45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron


United States Air Force








Legacy Messages - 1995-1999







NEXT 50 END

Page 1

1 2 3
Entry: 101422
Subject: INFO ON THE POLKADOT SQUADRON

Matthew Mead wrote on July 2, 2023


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I think my Dad (Harold W. Mead) flew jets in the Polkadot squadron in Korea. Can you confirm this? I’d like to let my family know of this in our history but wanted to make sure this is accurate. Thanks so much.

Matthew Mead

Keywords:



Entry: 101391
Subject: 45TH TRS

Joe Chiovari wrote on June 12, 2023


City and State: LAKE MARY FL

Unit: 305 CSG

Service or Relationship: USAF

Comments: I have some pics of RF-51's taken in '52 @ Kimpo I'd like to have posted on this site
if possible.

Keywords: 45th TRS Pics



Entry: 101100
Subject: GRANDFATHER F-51 PILOT - SEEKING VETERANS

Grahm Nordlund wrote on December 6, 2022


City and State: WA

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: My grandfather was then- Captain Maurice E Nordlund. He flew in three wars, but his time in Korea was with the 45th TRS. His second DFC was awarded for spotting 200 enemy troops and strafing until out of ammo, then transitioning to calls for artillery until the fighter aircraft took the fight.
I am an avid collector of militaria and active duty Army Aviator, but have never personally interviewed another Veteran who knew Maruice. Would love to hear from anyone who has living connections to the 45th "Polka Dots".

Keywords: 45th TRS Polka Dots Voodoo F-51 RF-51 P-51



Entry: 100882
Subject: JOSEPH DISTEFANO

Charles Hodgman wrote on August 10, 2022


City and State: CONBWAY SC

Unit: FIGHTING 69TH INFANTRY

Service or Relationship: Natioal Guard

Comments: I'm looking for any information about the Air Force 45th Tactical Squadron that served in Korea in 1952. My Uncle served in the photography unit, developing aerial recon photos to better evaluate targets, battle stations, etc. He is about to have his 90th birthday and any info about his unit and the people in it would be a great gift to give him. He is very proud of his service in the Air Force.

Keywords: Korea, 45th Tactical Recon Squadron, Joseph Distefano, 1952,



Entry: 99206
Subject: 45TH TACTICAL RECONNIASSANCE SQUADRON RF-101C

Jeffrey Kolln wrote on March 23, 2020


City and State: YELM

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I am trying to find out some information on the 45th TRS in SEA. First I am trying to find the Serial Number of an RF-101C with the nose art "Lawdy Miss Kay" on the nose. Also I was wondering if anyone would still have a list of assigned pilots and Crew Chiefs to the Squadrons aircraft? Please let me know.

Keywords: 45th TRS Voodoos, RF-101C, Crew Chiefs, Nose Art, Serial Numbers.



Entry: 98439
Subject: 45 TRS P-51 PILOT GRANDDAUGHTER

Maria Ross wrote on August 14, 2019


City and State: MISAWA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: USAF veteran

Comments: Hello,

I am just reaching out to anyone who might have more information to share about Lloyd Simpson, my paternal grandfather, who was a part of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing as a P-51 fighter pilot during the Korean War. Someone had mentioned him in a post from 15 years ago, but the email is outdated. He died while my father was a baby and we don’t know much else about his military service and I was hoping someone might have some info about him on here. Please feel free to reach out with any info.

Thank you!

Maria Ross

Keywords: Lloyd Simpson RF-51 pilot



Entry: 97203
Subject: INFO ON MY GRANDFATHER

Carolyn Martin wrote on January 27, 2019


City and State: DAYTONA BEACH FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I'm looking for more information on my grandfather who served as an airplane mechanic with the 45th Tac. Recon Sqdn in Korea and Japan. Last name Coughanour. It would be nice to hear more about his career, as he's not really capable of telling me himself anymore.

Thanks!

