475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation

01/29/2021

Home Page | Planes of Fame Air Museum

https://planesoffame.org/
Planes of Fame Air Museum Reopens
Looking to get outside and view some of the world's most famous and notable aircraft? Then plan a visit to the "Outdoor Experience" at Planes of Fame Air Museum at the Chino Airport.
With the promise of sunny skies, the "Outdoor Experience" kicks off this Saturday, January 30, 2021. Guests can walk through most of the 10 acre outside areas of the Museum and view the aircraft from just inside the hangar doors. Museum Guides (wearing masks and maintaining social distancing) will be available to tell stories about the aircraft collection.
The "Outdoor Experience" will run from Thursdays thru Sundays. Hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm.
The Gift Shop will also be open during these days and times. And the Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" will be open on Saturdays and Sundays for guests to visit upclose and learn about the role this aircraft played in World War II.
All guests must wear a face-covering and maintain six-feet social distance from others not in their immediate household. We're opening most of the doors of the Museum to minimize touch points and sanitizer is available in the rest rooms and Gift Shop.

Every day at Planes of Fame Air Museum, you can experience history - both the reliving of it and the making of it. When one of our planes flies, for most it is a rare and wonderful thing to witness. Planes of Fame Air Museum has maintained a fleet of flyable historic aircraft for over 60 years! The....

01/26/2021

Living History P-38 Planes of Fame Chino 2019

Living History P-38 Planes of Fame Chino 2019

01/26/2021

Pacific Wrecks - P-38H-5-LO Lightning Serial Number 42-66833

It is with great sadness that I am writing to you today to let you know that the 475th family has lost another beloved member. Thomas Simms, aged 97, passed from this earth on January 4, 2021 in Long Beach, CA.

As his son Lance wrote, “Thomas Simms has bailed out for the last time, 77 years after being shot down in New Guinea. What a full life he had, especially compared to his fellow 475th members who never returned from the war. 2 wives, 3 children , 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He had the "biggest grin" in High School and a sense of humor that never quit. He will be missed.”

Tom was with the 432nd Squadron and we were fortunate that he was able to attend the 2014 reunion in Chino.

He will be missed but will always be in our hearts.
https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p-38/42-66833.html

World War II Allied and Japanese aircraft that served in the Pacific War.

01/10/2021

431 FS P-38H 42-66826, Bensbach near the Papuan border with Irian Jaya (c.1980s) thank you Mark Clayton for sending these #P38 #WWII

https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p-38/42-66826.html

12/12/2020

What Made the Lockheed P-38 Lightning So Special?

What Made the Lockheed P-38 Lightning So Special? https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/2015/07/27/the-lockheed-p-38-lightning/?fbclid=IwAR0ce2bqukc3mplmm09qU08BeKYiZ-NXbxAHMrjM8CDrLcUpsujkFquODpY #P38

The twin-engine design of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and its high fuel capacity made it an ideal fighter and recon plane.

12/06/2020

Army veteran and D-Day hero Sgt. Maj. Robert Blatnik dead at 100

Thank you for your service

An Army veteran from Texas who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day with 900 men under his command has died at the age of 100.

11/26/2020

Happy Thanksgiving!
On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation designating November 26 of that year as a national day of thanksgiving to recognize the role of providence in creating the new United States and the new federal Constitution. ...On October 3, 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announces that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863.

11/11/2020

Thank you for your service Grandpa Vince, you are missed everyday!
Born in Pomona, California on 11 September 1916, Vincent Thomas Elliott joined the Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet in 1942. Graduating with Class 43-D at Williams Field, Arizona on 12 April 1943, he was assigned to the 329th Fighter Group at Glendale, California for P-38 training. On 10 July he was transferred to the 475th Fighter Group, then being formed at Ipswich, Australia.
Flying with the 431st Fighter Squadron out of Dobodura, New Guinea, Lieutenant Elliott scored his first aerial victory on 13 September 1943, downing a Zeke near Wewak. He destroyed a Val over Oro Bay on 15 October and two days later was credited with a Zeke shot down near Buna Bay. He became an ace on 23 October when he downed a Zeke and a Hamp in an attack on Rabaul. He completed his scoring on 26 December with another double, a Zeke and an Oscar shot down over Cape Gloucester, New Britain while covering the first Allied invasion of that area.
After logging 118 combat missions, Elliott returned to the States. He separated from the service following the war and went to work for Warner Bros in film editing and died in Burbank, California on 19 April 1986
Tally Record:
7 Confirmed
1 Damaged
Decorations:
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters

11/06/2020

Dale Burgess Obituary (1922 - 2020) - Ann Arbor News

https://legcy.co/3l077GW #475th #P38

Good morning all,
It is with great sadness that I am writing to you today to let you know that the 475th family has lost another beloved member. As his daughter Bonnie wrote, “On the evening of 10/31/2020 Dale E Burgess, age 98, passed peacefully, with family at his side, to again be with his wife, Betty, and his brothers of the 475th.”

