Ernie P.

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We called it the "Oscar", BTW. Thanks; Ernie P.

Ram-bro

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and wow!! that was fast and yes you are correct. So how did you know this?

Ernie P.

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A long time ago, in high school I believe, I read something in one of those Ballantine books about how the IJN Zero, for all the reputation it carried, wasn't the big killer of Allied planes. The most successful Japanese plane was an Army plane, known as the Oscar. IIRC; the two planes were very close on performance specs. Anyhow, it only took a second to look up the correct designation. Thanks; Ernie P.

Ernie P.

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Okay; if I'm up again, I have a different kind of question. This one is about a WWII American pilot; and it's somewhat of a puzzle. All the pieces you should need are below. Good luck.

1. He has legitimately been called the greatest ace this country ever produced.

2. Almost all of his victories were in a span of just over 40 days; while flying under harsh conditions and against heavy odds.

3. Had he not been pulled out of combat, he would very probably be our highest scoring ace.

4. His biggest aerial victory was as a combat leader; not only as a pilot.

5. He was, of course, awarded the MOH.

Who was he?

One final hint: He was a friend of mine. I once asked him if his bird shooting skills, learned as a boy, taught him how to instinctively "lead" an enemy plane. He looked at me for a moment and then replied "Ernie; I don't know if I was that good a shot as a pilot. I just stuck those machine guns right up their ass and pulled the trigger". I still miss him. Thanks; Ernie P.

hugger-4641

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Was it Joseph Jacob Foss?

Ernie P.

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You bet it was! 23 victories in 41 days; three more on one day; who can doubt what he might have done; had the brass not decided he was too valuable to risk losing? I knew it was an easy question; but I want to make sure Joe's memory is fresh. His MOH citation is below. And, you are up. Thanks; Ernie P.

For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Executive Officer of a Marine Fighting Squadron, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from October 9 to November 19, 1942, Captain Foss personally shot down twenty-three Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On January 15, 1943, he added three more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on January 25, Captain Foss led his eight F4F Marine planes and four Army P-38s into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that four Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.

hugger-4641

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I would loved to have talked with him. There was a fellow here in my town who flew p-51's and p-47's and also got to fly a couple hours in a captured zero. He passed away about ten years ago, I sure miss talking with him.

Ok here's another easy one.

What was considered the most important and secret component of an American bomber?
Hint- this was to be destroyed before ditching the plane and several planes were destroyed after crash landings to keep this from falling into enemy hands.

Ram-bro

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norden bombsight

hugger-4641

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You got it Rambro, you're up again.

Ram-bro

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Thanks, this will be all visual. What plane is this?

hugger-4641

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IAR 80?

Ram-bro

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nope, butt this did fly and fight in the war

lrb75

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Ram-bo is the picture and the three view even the same plane? The picture the gear retracts inward and the three view aft into the wing.

lrb75

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The pic is the Curtis Wright CW-21. I see you pulled the pics and the 3-view from wikipedia. I don't think the 3-view is of the same plane.

lrb75

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Little better 3-view. Same planform but something is wrong with the gear on the three view you posted Ram-bro

Ernie P.

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Joe Foss was really one of a kind; right up to the end. If you ever get the chance to talk to one of these guys, take full advantage. Ask open ended questions like "what did you think..."; "what was it like..." etc. Get them to talking and you'll learn a lot. They were special. Some years ago, I was in Chicago, I think. I went down to the hotel bar for a drink. I noticed a lot of older gentlemen gathered around talking, and heard one of them say something about "nobody remembers", or something to that effect. Then I noticed the "8th Air Force Reunion" poster and it all clicked. I called the bartender aside and told him the next round was on me. He announced the next round was free for all the veterans. As I was slipping out, I heard him say "That's the guy over there". One of the vets called out "Thanks"; and I turned back to the room and told them "Some of us still remember; and are very grateful for what you did. It is I who owe you. Thank you all". Well, it was a late night before I got back to my room. What a great bunch of guys. Thanks; Ernie P.

Ram-bro

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IRb75, your right in that *** is a Curtis wright 21. They had at least 2 versions and thewheels in the later version retracted inward as opposed to rearward i the earlier version. You have the podium

lrb75

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What was the first cargo plane used by the allies that was designed so you could drive cargo on and off? It wasn't the first as the ME321 or ME323 did predate it and it the plane never really saw service. One is still on display at a museum.

Ernie P.

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Well, the famous (or infamous) Spruce Goose was designed to carry either passengers (750 fully equipped troops) or cargo; which could include a pair of Sherman tanks. It never saw service; and it does sit in a museum. Thanks; Ernie P.

YOADRIAN

How about the Bristol 170 Freighter.

lrb75

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Earlier than both those guesses.

lrb75

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To follow up on the spruce goose it was designed and flown later than the plane I have in mind. However I have no idea what the loading methods intended for the goose were. Anyone know?

YOADRIAN

OK lets take it farther back how about Fairchild C-82 packet.

lrb75

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Nope earlier in the war

uncljoe

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Was it the Centipede (Many wheels) looking a/c ..... Bv ??