B-17 Aluminum Overcast Lands at Cedar Rapids CID

Another vintage WWII aircraft sighting this evening. This time it is the B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" at Cedar Rapids (CID). Yes, I saw the same flying fortress in Burlington, Iowa last year, and have seen it multiple times in Cedar Rapids. This week the plane's summer schedule had a last minute opening and fortunately was able to make another journey to the City of Five Seasons. In its one day appearance all flights were completely booked except for the last one of the afternoon. Storm clouds are on the horizon for tonight.

Aluminum Overcast sits on the tarmac in CID following a day of flights around the city for paying passengers (and media.) Unfortunately, I arrived an hour after the tour closed. I also do not have media credentials but probably should get accredited. I was an Associated Press stringer in college - maybe that will count. The covers on the engines are new this year according to a local EAA event host. The covers are designed to minimize the effects of rain, wind, debris and flying critters on the aging plane when parked for the evening.

T-6 Awaits for AirVenture 2018 Landing Slot

At the Dubuque, Iowa airport (DBQ) a vintage T-6 waits for the landing slot at AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 on July 22nd. Annually, the North American Trainer Association (NATA), made up of T-6 pilots and owners, gather in Dubuque for association business and to practice takeoffs/landings and formation flying for EAA's Airventure in nearby Wisconsin. WWII-era T-6 planes from around the world come to Dubuque for the meeting and are occasionally accompanied by a few P-51 Mustangs and F-4U Corsairs. Watching and listening to the planes as they roar to life, circle overhead and trail smoke in various formations is well worth the trip to Dubuque. The event inside the hangers and on the tarmac is not open to the public except for viewing behind fences. Be sure to stick around after the T-6s takeoff for Airventure - a few minutes later the planes will be in formation, trail smoke and give Dubuque an aerial salute before traveling east over the Mississippi River.

Watching the Flying Past

A farmer whose land is located near the Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) watches 41 T-6s take off to join AirVenture 2018 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Annually the T-6 Association conducts meetings and practices formations at DBQ in preparation for a week's worth of activities at the EAA event in Oshkosh. The hour and a half flight of T-6s from Dubuque to Oshkosh generally commences sometime between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on the third Sunday of July. Stay a bit longer at the airport following the T-6 take offs. You'll see a special salute to the airport and community from these aging warbird trainers.

A Photo from WWII Okinawa

At a recent estate sale I purchased several World War II-era photos which are attributable to John K. McCormick Jr., a former U.S. Army soldier who was stationed on Okinawa, following the fierce fighting against Japanese forces. Several images show day-to-day army life on the island, with only a few snapshots displaying air power. On the photo's backside, John wrote a sentence or two about the image's subject matter, adding to the overall record of the historic time period. As a Photoshop design experiment, I scanned John's photo and reposted the description content onto an aerial photo (different source) of the WWII Okinawa airfield. The final composite brings John's image into greater historical context. 

D-Day Type Higgins Boat Under Restoration at Indiana Military Museum

For years I have contemplated traveling to Normandy, France to see firsthand the beaches where Allied forces came ashore on D-Day 1944. While that goal persists, I recently came in contact with an icon of that pivotal day.

This much reproduced photograph (now in public domain) by Robert F Sargent, shows US troops debarking from their landing craft at Normandy's Omaha beach on D-Day. The modern film, Saving Private Ryan opens with this same scene re-imagined for the movie.

The vessel type, known as Higgins Boats by their manufacturer, was designated the Landing Craft, Vehicles and Personnel or LCVP, and was operated by the US Navy. Reports of up to 839 Higgins boats were used to carry US troops and materiel during support of D-Day, June 6th.

Higgins Boats were made of wood and designed to operate in shallow water. LCVPs were powered by 225-250 hp engines, operated by a crew of three, and carried up to 36 soldiers or was reconfigured to haul jeeps and supplies. Higgins Boats were protected with two 30 caliber machine guns.