Dale has left us a legacy of serving his country in its hour of need, raising a wonderful family with his wife Betty, volunteering for the Red Cross for 37 years, his easy smile and quiet but wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed but will always be in our hearts.
posted by Craig Taggart

View Dale Burgess's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

10/24/2020

The Lafayette Escadrille

The Lafayette Escadrille https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvIEDVIW4AU posted by Craig Taggart

Help us complete the feature-length version of the film! Make a tax-deductible contribution at www.thelafayetteescadrille.org. A short form documentary of th...

10/02/2020

Warbird Photos Aviation Photography by Britt Dietz

Flying top cover on Lyon Air Museum's B-17G Flying Fortress 'Fuddy Duddy', Planes of Fame Air Museum's P-51D Mustang 'Wee Willy II' escorts the majestic heavy bomber across Chino Airport during a pass at the 2014 Airshow.
#aviation #aviationphotography #avgeek #airtoair #air2air #ww2 #worldwar2 #planesoffame #airshow #warbird #canon #photography #canon_photos #history
© Britt Dietz - http://www.warbird-photos.com
Instagram: @warbirdphotos
Warbird Photos Aviation Photography by Britt Dietz

09/19/2020

US Air Force 73rd Birthday Tribute!

Happy Birthday U.S Air Force https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK4t_oyyqLg&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2jRn8evmdkuqXPPDlQjcdTTa7r3-BxANREbzm81EXE4mcOg0ReoQGvdII

Do you like it? Like & Subscribe for more! ************************************ Paypal donation: https://www.paypal.me/Dmksprod instagram: https://www.instag...

09/17/2020

L-L-Lightnings! Three Lockheed P-38 Lightnings make a pass over Chino Airport in 2018 during Day 2 of the Planes of Fame Air Museum Airshow. L to R... Allied Fighters P-38L Lightning 'Honey Bunny', P-38L 'Thoughts of Midnite', and Planes of Fame's P-38J '23 Skidoo'.
#aviation #aviationphotography #avgeek #airtoair #air2air #ww2 #worldwar2 #p38lightning #lockheed #planesoffame #airshow #warbird #canon #photography #canon_photos #history

09/11/2020

Donate to the 475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation

Donate to the 475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation
Good afternoon,
I recently set up this part of our website that will allow us to accept donations through Paypal. Not urgent just letting you know this isavailable now
https://475th.org/donate

Click the yellow donate button to make a secure donation with the credit card of your choice: -OR- Tax deductible donations can also be sent to: 475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation C/O Chris Madison 969 Colorado Blvd., Suite 206 Los Angeles, CA 90041 (Checks should be made payable to "475th Fi...

09/02/2020

09/02/2020

B-25 Mitchel "Old Glory" Over Hawaii

75th Commemoration of the End of WWII: Warbirds fly to Honor B-25 Mitchel "Old Glory" Over Hawaii https://youtu.be/oOmyx8QaGtc

Click to subscribe! http://bit.ly/subAIRBOYD The Hanger at 743 http://hangar743.com/the-museum/ B-25 History https://b-25history.org/aircraft/4428938.htm A g...

08/11/2020

I guess some of us knew it was coming, but even the best planning never prepares you for the loss of a loved one, and we all loved Dale Thisted who left us early this week.



Dale will never be forgotten by the 475th and its members, he was instrumental in the formation and continuation of the 475th and has certainly left his footprint behind for us to follow. As you all know we have launched a new project in an effort to find and identify second and third generation family members and Dale was involved and influential in our effort. Dale also had a terrific sense of humor and if you want to see that humor just log into our website (475th.org) and see Dale and PJ signing By New Guinea Waterfall at the last reunion.



Some men are known for their successes, other for their heart, but few are known for their ability to accomplish great feats and their willingness to go out of their way on behalf of other people. Dale was just that man and he will be sorely missed by his family, his friends and everyone associated with the 475th Historical Foundation.



Chris Madison and Brad Ball

08/01/2020

Dear Friends of PJ and Bobbie –

It comes with great sadness to share the news that early this morning, Bobbie Louise Dahl passed away peacefully in her sleep. PJ’s beloved wife and constant companion of 74 years, was struggling recently with heart issues. Nearly all of her 93 years were spent with PJ. Even as her health issues continued, PJ was always by her side.. You could say these two married their perfect match.

Given the challenges of the pandemic, PJ and daughter Jody and son Jeff are planning an intimate, family memorial. Because many of you may want to reach out and send flowers or a donation, we will provide more information in the days ahead, per the family’s wishes. God bless Bobbie “Louise” and to you PJ , your children and grandchildren – we send the power of our thoughts, prayers and hugs!

Sincerely –

Chris Madison & Brad Ball Craig Taggart and the entire 475th family.

07/24/2020

Thank you to Greg Waskul & The Bob Hope Legacy Foundation

07/23/2020

07/12/2020

Home - American Fighter Aces

https://www.americanfighteraces.org/ A New Film - The American Fighter Aces Story

Sep42019 Join us in San Antonio for the American Fighter Aces Association 2019 Reunion News Attention Aces, Friends of the Aces and supporters! We invite you to join us October 3-6, 2019 for our annual reunion. Once again we will convene to honor our American… Read more

06/10/2020

Virtual Parade of Heroes (Part One)

Virtual Parade of Heroes 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSl0WCPq714&feature=youtu.be

As the pandemic has cancelled patriotic parades, we at UnitetheUSA.org present the first installment of our virtual parade of heroes 2020 with background mus...

