Ordnance P-47 Thunderbolt in the Pacific

WWII painting, P-47 Thunderbolt
The P-47 Thunderbolt was not generally welcomed in the Pacific theatre. It was seen as too clumsy to compete with the very agile Japanese fighters and it did not have the range for operations over the vast expanses of the Pacific. Worse, the P-47 was best at the high altitudes at which American bombers operated over Europe. However, in Japan most combat occurred below 20,000 feet, where the P-47 was at its least maneuverable.
Despite these problems, General George C. Kenney, commander of the 5th Air Force in the SW Pacific, was determined to acquire as many aircraft as possible for his command. The Lockheed P-38 Lighting was popular with American pilots in the Pacific, but not available in sufficient numbers.

The U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Barnes (ACV-20) underway in the Pacific Ocean on 1 July 1943, transporting U.S. Army Air Forces Lockheed P-38 Lightning and Republic P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft.
Fortunately for Kenney, the first Thunderbolt unit to reach him was the 348th Fighter Group, commanded by Col. Neel Kearby. He was very enthusiastic about the P-47, and had put some thought into the best way to take advantage of the big fighter. One of its strengths was a very high speed in the dive. He had put some thought into the best way to take advantage of the big fighter. One of its strengths was its very high speed in the dive. Kearby decided to take advantage of that.

WO Russell Precians, UAAF, with the RAF in Burma, from Trove archives Sent from Garrulous Gwendoline
Immediately after taking off, his P-47s would climb to a high altitude. At that height they would head towards their target, normally a Japanese base. Once close to the base they would dive into the attack. By the time they reached the target, they would be travelling at very high speed. Having made their attack, they would then use that high speed to climb back to high altitude before the Japanese could react.

Newly arrived USAAF Republic P-47 Thunderbolts lined up in a maintenance area at Agana Airfield, Guam, Marianas Islands on 28 March 1945.
These tactics would have been familiar to many British pilots of the Battle of Britain, having been used by pilots of the Messerschmitt Bf 109, who would reach high altitude over France, then swoop down on British fighters climbing to attack German bombers. They were particularly effective in the SW Pacific. Between August and December 1943 the 348th Fighter Group claimed over 150 victories while losing only 8 pilots. Kearby himself would become the highest scoring American P-47 Ace of the SW Pacific, with 22 confirmed kills.
The weak low level performance and limited maneuverability of the Thunderbolt was still a weakness. Kearby himself was killed on 6 March 1944 during a fighter sweep over Wewak, when he stayed at low level to confirm a probably kill and was caught by a Ki-43.
The P-47 was never popular amongst pilots who were used to the P-38 Lighting, although many were forced to fly it in early in 1944. The P-38 units had suffered relatively heavy losses in the fighting over Rabaul in November 1943, and P-38s were still in short supply. However, during 1944 the P-47 was slowly phased out in the SW Pacific. Suitable targets on New Guinea were in increasingly short supply. Those units that had converted from the P-38 were often able to convert back during the year. Early in 1945 even the 348th would move away from the Thunderbolt, moving onto the Merlin powered P-51D Mustang. By the end of the war the only Thunderbolt unit remaining in the Fifth Air Force was the 58th Fighter Group, a ground attack unit.
In mid-1944 the 7th Air Force finally received the Thunderbolt and the Mustang. This was just in time for them to take part in the invasion of Saipan, flying onto the island in June 1944. On Saipan the P-47 saw action in the ground attack role.
The capture of Iwo Jima and then Okinawa finally allowed the 7th’s Thunderbolts to see air to air combat. The two islands were used as bases during the increasingly heavy strategic bombing campaign over Japan. Both Thunderbolt and Mustang units saw service in the high altitude bomber escort role at which the Thunderbolt excelled. The same period saw the arrival of the long range P-47N, which had a range of close to 2,000 miles with drop tanks.
In terms of victories gained, the Thunderbolt’s best moment in the Central Pacific came in late May 1945. Kamikaze attacks were threatening Allied shipping around Okinawa, and so the 318th Fighter Group was allowed to fly fighter sweeps over southern Japan, with the aim of intercepting potential Kamikaze aircraft far from their targets. In 2 sweeps, on 25 and 28 May, the Thunderbolts claimed nearly 40 victories.
The career of the P-47 Thunderbolt in the Pacific is a good example of how important it was for the pilot to adjust their tactics to their aircraft. If a Thunderbolt pilot allowed himself to be dragged into a low level dogfight then they were in serious trouble.
Nicknamed as the “Jug” due to its silhouette looking like a milk jug,( some say it was named Jug, short for juggernaut ) Apart from US service, the P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft saw action as part of the British RAF, the French Air Force, Soviet Air Force and also as part of the contingent of pilots hailing from Brazil and Mexico who also participated as part of the Allied war effort.