Keywords: Coughanour, Flying Polka Dots, Mechanic



Entry: 93083
Subject: FIREFLYS KIMPO 1952

Art Patterson wrote on May 1, 2016

Email Update Needed



City and State: CAMERON PARK CA

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQDN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was in kimpo Korea in 1952 in 45th tac sqdn. operation firefly I flew 75 missions in C47 air craft. Would like to find other persons in that unit

Keywords:



Entry: 88856
Subject: POLKA DOT SQUADRON

Joy Flemming wrote on May 8, 2014


City and State: PETERBOROUGH NH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Father was a pilot for the 45th Tactical Wing during the winter of 1951 - 1952, he served with Hector Senecal, McDuff, Verl Taylor, Walter Elflein, Dick Luscum, Coloniel Hudson. Please let me know if you remember Lt. Paul Riggs, Jr. He flew the P51 Punkin.

Keywords: Polka Dot Squadron, Hector Senecal, P51, Punkin



Entry: 87011
Subject: WARREN LULL

Keith McClain wrote on August 16, 2013

Email Update Needed



City and State: RED LODGE MT

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQDN.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I just stumbled across these comments about the 45th while
trying to find info on my flight lead in Korea, 2d Lt Warren
Lull, who was shot down, crash landed and taken prisoner in late
1952. We were flying RF-51s when this event occurred.We were in
contact for a short time in the past 20 years, but the
communication suddenly terminated. Sure would like to get back in
touch if survivability permits. If not, then would like to pass
on my recollection of that mission to his heirs.
There were several other references in your comments section
that I recollect, and would like to contribute to, but dunno if
this website is still alive, what with all the dated entries,
with nothing recent.

Keywords:



Entry: 86405
Subject: LEARNING ABOUT MY DAD.

Barbara Persiani wrote on June 1, 2013

Email Update Needed



City and State: BELLEVUE NE

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am trying to learn more about what my father did. I found a pic
of some kind of award...I think...The plaque reads at the top 45th
Tac Recon with rows and rows of name tags and wings. The plaque on
the bottom reads 45th TRS POLKADOTS...VIETNAM 1966-1970 NEXT LINE
READS: LAST OPERATIONAL COMBAT..NEXT LINE:RF 101 VOODOO UNIT IN
S.E.A.

Keywords: UNITS, VIETNAM, SAC, MSET



Entry: 85718
Subject: FORMER 45TH TRS PILOT- GONE WEST

David Martinez wrote on March 15, 2013


City and State: CENTERVILLE OH

Unit: FORMER USAF/ANG- 178TH 131ST

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments:

Keywords: My Dad- LtCol Conrad Marty Martinez passed away on
2 Jan, 2013. Former pilot with the 45th TRS at Misawa
from March, 1955 to Nov, 1956. Flew the RF-80A, then
the Republic RF-84F. The 45th Sqdn CO was Col Art
Durbeck. Dad's Crew Chief was Sgt Larry Voyles on RF-
84F #52-366. John Comer was intell/photo officer; Dan
Hogan, Lenny Severtsen, Dick Hosmer, and Mac Maconell
were some of the pilots asssigned there. As I recall,
Cpt Renshaw was operations officer. Thanks- David
Martinez and family. Dad retired in 1981 from USAF/ANG
with approx. 3,800 hrs. Polka Dots!



Entry: 85546
Subject: IM LOOKING TO SEE IF MY SONS GREAT GRANDFATHER MILTON WILLIS WAS IN A RECON SQUADRON

Dominique Dye wrote on February 22, 2013


City and State: BELPRE OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am doing an investigation on my son's great
grandfather Milton Willis. He was in the Air Force
and served in WWII and was a POW. He later went onto
serve in the Korean War. I am unable to find any
record.

Keywords:



Entry: 83792
Subject: 45TACRECONSQUADRON

Jim Skinner JR. wrote on August 2, 2012


City and State: WCO TX

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I sure would like to communicate with a pilot or two
from the 45th. my memory is not good so I can't
remember any names.