06/05/2020

Planes of Fame Air Museum is open!

EXCITING NEWS! OUTDOOR MUSEUM SPACES ARE OPEN!
** Please read this entire post **
Join us for Planes of Fame’s 'Outdoor Experience'. Over an acre of outdoor space is available for visitors to stretch their legs and enjoy viewing our historic aircraft. (Chino, CA location only)

The hangar doors will be open for our guests to look into the hangars while viewing the aircraft from an outdoor environment. Admission prices have been reduced and the hours of operation have been revised during this phased re-opening. While keeping in compliance with State and County requirements, we hope to open more of the Museum as restrictions are modified.

Your visit to the Museum will help 'Keep 'em Flying' and preserve aviation history for future generations! Thank You, we appreciate your support!

Modified museum schedule & pricing:
Open Wednesdays - Sundays; 10AM - 4PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday

$8 per Adult ~ $4 per Child ~ 4 years & under free
(Coupons and Discounts Temporarily Suspended)

Pre-purchase your tickets online prior to arrival OR tickets may be purchased at the door. Museum Members may use their membership to visit the museum for free.

Closures Include:
● Offices are closed to the public.
● Hangars & Indoor display spaces are closed including the Aviation Discovery Center, Theater, Library, Model Room, Restoration Hangar, etc.
● B-17 interior and outdoor area is closed.

Restrooms will be open to visitors and are sanitized throughout the day. Our goal is to keep the museum’s outdoor spaces open for visitors, but we can only do so if everyone follows the recommended guidelines.

Guidelines are as follows:
● Do not visit the museum if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, even mild symptoms
● Face coverings are highly encouraged when visiting the museum
● Do not gather in groups
● Only visit the museum with members of your own household
● Practice the recommended 6 FEET APART FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING
● No congregating in parking lots
● Please keep your hands to yourself and refrain from touching signs, guard rails, aircraft, etc.
● All guests are expected to comply with CDC, State and County guidelines.

COVID-compliant safety practices will be in place. Indoor spaces, tours, and interactive exhibits are to remain closed at this time.

05/24/2020

Memorial Day - Virtual Ceremony

Please watch my good friend, Bill Edwards sing during this Memorial Day ceremony. He comes from military family and his dad was on stage several times with Daddy Kaye, from back in the day! 👍

05/23/2020

05/08/2020

Fox News

Fox News

President Donald J. Trump and first lady Melania Trump take part in a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

03/20/2020

Planes of Fame Air Show General Information | Planes of Fame Air Museum

2020 Planes of Fame Air Show is Canceled https://planesoffame.org/events/annual-airshow/general-info-2

03/14/2020

My grandfather Capt Vincent Elliott ace pilot with fellow pilots of the 475th Fighter Group, including top Ace Tommy McGuire🇺🇲🍺👍

03/11/2020

A dear friend of the Collings Foundation and WWII veteran Frank Tedesco passed away on February 29, 2020 at the age of 99. Born and raised in Weymouth, Frank graduated from Weymouth High School. He went on to further his education, by receiving a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during WW II as a B24 Liberator Pilot. Over the years, he received many awards for his military service, most recently in May of 2019, Frank was awarded a high medal of honor, the Legion D’Honneur for his service alongside France, during WW II. Before retirement, Frank worked for many years as an Aircraft Engineer for General Electric.
He spent countless hours volunteering: building the Spirit of Massachusetts in Boston, restoring a B24J Liberator with the Collings Foundation, in Stow, MA and public speaking educating the public on events of WW II. Frank’s passion for photography was evident by his numerous features in publications. On the weekends, he loved to sing and perform at clubs and piano bars. Frank frequented the Wings of Freedom tour and the Collings Foundation's living history events over many years. He was always the epitome of "The Greatest Generation."

Frank was a kind, selfless, and loving man who cared for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

A dear friend of the Collings Foundation and WWII veteran Frank Tedesco passed away on February 29, 2020 at the age of 99. Born and raised in Weymouth, Frank graduated from Weymouth High School. He went on to further his education, by receiving a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during WW II as a B24 Liberator Pilot. Over the years, he received many awards for his military service, most recently in May of 2019, Frank was awarded a high medal of honor, the Legion D’Honneur for his service alongside France, during WW II. Before retirement, Frank worked for many years as an Aircraft Engineer for General Electric.
He spent countless hours volunteering: building the Spirit of Massachusetts in Boston, restoring a B24J Liberator with the Collings Foundation, in Stow, MA and public speaking educating the public on events of WW II. Frank’s passion for photography was evident by his numerous features in publications. On the weekends, he loved to sing and perform at clubs and piano bars. Frank frequented the Wings of Freedom tour and the Collings Foundation's living history events over many years. He was always the epitome of "The Greatest Generation."

Frank was a kind, selfless, and loving man who cared for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have known him.