On May 8, 1945, Allied nations celebrated the surrender of Nazi Germany with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Although this marked the end of World War II in Europe, war against Japan would continue in the Pacific Theater for another four months. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, we have launched a blog series highlighting aircraft, people, and lesser-known stories of World War II. In this issue of What's Up, we will highlight some of the blogs, but you can read them all here.
SPOTLIGHT ON: AIRCRAFT
P-38 Lightning
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was designed by prolific aircraft designer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. It was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters ever flown by any nation. From 1942 to 1945, U.S. Army Air Forces pilots flew P-38s over Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. In a new blog, we share the story behind the development of this iconic aircraft that the Germans allegedly called the “Fork-Tailed Devil” and American ace fighter pilot Major Jack Ilfrey called “a beautiful monster.” Read more on the blog.
Martin B-26B Marauder Flak-Bait
Our B-26 Marauder Flak-Bait survived over 200 operational missions over Europe, more than any other American aircraft during World War II. Flak-Bait's crews supported the armies on the ground as they pushed east toward the German capital Berlin and flew the medium bomber on missions to attack cities; airfields; road, rail, and canal junctions; bridges; supply depots; fuel and ammunition dumps; gun emplacements; and even V-1 flying bomb launch sites as they prepared for the Allied invasion of France. And its name was well-earned: By spring 1945, Flak-Bait’s ground crew had repaired over 1,000 holes on the aircraft caused by Nazi shrapnel, cannon shells, and machine gun bullets. Read more on the blog.
Vought OS2U Kingfisher
One type of World War II naval aviation that isn't discussed as often are ships' spotter planes, a job frequently fulfilled during the war by Vought OS2U Kingfishers. As a ship’s spotter, the Kingfisher found targets for ships’ guns and helped them hit the target at ranges much greater than the ship itself could see. The Kingfisher was a small, single-engine, two-seat floatplane designed to operate from battleships and cruisers rather than aircraft carriers. It was launched from a roughly fifty-foot-long catapult on a turntable that allowed it to be pointed into the wind (and away from the ship) and then taxied up next to the ship when its mission was complete. Read more on the blog.
SPOTLIGHT ON: PEOPLE
Ben Kuroki
U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Ben Kuroki was the only Japanese American to serve in air combat in the Pacific and was one of very few soldiers at all to fight in both the European and Pacific Theaters. He enlisted after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941 and became a gunner in a B-24 squadron based in Europe. He later returned for a second tour of duty, serving as a B-29 gunner in the Pacific.
Kuroki fiercely fought for his country and wanted to be seen as every other American in uniform doing his duty. But his Japanese heritage placed him in the complex duality of American hero and “suspect citizen.” Chief curator Peter Jakab reflects in a new blog.
Aline Rhonie
During World War II, Aline Rhonie piloted civilian and military aircraft throughout the United States as an American aviator and eventual member of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), yet her mission traversed international borders to support the Allied cause. She enlisted voluntarily as a lieutenant in the French Section Sanitaire, an ambulance unit for women. While in France, Rhonie witnessed the plight of Allied aviators and embarked on a mission to raise funds for canteens to support the Allied aviators. Once the U.S. entered the war in December 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rhonie partook in the formation of a U.S. women’s air corps. Rhonie became one of the original nine qualified women selected as a part of the WAFS. Read more on the blog.
Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was a member of the first class of five cadets to earn their wings at Tuskegee Army Air Field. He was then selected to lead the new 99th Fighter Squadron, the Army Air Corps' first all-black air unit. Davis led the 99th and later the 332nd Fighter Group in Europe during World War II. His inspired and disciplined leadership played a major role in the Tuskegee Airmen's success. Under Davis, the 332nd escorted American bombers in missions over the Mediterranean and central Europe. Read more about the Tuskegee Airmen on our website.
ON VIDEO
The latest episode of STEM in 30, our webcast program for middle school students, takes a look at how the airplane contributed to the Allies’ victory over the Axis powers. It also showcases students’ interviews with veterans, offering tips and resources on how your kids can conduct their own interviews with the veterans in their lives. Watch now.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
This year's National Air and Space Society member calendar features photos of World War II aircraft to mark the 75th anniversary. For the rest of the year we will highlight each month's photo. The May 2020 photo is Willy Messerschmitt’s famous Bf 109 series of single-seat fighter airplanes, which was produced in larger quantities than any other combat airplane in history except the Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik. Learn more.
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