Keywords: polka dots,rf80,operation little switch,dog 3



Entry: 82809
Subject: LOOKING FOR LT MACONNELL

David Martinez wrote on April 20, 2012


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: My Dad was a pilot with the Polka Dots, 1955-56
flying RF-80A and then the RF-84F. He and my mother
would like to know if anyone remembers Lt. Louis (or
Lewis) Maconnell- he was from West Va. They would
like to know his current status.

My dad is Conrad Martinez, jr. and mother's name is
Cilda. they were both at Misawa from '55-'56.

Thanks,
David

Keywords:



Entry: 82208
Subject: LOOKING FOR INFO ON VERL (PETE) TAYLOR

Verl Taylor JR. wrote on February 22, 2012


City and State: WOODLAND CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for any information on Verl (Pete) Taylor. He
flew 100 missions with the 45 TRS

Keywords: Polka Dot Squadron, p-51, Sylvester the Cat squadron
patch



Entry: 81896
Subject: LOOKING FOR ALUMNI FROM 1969, 45TH TAC RECONNISSANCE SQ.

Billy Thompson wrote on January 28, 2012


City and State:

Unit: 45TH TACTICAL RECONNASSIANCE SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: Tan Son Nhut, Republic of Vietnam, near Saigon



Entry: 81624
Subject: 45TH TACTICAL RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

David Leslie wrote on January 5, 2012

Email Update Needed



City and State: TEXARKANA AR

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for anyone that might have known 1st Lieutenant
Marshall James Summerlin. He flew F51 mustangs in Korea
and was killed in 1951. His daughter and I would like
to know more about him. She never got to see her dad.

Keywords:



Entry: 79584
Subject: PICS FROM FATHER WHO WAS IN 45TH

Arlon Motsch JR. wrote on July 10, 2011

Email Update Needed



City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: May dad spent some time with the 45 in 1952 as a camera mechanic or
some such thing. He had quite a few pictures from his time in Korea. I
have started posting them to a forum on Pbase. If anyone is interested

http://www.pbase.com/arlon/korea_japan

Keywords: K2 k14 kempo itazuke photos pictures 45 tactical recon
p-51 corsair f-84 f-86 



Entry: 79329
Subject: P-51 MUSTANG FAN

Kjell Lilledal SR. wrote on June 17, 2011

Email Update Needed



City and State: STAVANGER

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments:

Keywords: Navy: Flint 



Entry: 78932
Subject: SQUADRON PATCH

Jim Dryden wrote on May 16, 2011


City and State: CORAL SPRINGS FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father Lt. Jim Dryden was in Korea and all I have is a patch with Sylvester the cat wearing a parachute holding binoculars and a map. Does anyone know what unit this was?

Keywords: Sylvester Patch 



Entry: 78425
Subject: OPERATION FIREFLY

Art Patterson wrote on April 3, 2011

Email Update Needed



City and State:

Unit: 45TH TAC SDN 67 TAC WG.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Was in korea 1952 flew 75 missions in c47 s operation firefly

Keywords:



Entry: 78103
Subject: STEP DADS INFO

Tom Tuttle wrote on March 7, 2011


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: Would like to find out any info on a Robert Lincoln Murdy regarding what was his rank and what did he do while attached to the 45th Tact Recon Sqdrn and the 67th Tact Recon Grp.He has passed but his step daughter would like any info on him while he was in Korea.

Keywords: Firefly



Entry: 78046
Subject: JACKET ID

Tom Tuttle wrote on March 1, 2011


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I have a brown leather jacket that belonged to a R.L.Murdy.Right shoulder large Tactical Section Operation Firefly patch with various little symbols in the patch.Large four leaf clover on left chest with little symbols in each of the clover's leave's.US,UN and Brit flag on back with I think Korean writing under each flag.Can anyone tell me what unit this was so I can tell the present owner of the jacket? Thank's for your service.T.Tuttle

Keywords:



Entry: 77848
Subject: 45TH TAC RECON KOREA

John Reiter wrote on February 12, 2011


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Any body remember Herb Shaw from Sharon, PA. He was aircracft radio maintenance. Put a few selenium rectifiers in the GI's personal radios. He was my father in law and loved to tell me stories.