The idea for this post came from Teagan Riordain Geneviene.
Research from: the Smithsonian Museum; Pacific Encyclopedia; History of War and War History on line.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Military Humor – 
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Farewell Salutes –
Elizabeth Brook – Galeburg, IL; US Navy WAVES, WWII, Lt.
Ethel Calabakas — Port Arthur, CAN; RC Army, WWII
John Hill – Webster, NY; US Navy, WWII, PTO, PT-boats
Michael Kormos Jr. – Wilkes Barre, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 406th Squadron
Cleveland Lemon Jr. – Baton Rouge, LA; US Army, WWII, PTO
Charles M. Lentz – Independence, MO; US Navy, Korea & Vietnam, (Ret. 22 y.)
Terrance B. Salazar – San Antonio, TX; US Army, Spc., 82nd Airborne Division
James A. Scott – Aiken, SC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Frederick Trader – Oriska, ND; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 2nd Lt., bombardier/navigator
Raymond R. Veckruise – Gary, IN; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Posted on November 30, 2020, in WWII and tagged 1940's, 5th Air Force, Air Force, Army, aviation, family history, History, Military, Military History, P-47, Pacific War, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 116 Comments.
Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
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Thank you, Ned.
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Reblogged this on Momentary Lapse Of Sanity.
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Whenever I hear that the P47 was nicknamed the Jug because it resembles a jug I wonder what shape American jugs are. Juggernaut, on the other hand, seems absolutely right.
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I have to agree with you on that explanation. Generally, when someone says ‘jug’, this is what I think of….

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They appear to be empty…
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My mind is blown how extensive of a knowledge you have on so many things. I love aviation, yet I feel like I probably know nothing relative to you 🤣
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I’m always learning too. And the more I learn, the more I admire that amazing generation!!
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It’s the adaptability of the men — both pilots and leaders — that shines through. Even those of us who don’t know lickety-split about aircraft can get the point. If you’re given something that’s less than perfect, find what it can do for you, and then make it do it.
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You think a lot like that generation, Linda! Bully for you!
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Thank you, GP. I enjoyed this story of the Thunderbolt. Now I appreciate how altitude makes a difference. A WWII fighter plane, a P-40B Tomahawk, has just arrived at a nearby New England Museum, and it made front page news!
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I’m thrilled to hear they felt it rated front page!! Isn’t THAT a breath of fresh air!!
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Better yet, this is not a strong military area at all, so front page is even better!
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👍
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At least you cant beat Kamikaze. Seems there were some design freaks onboard, calling the P-47 Thunderbolt glumsy. 😉 Thank you for sharing, GP! I remember in childhood i had played with simple miniatures of them.:-) It was the time during the Cold War, where in Europe it was politically correct playing with soldier figures, building miniature battle ships – and my very favorite Lol – use a miniature metal cannon to shoot small stones into the neighbours garden. Michael
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hahaha, I love it Michael!! You were a normal boy. I actually feel sorry for kids today!!
I follow a few people who still have the models and continue to make them.
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Lol – Seems so, GP! I also like this model making. But I don’t have enough patience for something like that. 😉
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It might help alleviate some people’s boredom in this time of pandemic.
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Such nostalgic pictures and the incidents. Thank you for bringing this to us.
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My pleasure.
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The pilots and their skill in maneuvering that big craft were probably underappreciated. Thank you for another informative post, GP!
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Back then, they just figured, “Just doin’ my job, maam.”
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You are one of the first persons I followed when I came onto WordPress. I felt a connection with you (and still do), because of my family’s military background. ♥️ I’m so glad you are here!
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8 years, 3 months now. Good to see you again.
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Oh, wow! You’ve been on here a long time, and I’m so glad! I’ve been on here about 2 years. Thank you for shining the light on our military!
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I meant to say “thank you for shining a light on our military’s heroism!”
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Thank you kindly for the shout-out, GP! I’m sorry to be so late.
(blushes) I appreciate being included, although I think you already had most of this. Meaning that you are being very modest.
They really got creative in how to use the P-47 to best effect. It’s exciting to think about the plane diving from great heights, and then pulling back up.
Happy December. Hugs on the wing!
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I didn’t use the specific article you sent due to the fact that another blogger beat me to it, so I’m glad you approve of what I did put together!
Wishing you a ton of happiness for December 2020 and hope like heck that 2021 turns out better!!
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Excellent post! The 414th FG, flying P-47Ns, arrived at North Field on Iwo Jima on July 7th and flew their first strike mission Chi Chi Jima on July 13th. Before the end of the Pacific War, the 414th would fly several VLR strike missions against Japanese airfields and other installations, proving that the N model, with its increased fuel capacity and 165 gallon drop tanks could fly Very Long Range missions along with the P-51D Mustang. At high altitude, it was an incredibly nimble fighter and a very stable gun platform. At low altitudes, it was a brute in the ground attack role with its 8-50 cal machines and ability absorb a tremendous amount of damage and keep flying. Great airplane that served admirably in the Pacific Theater! Thanks again for posting this! Andy
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Andy, I greatly appreciate you bringing further info to the post. Having the readers do that helps to make it a blog created by everyone. Thank you!
