[caww]

Photo of 78th Fighter Squadron pilots who participated in the April 7, 1945 Very Long Range (VLR) Escort Mission. This was the first time AAF fighters flew over Japan.

This picture was taken on April 8, 1945 the day after our first mission. (Jerry Yellin)

(( My gosh look at the size of these men...absolutely gorgeous MEN!))

[caww]

After a hot shower at "Ye Olde Iwo Jima Spa", pilots soak for ten minutes in improvised galvanized tubs filled with natural salt and sulfur water from a well on Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands.