Aircraft Trivia

AFB first I thought about BUTCH O’hare. It’s said his dad was Al Capone’s bookkepper I think. BUt sadly he didn’t survive the war

Kind of obscure....first I heard of it was on the plaques in the state park at the site.  Have been looking elsewhere and haven't seen another mention. 

Sorry about the curveball, figured it was a little more well known.

I'm really surprised I didn't come across that bridge story when I built this F-80 last December, in Rex Barber's markings.  And equally surprised I was too dumb to remember he flew the P-38 and the P-80.

M4Shermanmodeler

So I guess I'm up...

Here's one from my "personal heroes" file. Name this aviator.

He joined the US Navy in 1937; became a Naval Aviator in 1939. Initially he was assigned to dive bombers and flew the SBD Dauntless.

While flying anti-torpedo patrol near Yorktown in May 1942 he was attacked by three Japanese A6M Zeros. Calling upon all his skill and instincts he used his SBD's strengths to shoot down all three, an incredible accomplishment.

Transferring to fighters, he was flying CAP with AG10 from Enterprise at Santa Cruz in October 1942. Spotting a formation of B5N "Kate" torpedo bombers approaching Enterprise he led his section to the attack. Personally shooting down five, he completely disrupted their runs, and was credited by most on the scene with saving the ship. He is the winner of three Navy Crosses, the only man to win the Navy Cross for both bombing and aerial combat, and later commanded the USS Constellation.

Who was this supremely gifted aviator?

 

 

Swede Vejtasa

On the bridges... 
If your photo is a good view of that canyon, the guy either had consummate skills, was crazy, or both. I vaguely remember in 30 Seconds Over Tokyo; didn't Ted Lawson fly his B-25 under the Golden Gate Bridge? (One of many I'm sure...)

Oh, and bonus points for knowing both his nickname and given name!

So I guess I'm up...

Here's one from my "personal heroes" file. Name this aviator.

He joined the US Navy in 1937; became a Naval Aviator in 1939. Initially he was assigned to dive bombers and flew the SBD Dauntless.

While flying anti-torpedo patrol near Yorktown in May 1942 he was attacked by three Japanese A6M Zeros. Calling upon all his skill and instincts he used his SBD's strengths to shoot down all three, an incredible accomplishment.

Transferring to fighters, he was flying CAP with AG10 from Enterprise at Santa Cruz in October 1942. Spotting a formation of B5N "Kate" torpedo bombers approaching Enterprise he led his section to the attack. Personally shooting down five, he completely disrupted their runs, and was credited by most on the scene with saving the ship. He is the winner of three Navy Crosses, the only man to win the Navy Cross for both bombing and aerial combat, and later commanded the USS Constellation.

Who was this supremely gifted aviator?

M4 ...correct.  Any thought about the location of the bridges in question?

As an aside the official record gave him 1/2 credit on Yamamoto's plane and the assist on the other.  Inspection of the crash site and bullet damage much later supposedly proved he was the one who downed it, but the AF would not change the record.  That was back in the 90's.

Yeah, he was canyon running after a Betty!

No idea of a name but what aboiut one of the guys that took P-38s after Yamato when he was on a inspection tour in a Betty?

That sounds promising!

Rex Barber?

Last hint......

He was a major player in one of the most famous missions of the war in the PTO.

I believe the answer is Rex Barber.  I am aware of Lt. Barber by reading Bruce Gamble's "Fortress Rabual".  Lt Barber was one of 4 in the shooter (or killer team) of a larger group that utilized the compromised code of the Japanese messages to intercept Adm Yamamoto "Betty" bomber in April 1943.  The mission was of course successful and Yamamoto was killed over Bouganville.  I am currently building the Tamiya 1/48 scale P38F with the marking of Barbers plane.  

Yeah, I know it wasn't Olds, he wasn't in the Pacific in WW II.  But maybe he did and didn't get caught!

John- Not Olds.

Above is a pic of the rail bridge taken from just below the highway bridge.  Note the sharp bend in the canyon, as seen by the greenery below.

 The canyon is about 600' wide and 400' deep where the pic was taken

I'm going to guess Robin Olds, cause he flew both and is the kind of guy who would do that while smoking a cigar.  Kind of this country's Adolf Galland.  Did he fly under a bridge too?

Alright, alright it's Luke Skywalker at beggar's canyon. Lol, I really have no idea.

Rec Barber?

Quite possibly, but there is another member here who is even closer.

You have to be in an almost 90* bank and pulling hard when under the rail bridge or you will be a decoration on the canyon wall.

Hint: Goldhammer's current location is a factor.

I've been using search so I'm out, but I think I know which bridges they were.

Got it! 

This is a tough question. Do a search for "flew under a bridge" and it looks like every hot shot has at one time!

I would not consider your post an answer because of the phrasing, just more of a thought.

Was it Rex Barber?  And the Japanese would have been VERY upset to learn that he had been on the shooter team that downed Adm Yamamoto's "Betty", and most likely the actual pilot that downed Yamamoto's plane.  

I am currently building the Tamiya 1/48 scale model of Barbers P-38, which is why I luckly stumbled on this question.  

I've already guessed wrong so I'm out...still it's a fun subject.

In 1959, an SAC pilot flew a B-47 under the Mackinac Bridge.

Grounded for life.

He was born in 1917, passed away in 2001.  Buried about 7 miles from the site in question and about 20 miles from his lifelong home, except for his time in the military.

The "new" highway bridge is named in his honor, something the state does for significant people in the state's history.

lowfly, you'll have to answer goldhammer's question before you can pose yours.

Who was the first pilot tp shoot down a jet fighter in combat?

John-  you are correct.

He started in P-39's, got two kills before being assigned to the 38's and getting another 1 1/2.  After his tour, back to the USA.  Later had a tour in China (claimed 3 downed or damaged), was shot down and saved by the Chinese from being captured.  Had the Japanese caught him, he would have ended up in more pieces than a jigsaw puzzle.