Keywords: 45th tac recon squad 67th t.r. grp.



Entry: 77846
Subject: 1ST LT. DAVID HOWARD, 45TH TRS

Steve Kern wrote on February 12, 2011


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: i had the great pleasure of flying with captain dave howard 1977-1978. dave was an outstanding pilot and wonderful friend. i would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who may have known him. thanks, steve kern

Keywords:



Entry: 77659
Subject: KOREA, KIMPO CAMERA REPAIR TECH

Winfred T. (Jack) Medlin wrote on January 29, 2011


City and State: MARYVILLE TN

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQDN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: K-14 July 1951 to July 1952. Spent my year installing cameras and camera magazines in the tail of RF-51's. How many screws and screwdrivers did we wear out getting those cameras and Magazines out of those aircraft.
I can't remember many names, I hope some of you remember mine.

I stayed in the Air force and retired in 1971.

Keywords: houseboy Kim, Bed check Charley New Years eve 1951.



Entry: 75568
Subject: 45 TAC RECON. SQDN.

David Owen wrote on July 25, 2010


City and State: GREELEY CO

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQDN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I served as an RF 51 Armorer from April 1951 until March 1952. Also was bartender in 67th TRW EM club.

Keywords:



Entry: 71837
Subject: LT. COL. THOMAS A HUDSON JR.

Herbert Rideout wrote on October 3, 2009


City and State: FALLBROOK CA

Unit: 45TH TACTICAL RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Lt. Col. Thomas A Hudson Jr.

During the Korean War he was Commanding Officer of the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, flying RF-51 aircraft.

In WWII he crashed his P-47D in France and was captured by the Germans and later escaped. In 2009 the French recovered his aircraft.

I was flying Starry Red three on a Dive Bombing Mission with Capt. HUDSON leading the flight. At 20:45 hours on the 10th August 1944, we encountered meager accurate heavy and intense accurate light flack near Vassy. Evasive action was taken by the entire flight but Capt. HUDSON must have taken a direct hit because the left side of his engine caught fire and he immediately bailed out. His parachute opened and I noticed him drifting down, with the wind blowing him southward over enemy lines.

Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star
Air Medal
Purple Heart

In 1955 Hudson was flying to Germany and landed in Greenland to refuel when he slipped on the icy wing of his plane and fell to the tarmac hurting his back. By the time he reached Germany he was feeling ill but thought it was just a holdover from the flight. Finally he decided he was too ill and was hospitalized. He was bleeding internally and died a short time later. The Air Force determined his death was not service related so his widow and three young children received nothing.

Keywords: Kimpo 1952



Entry: 71499
Subject: 45TH SQDN PATCHES IHAVE 3INCH PATCHES I HAD MADE FOR CAPS

Dennie (Buddy) Adams wrote on September 3, 2009


City and State: SARASOTA FL

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQDN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: i designed the sqdn patch and painted all the polka dots on the mstangs and acouple of replacemnt f80s left k14 around last of aug 52 i painted several mames on the planes such as my arline,tempe queen,tulie scotty and ?, rf 913 wasthe most photographed of all ihave several books of mustngs with rf913 pictured also col.hudson's plane was named my golden angel

Keywords: the polka dots



Entry: 71498
Subject: 45TH SQDN PATCHES IHAVE 3INCH PATCHES I HAD MADE FOR CAPS

Dennie (Buddy) Adams wrote on September 3, 2009


City and State: SARASOTA FL

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON SQDN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: i designed the sqdn patch and painted all the polka dots on the mstangs and acouple of replacemnt f80s left k14 around last of aug 52 i painted several mames on the planes such as my arline,tempe queen,tulie scotty and ?, rf 913 wasthe most photographed of all ihave several books of mustngs with rf913 pictured also col.hudson's plane was named my golden angel

Keywords: the polka dots



Entry: 70124
Subject: WHERE IS ROD ORALL?

