted by Lt. A.L. Nelson with Bombardier Lt. Thomas F. Morris, flew with the 20th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Group, on Mission 57 to Foggia, Italy. The crew carried out a precise and highly effective bombing run on the transformer station and marshalling yards, a critical target for disrupting enemy logistics. On the return flight, the 20th Bomb Squadron, endured a ferocious attack from Luftwaffe fighters, with TADLUR shooting down two aircraft and likely destroying a third. Despite sustaining damage and heavy losses within the formation, TADLUR successfully navigated the onslaught and returned safely to base.
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Luxury Ship, the story behind "Maiden Farewell"
Ambush in the Skies, the story behind "Operation Vengeance"