Aircraft Maintenance,
Part 2
Left photo: "Sgt. Miller filling the belly tank." Right photo: "Bill Hahn, 65th Fighter Squadron Armament Chief. Below are the pages from Bill Hahn's material- it was about the original in-field modifications done to the P-47 which made it the efficient ground attack platform it became. Bill Hahn and Col. Wymond have never received the credit they deserve for their accomplishments."
"Cockpit#65 - my P-47 - note the three tee handles on center console - This was an in-field modification - the brain child of 65th CO Gilbert O. Wymond and our Armament chief Bill Hahn - two handles released the bombs and the third released the belly tank - These mods along with raising the optical gun sight a little made the P-47 the efficient ground attack weapon it proved to be."
"This is "Uncle Bud" 65th Fighting Cock logo - Milton Caniff (you remember Terry and the Pirates) drew the original for us. This color film size was something Kodak sold as an 828 size and it may have only held 8 exposures - I find the cowl shot the most interesting - The artist (look for his finger and brush) is outlining "Uncle Bud's" talons in black - note the GI shoes with paint spatters - If only we could identify him!"
"Too" Long - Jim Long on his day off - Jim and I flew a lot of missions together - Jim is the author of Tales from the Fighting Cocks Roost available from Jimmie R. Long, Jr., Publisher - 121 Sherwood Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185."
Here's another one of Dwight's rare color photographs showing field maintenance on a P-47.
Go back to Maintenance, Crew Chiefs and Armorers
Go Back to 65th FS Index