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Nice painting and photographs…
Great post!
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Thank you very much.
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Most welcome Sir!
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There was one of these in the Tillamook Air Museum where I worked one year..ages ago. Such a fun craft!!!
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I’m glad I hit on one you know and like, Kris. Tell us more about the Tillamook Air Museum, when you have time.
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It was one of my favorite places to work and where I learned to appreciate nose art that wasn’t a piercing stud. I’d grown up with music from the era of WW2, fell in love with Pappy from Black Sheep Squadron, but when I got to actually see a real live corsair…Truly made history come alive!
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Your enthusiasm is so great to listen to!!
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Dusting and cleaning around clothing and what not used ages past and reading the bios of soldiers every day was always sobering and made me proud of the people of that time in a way I’d not ever thought of.
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I’m always telling the readers, the more I learn about that generation, the more amazed and intrigued I become.
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I temporarily have possession of a camera owned by an Aussie who flew Thunderbolts in WWII. One day I intend to do more research on him (R. K. Precians), but I can say he was from RAAF No 19 Pilots’ Course at No 5 Service Flying Training School in NSW and completed training on 23 June 1942. At one stage he was in Burma with No. 258 Squadron RAF flying THUNDERBOLT Mk1 HD133 (“Y”). Here is a newspaper page which will interest you:
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1108471?searchTerm=%22precians%22
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Don’t you just adore Trove? I used to be on it all the time, but now I can’t recall my password. I took a copy of the picture and will add it to the post. Thanks, Gwen!!
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GP You don’t need a password for Trove. https://trove.nla.gov.au/
Unless you wish to correct the text using your own name. I just do so as “Anonymous”.
You’ll see they have updated the website so takes a couple of goes to adjust to the new search facility. They are adding to it all the time. It’s not only for newspapers – although that is what you would use most of the time.
I am constantly using it for fact checking as I write my current manuscript.
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The newspapers is mainly what I wanted and it was years ago. I have no idea why I stopped going to that site. It truly is remarkable.
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I love the detail about the plane, but my thoughts run to the pilots, for without them the plane does nothing, and the way you describe them, they were not an easy machine in the conditions. Was privileged to see one at an aircraft display years ago, and saw one flying.
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That’s why our pilots received so much training. That gave us quite an edge over Japan as they ran out of experienced pilots.
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Another win/win.
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Heel goede informatie en dat ze de supersnelheid bij een aanval ook konden gebruiken om erg vlug te stijgen en zo aan de de vijand te ontsnappen zal wel veel kennis van de piloten gevraagd hebben
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Onze piloten kregen behoorlijk wat training. Dat gaf ons zeker een voorsprong op Japan, aangezien ze geen ervaren piloten meer hadden en geen tijd meer hadden om meer te trainen.
Dank je voor je bezoek, Mary Lou.
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That was a really interesting post, thank you. The P-47 always looked the part of being a very powerful killer. It’s interesting that the wings are elliptical, not unlike the Spitfire.
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You do know your aircraft and history, John! It amazes me that you are still interested here when I consider you far and above my skills.
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The P-47 was a tough warbird
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She sure was!!
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Reblogged this on depolreablesunite.
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Thank you, Rick.
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Super post, GP. My uncle flew P-38s, P47s, and P51s in Europe.
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Glad you liked it, John. Ordnance posts don’t always get the response that other posts do, but it’s all part of the history.
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True enough, GP.
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Nice writeup on the Jug, gpcox.
My user ID on many websites is P47koji. Now you many see why. 🙂
As a side note, Kearby was promoted to a staff position in the 5th AF but wanted to fly. Against all advice, he went back into the air. He was shot down as you reported. In detail, according to reports, he did manage to jump and parachute although wounded. He made it to the ground but died some time later from his wounds. Because he went down in enemy territory, his body couldn’t be recovered until after the war. It then took awhile for identification.
By the way, his brother was also KIA during the war; I sadly have forgotten his name but the two brothers are buried alongside one another.
A great generation.
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Thanks for the added information, Koji. It’s always good to get into the detailed account of each story. I’m glad the two brothers finally came to rest together.
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Great explanation of the P-47 role in the Pacific. Amazing that the United States was able to develop and produce many different fighter models for the army and navy/marines in a war that for us lasted less than four years.
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Back then, when the US put it’s mind to something, it worked as one unit and got things done.
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While I don’t know much about fighter planes, I was amazed at the amount of planes that could be taken on one carrier ship. It sounded to me like a good pilot was the key to success.
