From the archives of BlueNoser352, had the pleasure of knowing Leon Blanding after his retirement from the USAF at Shaw AFB in Sumter, South Carolina USA. He let me copy several of his photographs and thought you might like to see these. He of course was in the war early with The Eagle Squardon (121) and later flew P-51’s with Fourth Fighter Group out of Debden. After his service in the USAF he ran his own sheet metal business, a very fine man. Enjoyed talking to him about his experiences with the Eagle SQ and 4th FG ! This is Capt Blanding at Debden!
Blue Skies Everybody !
BlueNoser352
By: BlueNoser352 - 22nd May 2005 at 10:25
121 Eagle SQ In 1942 Rochford-SouthEnd Airdrone!
Some of you know your Eagle SQ history more that I do and may know more about some of the airmen in this photograph, Mr Blanding wrote down these names on the back for me. This was taken in June of 1942 at
Rochford-SouthEnd Airdrone from left to right in the photo!
Snuffy Smith, Roy Evans, Don Young, SQ Leader Williams ( English) Pat Padgett, Gene Fetrow. Sgt Vance, Gunner Halsey,Jim Happel, Barry Mahon.
“Ozzie Osborne” doing the flying !
Hope some of you fine historians can fill in the blanks here on Eagle Sq 121!
Enjoy!
BlueNoser352!
By: BlueNoser352 - 22nd May 2005 at 10:12
The March 4,1944 mission to Berlin !
Here is Leon Blanding of the 4th FG, upon return from his long range escort mission to Berlin in his P-51. He wrote these notes on the back of the photo, “Nobody’s guns would fire, brand new Mustangs with much malfunction” He says he was not happy to see this camera stuck in his face upon return and told the photographer “to get it out of my face”! ( well words to that effect). Looks like a B model P-51 to me !
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May 22, 2005 at 10:03 am