[jim]

Of all the US pilots of WW11 Bud is the one I would most like to meet. I envy you sir.

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I love the story about the ground crew staying awake all night to strip the summer camo off of Old Crow for the winter natural look.

[mustangdriver]

Mr. Anderson is a very down to earth guy. His son is very nice as well. Bud loves to sign autographs, and talk about flying. Now here is something that will start a discussion,as it has in the past. As many of you know, I had the honor of meeting Gen. Chuck Yeager last year at Oshkosh. I have to say that I was treated very nice by him, and his wife Victoria.

[parsig9]

I chose others b/c mine is Robert S. Johnson(28). Sure wish they'd make his T-bolt. Highly recommend his book Thunderbolt. He may be one of your favs too.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by parsig9

I chose others b/c mine is Robert S. Johnson(28). Sure wish they'd make his T-bolt. Highly recommend his book Thunderbolt. He may be one of your favs too.

I have the book too.
It's a great book to read and highly recommened.
I thought somebody did make his P-47 at one time.
It might of been a plastic model i saw.
JP

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by parsig9

I chose others b/c mine is Robert S. Johnson(28). He may be one of your favs too.

As I first clapped eyes on this thread & looked at the names on the poll, I was MORTIFIED to see no Robert Johnson (who was my automatic choice) in amongst the list of ten.

Couldn't understand why - as his score alone, puts him above SEVEN of the named men on the list.

Still can't see why he's grouped in amongst the also-rans ?

In Zemke's autobiography, he especially mentions Johnson's marksmanship & the fact that the ground crew confirm, that he is 'economical' with his ammunition expenditure & his camera gun footage reveals (against F.W.190's) how deadly he is.

Thankfully - arriving at (what is currently) the tail end of the thread.....& Parsig9 (Good Man) puts in a strong vote & a ' heads up ' for those unfamiliar with R.S.J......... (now, it's doubled !).

For those who don't have the book, & want a quick potted history - on a web page - there's a excellent tribute & F.16 'farewell' to the main man himself, on the following link............

http://home.att.net/~C.C.Jordan/Johnson.html


Also I'd like to respectfully mention Marion Carl - Marine F.4F Wildcat Ace ( 18.5 kills) who was making an impact, at a time when the Allies were always Reeling against repeated Axis gains/victories.

[stalag8611]

Chuck Yeager. The guy did it all, with class.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Robert johnson is now on the poll list.
JP

[panzercommander]

IMO Jimmy Thach without a doubt. Only 6 victories but they were against the cream of the Japanese Navy at a crucial moment in the Pacific War. Also, his beam defense strategy (aka Thach Weave) did more to advance aerial tactics and save lives than shooting down any number of enemy planes. Outstanding leader too.

[Warhawk]

I had to vote others since 'Tex" Hill wasn't on the list. He is a super nice guy and was my guest last weekend for our airshow.

Tim

[Migmauler]

Being from Wild, Wonderful West Virginia it's got to be Chuck Yeager.