P.P. Pilcher JR. wrote on May 10, 2009

Email Update Needed



City and State:

Unit: 45 TAC. RECON SQDN.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Rod - Get in touch !!!

Keywords: Pear shape Pete looking for Rod Orall . We were in the 45th also and stationed at Lockborn AFB,Columbus Ohio in 1956.



Entry: 69973
Subject: DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT

Jeffrey Kilpatrick wrote on April 24, 2009

Email Update Needed



City and State: CUMMING GA

Unit: GOD

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: CROSSED STELLAR TIME AND QUITE DEAD AND ALIVE AGOG . DEAD CAT WALKING AND STILL IN IN TIME

Keywords: EASTERN EUROPE. ALPHA AND OMEGA



Entry: 68564
Subject: OPSEC

Mathew Linsky wrote on January 6, 2009

Email Update Needed



City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments:

Keywords: please remember opsec when talking to individuals online about aircraft
service or flight information



Entry: 67334
Subject: I FLEW WITH FRANK AT LUKE AFB AND WITH FRANK IN KOREA. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CANTACT WITH HIS FAMILY.

Mathias J. Martin wrote on September 26, 2008


City and State: TUCSON AZ

Unit: 45TH TRS, 67TH TRW

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was flying with Frank when he shot over 100% in air to air. I still have the news paper of his amazing feat. I flew several combat missions with Frank.

Keywords: Nitram, 45th , Polka Dots, Silvester.



Entry: 66040
Subject: ANYONE REMEMBER CAPT FRANK M WARD?

Bev Petru wrote on June 12, 2008

Email Update Needed



City and State: CARMEL IN

Unit: 45TH RECON SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: We are looking for info for our family tree about Frank M. Ward of Columbus, Ohio. His last assignment was with the 45th Recon Squad. It ended with his being shot down over enemy territory. He was shot down near Kaesong. He was severely injured but rescued and airlifted to Japan. When he recovered, he was sent to Shaw Field in South Carolina. We suspect he may have been in another unit prior. We have info that he 'made a daring attack of the retreating enemy' and won the Distuinguished Flying Cross, with Oak Leaf Clusters. Like others, his records were lost in the fire and he is now deceased. Please contact me if you knew him. Thanks!

Keywords: MIG Alley, shot down and injured, airlifted to Japan, 1950-1951, flew in F-51's.



Entry: 65295
Subject: NEVADA AIR NATIONAL GUARD PILOTS IN THE 45TH TRS

Neil Miller wrote on April 18, 2008

Email Update Needed



City and State: MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello
I am looking for photos of any Nevada ANG pilot flying with the 45th TRS in Korea . Also looking for a real 45th Tac Recon Sq patch and a flight suit from that time frame .
Thanks
Neil

Keywords: Nevada Air National Guard NV ANG



Entry: 64323
Subject: SYLVESTER THE CAT PATCH

Joseph (Joe) Chiovari wrote on February 16, 2008


City and State: LAKE MARY FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello. I have a new 45th TRS embroidered squadron patch left to me by my father, deceased 6/5/06. He flew RF-51s in Korea from Kimpo between November 1951 and February 1952. The patch is approximately 6.5 inches in diameter. It is an original patch and in excellent condition.

I have other memorabilia he left me. Is there some place I might contribute these items to that will ensure their preservation? I'm 53 and it's time to put these items where they might be appreciated by others.

Keywords:



Entry: 64317
Subject: 1ST LT. WILLIS W.

