bobbysocks
Chief Master Sergeant
I am sorry about being a pest, but these heros are becoming more rare and lots of knowledge is lost. Maybe you have, but if you have not you should sit down with him and gather as much info as possible. Some more questions from me.
1. What were the main operational maintenance issues with the P-51.
2. Was there any concern about the Germans because of their Dec offensive. He must have arrived just as the tide was turning. Asche appears to only be about 100 miles from Bastogne.
3. What was his opinion of command in the ETO? What were some of the dumbest procedures?
4. Did he fly any escort missions? If so, what did he think of them?
5. What did he like about the Mustang and its cockpit? What bothered him?
6. What was his opinion of the gunsight? How did he feel about the effectiveness of the 50 cal.? Was there problems with jamming?
dav, i can give you a few answers on this as well. my father flew 51s out Leiston and primarily escort missions. i recall some of this info from his comments and stories.
51s ( or his at least ) seemed to go through spark plugs at a pretty hefty rate. perhaps it was the high octane fuel or use of EWP. but said he didnt go through too may missions with out a plug change. and more than a few guys (him included) bent the wings pulling out of a high speed dive. but that isnt a fraility of the aircraft but a testiment of how well they were put together...some of the EA they were chasing broke apart where as they didnt.
as far as flying escort...he said after flying for 6 hours you could feel the threads in your underwear. the seat had a bladder that you could inflate/deflate for comfort but still it was a long time to sit. he had a lot of respect as well for those bomber crews. they would escort them to the target then break off as they did their run. he commented that the flak was "so thick you could walk on it" and that the bomber would have to weather it....he was happy to be in a fighter.
He liked the cockpit. everything seemed to be where you wanted it and it was fairly roomy and had a good field of view.
He thought the K14 gunsight was great. it took a lot of the guess work out. if i recall...you first dialed in the aircraft or wing span...cant remember which....then cranked it to where the circle just touched the tip of the wing...that ranged it. the pipper was gyro controlled so if factored in lead.
at the bottom of this site is accounts of the K14.
Mustang Encounter Reports
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