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I am very interested in this thread particularly if anything further is posted regarding a black B-26 squadron or any other black squadrons in the Pacific theater. The Tuskeegee Airmen are well known of course, but I have never heard of any other black airmen during WWII. Any info would be appreciatedI'm a big music fan, including jazz. Some may know of the great black guitarist/pianist/composer and all around hilariously great entertainer Slim Galliard.
He worked with many greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, etc. He had an incredible life.
So, what does that have to do with aviation? In my years as a fan of Slim, I never knew that he was B-26 pilot in the Pacific in WWII! Wow.
In all the bios and discussion of his life, that appears as just a footnote, given his huge musical genius and popularity. But, really, wow. He doesn't seem to have even discussed it. Just another amazing chapter in his crazy life.
I'd love to try to model an aircraft of his unit, or even his plane. (Given his creative propensities, I imagine it could have had some wild nose art...).
I assume that, given the times, he would have served in an all-black unit, though I could be wrong.
Does anyone know? Any pointers to info? All I have found is this: B26.COM 2015 Guest book - dedicated to Martin B-26 Marauder Men.
Any help appreciated.
Dave G.
Errr - NO!Early in WWII, all pilots in the USAAF, US Navy and the US Marines, were university graduates, officers, and gentlemen. This includes the Tuskeegee airmen.
Because if you read about his antics he had a severe drinking problem and sometimes acted like a jerk! My ex's dad ran a bowling alley in Burbank CA and had to kick him and his wife out of the place for brawling after pounding down a few. By his own admission "Show me a hero and I'll show you a bum."Boyington had a university degree and he was an officer. How could he not be a gentleman?
He also was a pro-wrestling referee.
Boyington had a university degree and he was an officer. How could he not be a gentleman?
He also was a pro-wrestling referee.
With some officers I dealt with over the years, I'd have more respect for a pro-wrestling referee!Do those two things automatically make someone a gentleman?
No gentleman, just a man. A bum or not, glad he was on our side.Do those two things automatically make someone a gentleman?
Agree...No gentleman, just a man. A bum or not, glad he was on our side.
As i have not been at the bad end of his stick or behaviour, it is easy to take the back view. He is, and i think always be, an inspiration and a hero.
Faulted.. yes perhaps or indeed. Lets concentrate on the hero part. He deserves this. He does.
No gentleman, just a man. A bum or not, glad he was on our side.
As i have not been at the bad end of his stick or behaviour, it is easy to take the back view. He is, and i think always be, an inspiration and a hero.
Faulted.. yes perhaps or indeed. Lets concentrate on the hero part. He deserves this. He does.