I thought (incorrectly) that LCVPs used at Normandy were constructed of 100% steel for protection of its contents. Not so. Not even close. See for yourself.

My schooling occurred far from 1944 Normandy in land-locked Vincennes, Indiana at the home of the Indiana Military Museum last fall. There, in the museum's expansive warehouse is a rare specimen of a surviving Higgins Boat - one of 12 reportedly left in the world.

This Higgins Boat was purchased or donated to the museum from a source in Florida during 2012. I believe the craft was last actively used as a fishing boat. The museum is seeking to restore the Higgins Boat for public display - donations are accepted.

Here are a selection of photos of AG 9-2 in her original Navy colors. Inspect the draft, beam, and propeller section of this incredible and historic boat.

There is no mention at the museum as to the history of this particular Higgins Boat during the war. More research is needed. Regardless of its use, either in the Atlantic or Pacific theaters of war, Higgins Boats are forever tied to the D-Day landing at Normandy beaches 74 years ago today.

B-17 Aluminum Overcast Visits Burlington, Iowa

Almost annually a WWII warbird visits the Hawkeye state. This year, Aluminum Overcast, one of nine flying B-17s made a three day stop in Burlington situated along the Mississippi River on May 4th through 6th.

Crawling up ladder to the nose of the plane you enter a world from the 1940s. Here in the cockpit is a mix of wartime flight technology from 75 years ago blended with modern avionics for safer travel.

One of the secrets of B-17 longevity in battle was the strength of its fuselage. Notice the rivet pattern of small squares on the aluminum airframe. These assembly points made it possible for the frame to better remain intact during flak bursts or gun fire.

One of four props at rest. Aluminum Overcast, until next time...

T-6 Walk Arounds at DBQ Before Leaving for OSH16

Some scenes from the Dubuque Regional Airport which hosted the NATA for T-6 aircraft before the Airventure 2016 show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

T-6s are everywhere and from everywhere. In all 28 of them flew in formation to OSH16 on Sunday.

Stitch jumps off his T-6 as he prepares for the early afternoon takeoff.

Time to move the oil around or whatever you kids call it these days.

Contact.

Several T-6s were present at the airport. Many of them in military colors.

Corsair Readies at Dubuque Regional Airport Prior to OSH16

This afternoon a World War II vintage Corsair sat at the Dubuque Regional Airport prior to traveling to Oshkosh for the EAA Airventure 2016 event. For the past 11 years WWII planes have staged at Dubuque while waiting for landing slots at the Wisconsin event. More the a million people are expected to attend OSH16. If you can't make it to OSH be sure to visit DBQ a day or two ahead of Airventure next year to see a segment of the flying entertainment.

Memorial Day 2016

A big thanks to all who defended our freedoms. These particular WWII markers reside in a small cemetery in Lisbon, Iowa. While the property is small in size one of the cemetery's military heroes had been featured in my blog previously, Orian Owens as well as the Gettysburg battlefield boulder.

Superfortress B-29 Fifi Comes to a Stop at Cedar Rapids KCID Airport

 

August 1, 2015 - FIFI the only flying B-29 (at the moment) taxis near a crowd waiting for a chance to see her up close. Paying passengers were treated to a 30 minute ride around Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition to the B-29, a F4U Corsair, P-51 Mustang, a SB2C Hell Diver, a Stearman,and a C-45 Beechcraft were present and offering rides $$$ to $$$$. A living piece of history. The captured video sound does not do justice to the vibrating pulses of four huge radial engines.

Two WWII Medal of Honor Recipients Buried at Rock Island National Cemetery - Edward Moskala and Frank Witek

Rock Island National Cemetery is located on Rock Island, Illinois along the Mississippi River. In Section E of that cemetery there are two World War II Medal of Honor recipients, both of whom fought in the Pacific Theater and were killed in action.
 
