Author Topic: Score! (P-51 lovers read) (Read 1358 times)

Roundeye · « **on:** January 27, 2008, 08:24:35 PM »

I work in aircraft maintenance for food and collect all things aviation. I stopped by and old thrift store I had been driving past for the last 20 years (always wondering what was inside). The place always looked run down so I never expected anything cool inside. Well, it was as expected...nothing but old tables, rusty golf clubs, cheap tools and old books. So I look at the books and SCORE! 2 old aircraft engine maintenance books. One printed in 1939 and one in 1942.

I was flipping through the pages, drooling over the radial engine cutaways and diagrams when out fell some old photos someone had stashed away in some pages looooooooong ago. These pictures were of a B-24 engine, main landing gear and wheel assy. They showed failed parts and were stamped "RESTRICTED" "OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH" "U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS" The dates enscribed were JUL 44.

Super cool. Then out drops a picture that made my heart skip a beat. An original photograph of two young men leaning on a P-51D! The nose art can be clearly seen as "MADAM WHAM-DAM"

After some exhaustive research I found a model/decal set had been made of this particular aircraft! http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/decals/aero/am48794.htm see 3rd one down with 550 on side.

That led me to this site. http://www.506thfightergroup.org Check this site out good, there are a TON of old pictures of ponys, jugs and B-29s.

I have managed to consolodate the following: "MADAM WHAM-DAM" was a P-51D20 S/N 44-72607 assigned number 550. It belonged to the 458th FS, 506th FG, 301st FW of the 20th AF on Iwo Jima airfield #3. It was assigned to Maj. Harrison E. Shipman, the CO of the 458th FS. Their mission was long range escort of B-29s to Japan.

"MADAM WHAM-DAM" has placed rounds into enemy aircraft. I read of a probable and a partial victory.

On 01 Jun 45 this aircraft was flown by Lt.Col. Harvey J. Scandrett from headquarters who led a large mission and never returned, along with 26 other fighters due to weather. (black Friday).

I also have gotten a copy of the MACR (Missing Aircrew Report) which verifies the S/N with the nose art.

I have contacted the historian for the 458th and sent him a copy of the picture which he has added to the website. It can be seen here http://506thfightergroup.org/458thfightersquadron.asp

DoNKeY · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2008, 10:34:56 PM »

Nice find!:aok

donkey

EagleEyes · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2008, 11:23:53 PM »

One lucky guy....

A couple years ago i happened to stay with a family friend who was a B-29 Pilot. He showed me old pictures, and stuff. Was the highlight of my summer!!

Was a moment i wont forget!

RAIDER14 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2008, 12:18:52 AM »

Nice Find:aok

Guppy35 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2008, 12:24:33 AM »

See the profiles on that site? Those are mine

Did em a long time ago now.

the job those Iwo 51 drivers did probably the hardest single engine fighter missions of the war.

Nice find on the photo:aok

It was more then likely taken on Tinian before they got to Iwo as it doesn't have the radio antenna under the nose that they had when they got to Iwo.

rpm · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2008, 12:55:10 AM »

I smell a new Dpony skin!!

crockett · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2008, 01:26:04 AM »

cool story and nice find.

Roundeye · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2008, 11:43:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by rpm
I smell a new Dpony skin!!

I would be all over that one like a duck on a junebug.

Does anyone reading this have the technology to make a skin of that?

B@tfinkV · « **Reply #8 on:** January 29, 2008, 01:51:09 AM »

http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=71

you could try here. great read btw, thanks.

AquaShrimp · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2008, 04:47:02 AM »

Tell me more about this Black Friday? Why were 26 aircraft lost?

Roundeye · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2008, 09:42:53 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AquaShrimp
Tell me more about this Black Friday? Why were 26 aircraft lost?

26 + "Madam Wham-Dam" = 27 lost. Weather was the cause. Collisions, icing, severe turbulence and disorientation.

Full story here http://www.506thfightergroup.org/missionjune1blackfriday.asp

Roundeye · « **Reply #11 on:** January 29, 2008, 10:16:47 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by B@tfinkV
http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=71

you could try here. great read btw, thanks.

Thank you, B@tfinkV! Request posted.

Roundeye · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2008, 10:26:28 AM »

I am sad to report that Mr. Shipman recently passed away. America has lost another hero.

Harrison E. Shipman! Thank you for my freedom!

http://www.legacy.com/dfw/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStoryPrint&PersonID=103033931

http://esolutions.net/elists/images/madam-wham-dam-b29_500.jpg

bj229r · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2008, 08:43:01 PM »

My unit was volunteering at a 'Massing Of the Colors' ceremony in Roanoke today--saw a lady with a box with a model inside--I say.. "Ahh, P51B"

"Yes, my husband (last name was Overstreet) flew one like it UNDER the Eiffel Tower in '44"

Were a million folks there, never found him to speak with him...alas

(had to go look this up, seems plausible, depending on shrubbery situation)

Roundeye · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2008, 08:54:48 PM »

You bet it's been done. I remember seeing a program where an old retired WWII fighter pilot was interviewed and he told of being engaged in a dogfight with a German plane which flew under the tower trying to escape him.....didn't work... the American pilot chased him right under it.