414th Fighter Group Republic P-47N's began operations from Iwo Jima in July 1945. While on a shake-down mission, this one spun into a hill and killed the pilot.....rightly stated..."What a price you have to pay for freedom. I just wish this generation had the pride this one did!"
A Boeing B-29 Superfortress and North American P-51 "Mustangs" burn furiously on a runway at Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands. The B-29, which was returning from a bombing mission on 24. April 1945, developed engine trouble over the island, and, while attempting to make an emergency landing, crashed into nine P-51s parked on the runway. Four of the Mustangs were destroyed and five were damaged. The bomber was from the 39th Bomb Squadron, 504th Bomb Group, 313th Bomb Wing, based on Tinian, Marianas Islands.