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Once American production kicked into gear, there was no stopping it! Good pilots made the world of difference!
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Enjoyable as usual, GP. Since I no longer read the news (or watch it), I have more time for interesting articles such as this.
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The news is all politics and pandemic – I keep saying – There’s more going on than that – I know there is!! So, I’m with you on NOT watching it.
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Great post, GP!
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Thanks, DC. I’m sure you knew all this before though.
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Nope, not all of it! 😉
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Good. I’m glad I’m not rehashing info you already knew.
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Interesting post, GP. I read somewhere but can’t remember where about P-47 being called Jug for juggernaut.
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I have read both explanations, that’s why I put it in the last paragraph. Thank you for reading the post, Rose.
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Nice post GP, I was just thinking you must have mentioned Regis Phil in in one of these posts.
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Sadly, Lloyd, Regis Philbin was in the Farewell Salutes in this post….
https://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/187th-rakkasans-part-3/
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Oh yeah I read that post. Great post.
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Thank you.
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The story of the Thunderbolt teaches one important lesson. If you cannot replace something that appears unacceptable at first, you must adapt to what is given to you. The American pilots apparently did well adapting to the plane they did not want for combat in the Pacific.
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I told Dan as well, when you read about any branch of the service during WWII, the trait of ingenuity always stands out!! They were something else!!
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Another advantage was that the P-47 used the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine. the same basic engine as the F4U Corsair and the F6F Helcat. Though all three used a different version of the R-2800.
If I am not mistaken. The P-47 was an “army” plane, the F4U a “marines” plane and the F6F, a “navy” plane, so maybe sharing mechanics was not much of an option – but one would hope that they played nice with sharing spare parts and logistics.
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Sharing was not a trait back then, especially in the Pacific. The generals and admirals had to beg, borrow, steal and demand for everything they got – so much went to Europe.
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It’s interesting to read the hows and whys about this planes success and problems, GP. Kudos to Teagan for suggesting it. Sometimes, you get what you need, sometimes, you get what’s available. I give great credit to the airmen who found ways to adapt their tactics and make this plane work in battle.
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That is one trait I found especially strong in the people from that generation – ingenuity!!
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Well said, Dan!
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I hope you have a P-38 post coming too! That’s my favorite WWII fighter. I loved seeing them fly over my house when I was a kid. They’re pretty rare nowadays.
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If you would enjoy reading about it, I’d be happy to get one together, Will. It is so great that I have people still interested in this era!
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Awesome! Looking forward to it, GP!
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Happy to hear that!
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Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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Thank you, John.
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You are welcome.
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I learned alot about reading this post. I loved the cartoon too. Great way to start a rainy Monday.
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Rainy, really? We’re sunny and 83*F. Can’t wait for tomorrow morning – they’re predicting high 50’s!! I hope they’re not just getting my hopes up!
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it’s supposed to be only in the 40s, sunny and very windy here. I may have to break out my winter coat (I’ve been making do with various weight sweat shirts.)
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I like wearing winter clothes.
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Me too. What constitutes winter clothes in FL? A long sleeved t-shirt?
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Nowadays, yes I suppose that’s right. When I first moved here 50 years ago, we had days in the 20’s and 30’s. It was bad for the farmers though. Now we have nothing but heat and most of the farmers are gone.
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I hate so see farms give way to urban spread. It happens all over the country. People may disagree on climate change but most people would agree that high density urban areas are heat magnets.
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A main problem here is that our aquifer is so close to populated areas, top real-estate, it’s really tough trying to keep that area open!!
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“Trust me” – a phrase I use quite often too haha😝
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Don’t ya just love it?! 😉
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Absolutely!! Chuckles and thanks for the laughs GP. It is nice after reading the stiff serious historical piece that readers get to laugh at the end. I appreciate it.
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Had to think for a minute on what that funny was showing me. Too funny! Interesting article.
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Glad you got a smile out of it!!
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I sure enjoyed finding Smitty’s stories in the new “Soldiers’ Stories: A Collection of WWII Memoirs” Volume II!
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I am so happy you liked them, Joy. His “Jungle Juice” letter was in Volume 1. It is very exciting to see his letters in print like that!.
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You have pique my curiosity. I had this on one of my WWII blogs GP.
https://athabaskang07.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/the-mexican-201st-fighter-squadron-part-three/
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Wish I had remembered you did this post. I should have known you would have something on it!!
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No senior’s moment GP…
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I’ve been getting too many of those lately.
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You should not worry about them. It means you are still alive.
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Thanks for making me feel better!!
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Like many people, I know a little about most fighter aircraft used during WW2. But generally I don’t consider things like handling characteristics, or suitability for one role over another. This was a very interesting explanation of the strengths and drawbacks of the Thunderbolt. Thanks, GP.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you very much, Pete. I’m glad you found it interesting.
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Thank you very much.
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Thank you.
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