[flyXwire]

Welcome to the forum, Jim. Thanks for the information and it's a great read.

[lanslide]

My father bought the Marushin Yamamoto Betty bomber a few years ago but ran out of room at his home to keep it. I have been the custodian of it and don't want to give it back now! Sorry dad - don't think because you are a member of this diecast forum you can get it back now! LOL

[Ara1]

Someday this diecast will be available again, would make a nice display with FM's P-38.

[lanslide]

That would be great - Rex Barber's "Miss Virginia" P-38 Lightning! But you do realize that he flew the more streamlined early model P-38G on the Yamamato Mission? We would need a completely new mold for this version. Thanks, dad, for posting the historical background. The history is half the fun of collecting these things. Maybe there could be a dedicated "Research" section on this forum for information that enhances our knowledge of our collections like this.

[dragon53]

Mr. Lansdale:

Thanks very much for the comprehensive info.
One last question: is there still a chance that an appeal can be made in the future so that Barber is OFFICIALLY credited for the kill---or is it beyond hope?

[lanslide]

Sorry dragon53 - did you get more information than you expected?! This subject is of particular interest to us Lansdales.

[dragon53]

LANSLIDE:

That is very comprehensive info you provided. Years ago, I read a book and an AIR & SPACE SMTHSONIAN article about the Yamamoto downing and your info refreshed my memory.

Do you think there might be an appeal in the future to officially credit Barber?

[djjeffhall]

Wow, all I can say is welcome to the forum and thanks so much for taking the time to post. That is some great reading. I still find it amazing how much time and effort goes into something like this.

[Jim Lansdale]

Thanks to all for the cordial welcome!
Contrary to what Chris (my son, "Lanslide") has stated, he is only "storing" my Marushin diecast of the YAMAMOTO Betty... it ain't his yet!

For Dragon 53:

The Second Yamamoto Mission Association (SYMA) still maintains a web site and you may go there for the latest efforts to complete their mission ... to gain Rex BARBER the official recognition by the USAF as the only man who should be credited for the YAMAMOTO Betty victory. There have been several court hearings and USAF reviews ... none have ended in achieveing the goal of SYMA!

For the latest news regarding SYMA's efforts GO TO > SYMA.

HTH

Jim Lansdale

CreditL http: //www.syma.org

[bsmith13]

Thanks for posting this, and welcome to the boards! From the things I've read, Thomas Lanphier was always kind of a jerk (not just regarding credit for Yamamoto). Rex Barber certainly deserves credit for his accomplishments.