Patricia McDaniel (Thatcher) wrote on February 15, 2008

Email Update Needed



City and State: CHEYENNE WY

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: First Lt. Willis W. (Bill) Thatcher was my father. He was lost on June 6, 1951, exactly one month after my second birthday, so I never knew him, except through photographs and the memories of my mother and grandmother. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who served with him in Korea who could tell me more about what my father was like as a person. It would be a wonderful gift. I thank you. Patricia Thatcher McDaniel

Keywords: First Lt. Willis W. (Bill) Thatcher, 45th Tactical Reconnaisance Squadron, USAF, 1950-1951, lost 6/6/1951. Aircraft hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near Wonsan. Pilot F-51D. He was from Columbus, OH.



Entry: 64198
Subject: WAS THERE WHEN IT WAS DEACTIVATED IN 71SENT TO 12 IN DA NANG

Jesus Marmolejo wrote on February 6, 2008


City and State: SAN ANTONIO TX

Unit: 45 TECH RECON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords:



Entry: 61301
Subject: 1ST LIEUTENANT FRANK R. SALAZAR

Diana Brown wrote on June 13, 2007


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for anyone who knew my father or was a member of the 45 Tack. Recon. Sqd. at K-14 in 1952. I was only 5 yrs old when he was lost. I miss him dearly and would still like to know what he was like from anyone who knew him.

Keywords: 45th Tact. Recon. Sqd., K-14, 1952, Capt. Knowlton



Entry: 59449
Subject: JOE MUSONE ET AL

Robert Sinclair wrote on January 3, 2007


City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I remember Joe Musone. I did not really know him. I got to Kimpo in the fall of 53. I worked on engines for Leo B. Mcnulty, with Tracy, Reilly, Maldonado, Dougereau, et al. I remember Monson. We worked seven days, 7 to 5 daily each week. I have a yearbook from that era.

Best wishes to all.
BOB

Keywords: kimpo 53-54



Entry: 57758
Subject: LT. D.J. CHIOVARI - 1923 - 2006

Joseph (Joe) Chiovari wrote on June 22, 2006


City and State: LAKE MARY FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Just taking a moment to honor the passing of my father. He was one of the first to arrive at Kimpo in 1951, flew 80 missions in the RF-51 and came home with many photos, memories and stories. He passed away on June 5, 2006.

One story he did tell me with much pride was when he obtained some material to make a scarf. It was blue with white polka dots. He then traced circles around a bottle cap on his white helmet and painted the background blue. This became an ensemble when he flew and it became popular in the squadron. Thus, the polka dots were born.

He was very proud of his flying heritage and his marker reads: "Major Dominick J. Chiovari. Husband and Pilot" He was also very proud to have known, flown and worked alongside all the people of the 45th TRS.

He left me with all his records, including 50+ years of flight logs, patches, awards, reunion information, photographic slides and some prints, and general chronology of his military career from 1943 to 1963.

Keywords:



Entry: 56695
Subject: CREW CHIEF RF-84F-51-1943

John J. Gluhak wrote on April 16, 2006


City and State: PEORIA AZ

Unit: 45 TH. TACTICAL RECON. MISAWA ,JAPAN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I joined the squdron on the day they celebrated one year in Japan,relocating from Korea. My tour was from 1956-1957. I was a crew chief on RF-84F-51-1943 as it was origionally called the "Hangar Qween", because it was a year old and only had 48 hours on it. I was always using my 9/16 inch adjustable rag to repair hydraulic leaks. Several years latter Col. Durbeck flew into Shaw AFB South Carolina and he had hydraulic boost failure. He was surprised to see me assigned to Transit Alert. Col. Durbeck's aircraft 51-1944 is currently in the Pima Air Museum south of Tucson, Arizona. My aircraft was later assigned to the Alabama Air Guard and crashed due to a mid-air collision.

Keywords: My friends and relatives call me Jack. I was known as the Grinning Greek, even though I'm half Serbian and half Italian.



