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Savannah Marriott Riverfront, Savannah, GA, October 24-27th.
(Update: Nov.15th., 1999 In looking through my files I just discovered the Me-163 above is on loan from the National Air and Space Museum.) � � � A groundbreaking design, it was one of the German "wonder weapons" that the Luftwaffe used in a desperate, and fruitless, attempt to regain control of the European sky during the final months of the war. It also was arguably the most unusual warplane to ever see production and be used in action. The aircraft was considered safe to fly, however the propellants used were highly volatile and many Komets were destroyed in explosions while still on the ground. Another problem was also encountered during landing. The aircraft did not have landing gear and took off from a reusable trolley, which was then jettisoned. It landed on a skid mounted below the fuselage. This little fighter was extremely fast, with a top speed that bordered on 600mph, and a rate of climb that was unmatched at the time (16,000 feet per minute.) It was also well armed, with 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, which allowed German pilots to score several victories over Allied bombers. However, it was very vulnerable during landing, as it glided back towards the airfield.
� � � Seeing this amazing little aircraft brought to mind Mission #281, on 15 March, 1945. Lt. Col. Gustke took two flights of P-51s on a sweep across Leipzig, Kassel and Remagen and encountered two Me-163s (identified at the time as single-engine jets,) then attempted to give chase. One Komet climbed up to 40,000 feet straight up "like a bat out of he**", easily out-distancing the Mustangs. � � � Then I was reminded of Lt. Denis Allison's final mission, 1 November, 1944, and how one of these wonder weapons (either a Komet or an Me-262 Swallow) shot him down while he tried to escort a straggler B-24 back home. Though his body was recovered and buried, today the location of his remains are unknown. � � � I also have to wonder if the pilots of the Komet, the Me-262, the Arado Ar-234, etc. were aware that they were advancing aviation to a new level with each flight. A new era in technology was being ushered in and with in a matter of just a few years the P-51 would basically be relegated to stateside Air National Guard units. In fact, one could even say the Space Shuttle owes a lot to the 163, as it too launches via rocket power and returns to earth as a glider. � � � Lunch at the museum was excellent and Leo Kerns, Bill Sharpe and 20th.FTW representative Ray Rider each gave speeches, this was followed by Don Rheimer's benediction. I made my way into the gift shop afterward and met with one of the original 303rd.BG pilots, we had a shoet talk and then I proceeded to blow our budget to kingdom come with books, patches and even a Christmas ornament all related to the P-38. � � � Afterward we returned to the hotel, I downloaded the pictures I took while everyone had a quick siesta. This was followed by dinner and then I headed back down to the hospitality suite. In the hall I again ran into Bill Sharpe and we had a great discussion about the 20th., our collections of photographs and the differences between England and the US. Bill will be getting online soon so there will be another connection across the big pond. � � � After I arrived I got the chance to sit down with Jim Reichard and Jack Ilfrey while they recounted some great stories, then Bob Phipps and Dan Oxley joined the conversation and I was in fighter pilot heaven!
� � � Next I made my way to the balcony and there I got the chance to sit in on some great stories courtesy of James Herbert, William Fry and Jack Ilfrey. This included a discussion of the crash of golfer Payne Stewart's Learjet. Our sympathy goes to the families of those lost. � � � Finally I got to sit down with Gale Turner, Ray Rider and Jim Herbert as Gale recounted his career. I am hoping that he will write all of this out for me sometime soon so I can include it in the new section on the enlisted men. � � � Well, tomorrow the agenda is pretty much free until 7pm, so who knows what will come along! More tomorrow! --Syd & Nancy
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Unless otherwise noted, all content � copyright The Art of Syd Edwards 1999. All rights reserved and reproduction is prohibited.
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Today was the big day! The dedication of the 20th. Fighter Group's display at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum. The display is rather small, but on exhibit are Leo Kern's orignal A-2 jacket, Gale Turner's uniform jacket, an original 20th. FG patch, John Hudgens' dogtags, a cork from a premature VJ-Day celebration, the control stick from a German aircraft, a 20mm shell and a few other interesting odds and ends. I will have a whole section dedicated to the display uploaded soon, in the meantime below are two photos to whet your appetite...