US Army Private First Class Moskala's Medal of Honor citation reads:

"He was the leading element when grenade explosions and concentrated machinegun and mortar fire halted the unit's attack on Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he charged 40 yards through withering, grazing fire and wiped out 2 machinegun nests with well-aimed grenades and deadly accurate fire from his automatic rifle. When strong counterattacks and fierce enemy resistance from other positions forced his company to withdraw, he voluntarily remained behind with 8 others to cover the maneuver. Fighting from a critically dangerous position for 3 hours, he killed more than 25 Japanese before following his surviving companions through screening smoke down the face of the ridge to a gorge where it was discovered that one of the group had been left behind, wounded. Unhesitatingly, Pvt. Moskala climbed the bullet-swept slope to assist in the rescue, and, returning to lower ground, volunteered to protect other wounded while the bulk of the troops quickly took up more favorable positions. He had saved another casualty and killed 4 enemy infiltrators when he was struck and mortally wounded himself while aiding still another disabled soldier. With gallant initiative, unfaltering courage, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy, Pvt. Moskala gave his life in his complete devotion to his company's mission and his comrades' well-being. His intrepid conduct provided a lasting inspiration for those with whom he served."

US Marine Corps Private First Class Frank P Witek's Medal of Honor citation reads:  

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, during the Battle of Finegayen at Guam, Marianas, on 3 August 1944. When his rifle platoon was halted by heavy surprise fire from well-camouflaged enemy positions, Pfc. Witek daringly remained standing to fire a full magazine from his automatic at point-blank range into a depression housing Japanese troops, killing 8 of the enemy and enabling the greater part of his platoon to take cover. During his platoon's withdrawal for consolidation of lines, he remained to safeguard a severely wounded comrade, courageously returning the enemy's fire until the arrival of stretcher bearers, and then covering the evacuation by sustained fire as he moved backward toward his own lines. With his platoon again pinned down by a hostile machinegun, Pfc. Witek, on his own initiative, moved forward boldly to the reinforcing tanks and infantry, alternately throwing hand grenades and firing as he advanced to within 5 to 10 yards of the enemy position, and destroying the hostile machinegun emplacement and an additional 8 Japanese before he himself was struck down by an enemy rifleman. His valiant and inspiring action effectively reduced the enemy's firepower, thereby enabling his platoon to attain its objective, and reflects the highest credit upon Pfc. Witek and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

B-29s Help End WWII

Three days ago, Fifi the B-29 departed Cedar Rapids, Iowa (KCID) for her home field in Texas. At present she is the only flying B-29 in the world. Two more B-29s are being restored to flight status.

Today some traditional and new media outlets reported the 70th anniversary of the B-29, Enola Gay's mission over Hiroshima, Japan where the first atomic bomb was dropped. Three days later on August 9th the B-29, Boxcar dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. On August 15, 1945 Japan surrendered unconditionally to Allied forces, thus ending World War II.

Flight visits by WWII aircraft help to remind present generations as to why this country fought to repel imperialism and preserve the tenants of liberty.

FIFI B-29 Prepares for Takeoff at KCID Cedar Rapids Iowa

Fifi the B-29 World War II bomber made a four day stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this weekend. These three photos are from this morning during the plane's last full day here. Yesterday the weather was fantastic and many people turned out to see the aircraft and other WWII era fighters.

By going black and white and jacking the contrast I produced this old time looking image of the plane. With some sand and tropical trees this could very well be some runway in the South Pacific during 1945.

Fifi's late morning trip around the Cedar Rapids area ended with another successful landing at KCID. Airport Park area on the east side of the property is an excellent place to see and hear planes of all sorts come and go. Its just not everyday when a historic aircraft like the B-29 comes to town.

FiFi - It Was a Dark and Stormy Night at KCID Cedar Rapids

Once again Fifi, the WWII B-29 is on Cedar Rapids concrete for a few days. She will be joined by other WWII era combat planes and trainers for static display and rides. This shot came at a time of diminishing light and increasing rain. Besides having to photograph through chain link fencing the potential for me to be a lightning rod was very high. Go visit the plane if you are in the area.