Entry: 56543
Subject: 45 TRS DET. 1

James Shultz wrote on April 4, 2006


City and State:

Unit: 45TRS DET. 1

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: stationed at Tan Son Nhut Oct. '68 to '69 never knew the background of the unit. still looking for unit patch we had. hillbilly black cat in yellow background with green border and name polka dots. anyone know how to find one?

Keywords: ground crew on RF-101C tail number 176 "cathy's clown"



Entry: 56117
Subject: 45TH TAC RECON SQD. SEPT.53-AUG.54

Joe Musone JR. wrote on March 5, 2006


City and State: FORTUNA CA

Unit: 45TH TAC RECON. SQD.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: woulld like to hear from any who thinks they remember me. I was in tent 36, four tents from the Sqd Hdqs. the sign on the tent read: "Kimpo Insane Aslymn " and had several names on it, Hal, Woody, Monson, Jarvis, (and two other names) I worked on the line and did a little of every thing. have several pictures and would love to share with anyone. Have pictures of Hal, Jarvis, Cortez,bob,willy, Jim Boutelle, mike (N.Y.)killer, Silio, Monson and Tex ( and others - unknown)

Keywords:



Entry: 55004
Subject: STILL LOOKING

William Simpson wrote on January 4, 2006

Email Update Needed



City and State: VERNON MI

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: After nearly 4 years of searching, I am as yet to receive my Dad's records/medals. Lloyd Willard Simpson was a Major and Mustang pilot. I have had asss't. from 3 very generous men who remember him but the Gov't. has absolutely no records of him. This is very disturbing to me on several levels. He is MY father, though I never met him, and this American history is of imminent import. To lose it is to forget it. Very bad thing. I have no further recourse and seem to be at a dead end. To all those who served...may God bles you all and keep you safe. To our gov't., shame on you. I served for USA with the UCMC in Vietnam and know the horrors of war.
Thank you,
William Earl Simpson

Keywords: Korea with 45th TRS



Entry: 54812
Subject: 45 TAC. RECON SQ.

Joseph A. Distefano wrote on December 24, 2005


City and State: FARMINGDALE NY

Unit: 45 TAC. RECON SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: polka dot sq.



Entry: 54756
Subject: ALIVE AND KICKING! 45TRS

Dionicio Garcia wrote on December 20, 2005


City and State: SAN ANTONIO TX

Unit: 45TRS

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Duck, Elliason, Higg, write to me if there is any info on an upcoming reunion.

I was in the 45th from 1950-1952.
I am an ORIGINAL 45th tac recon from the day it was
formed. Contact me at home @ 210-226-8072..

-Nicho Garcia

Ps. I was one of the Chosin few left behind when the 45th TRS evacuated when we got run over by China.

...and LT Mauro was the one who was shot 3 times in 4 days.

Keywords: Nicho, Pusan perimeter x3, Crew chief on 835, 45th since day 1, Friends: Higgs, Gracy, Hodges, Hunt, Duck, William Chamblian, Wesley T. Parks, SSGT Garcia
.....TSGT MSGT 2nd LT Cooper.....

My P51's name... PISSONYOU!!!!



Entry: 54085
Subject: LOOKING FOR TAIL NUMBER - RF-51

Joseph (Joe) Chiovari wrote on November 13, 2005


City and State: SHELBYVILLE KY

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: November 1951 through July 1952 my father was a line pilot with the 45th. I have been researching the tail number of the plane he flew. He doesn't remember and the photos he took do not reveal any significant markings. He does remember that his crew chief was a Sgt Chestnut. Being a former crew chief myself (305th CSG - KC-135A), I remember all the tail numbers of the planes I crewed and even some of the tail numbers others crewed. I thought that perhaps someone might know Sgt Chestnut, the plane he crewed, or be able to contact him. Just a shot.

Keywords: K-14, late 1951 to mid 1952.






NEXT 50 END

Page 1

1 2 3