Some Impressions From the T-6 Trainer Association Gathering at Dubuque Regional Airport

 

The T-6 Trainer Association meets the weekend of the start of EAA's Oshkosh air spectacular, The T-6 Texans stag at the Dubuque Regional Airport for a private gathering where the pilots practice two by two take offs and formation drills. This year I was able to visit the planes from both sides of the fence with the help of some event organizers. This photo is of a spotless T-6 that sports a chrome and paint look. I thought the contrast of metal and paint made for a great composition. Note the Iowa backdrop.

 

 

Two P-51 Mustangs were also present on the tarmac. The Rebel was cleaned before its flight to Wisconsin. I'm guessing that the cost to purchase this would be a couple of millions of dollars if it were on the market. Who knows what it costs to maintain it?

 

I met Tom Swindle from the Fort Worth, Texas area. Tom watched his pilot buddy fly a T-6 earlier in the day. Tom works at Cowtown Aerocrafters where WWII era aircraft are restored and maintained.

This is usually my vantage point to see the Oshkosh bound WWII planes. Sometimes I can get the lens through the chain link fence or in between the gate door. This year was a bit different.

Thank You From North American T-6 Texans Over Dubuque Regional Airport

This afternoon about 25 AT6 single-engine advanced trainer aircraft departed the Dubuque Regional Airport bound for EAA's Oshkosh fly in (also known as OSH). The T-6s were joined by two P-51 Mustangs which departed a few minutes before the trainers. The Texans practiced formations over a two day period flying throughout the Mississippi River valley.

B-17 Aluminum Overcast Nose Art in Waterloo, Iowa

A close up view of the Aluminum Overcast left side nose art. This B-17G was built at the end of World War II.

The Waterloo Airport was filled today with long lines of people who wanted to experience the B-17 bomber. A few WWII vets turned out too.

B-17 Aluminum Overcast at the Waterloo Airport

Waterloo Airport was the scene today for the B-17G Aluminum Overcast World War II bomber. The plane is at the airport through 5 pm Sunday, June 14.

A close-up of the WWII-era nose art.

These engines are inspected several time daily for wear and damage. Yup that's me in the reflection.

Tail rudder and aileron of the back end of the bomber. I did some high f/stop work here.

 

These guys marveled how a very thin gunner would get in the bottom turret. They remarked how this extremely small enclosure was for 17-18 year olds of the 1940s but not of this era. They speculated that people are much larger now.

 

The walking tour inside the aircraft started with a climb up to the cockpit and then a walk over the bomb bay to the machine gun area amidship. Finally the tour ended at the back of the plane.

The plexi nose cone gave the bomber crew a clear view of any enemy fighters coming at them. The "G" model consisted of the addition of two forward pointing 50 caliber machine guns. Stop by to see this flying history aircraft. Read more tour stop details here.

Price of Freedom - Orian G. Owens

During World War II Orian G. Owens' B-17F was shot down over Holland on a return bombing raid to Germany on January 11, 1944. He and other crewmates parachuted out and were recovered by resistance fighters. In April German SS found the crew, interrogated the Americans and shot them in what is now known as the massacre of St. Remy. After the war, Orian's body was returned to his family for burial in the Lisbon Cemetery. Read my article about him here.

Aluminum Overcast Visits Cedar Rapids During 2014 D-Day + 70 Years - Part 2

A friendly smile from a EAA volunteer who helps to organize the next list of passengers and allows others to view the B-17 aircraft close up.

The Aluminum Overcast flight crew in uniform. The pilot is on the left and the copilot is the second from the left.

The business end of a B-17. We were told that all thirteen machine guns on board B-17s only had ammunition belts that stretched nine yards long - 27 feet! That was enough for a continuous one minute burst.That's "Lee" in the enclosure.

The aircraft maintenance guy told me that he only worries when these engines STOP dripping oil.

A different angle on an old warbird. Aluminum Overcast will be here in Cedar Rapids through today, June 8, 2014 before going to the next city on the tour.