[valleygal]

Here is the history of the missing man formation. It began when British pilots did it to show respect at the funeral of the Red Baron, Von Richthofen.

http://www.oldglorytraditions.com/missingmanhistory.htmn

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks! I don't remember seeing in the AF until the Vietnam War. There is a beautiful memorial to the Missing Man at the AF Museum at Wright-Patt. First time I saw it at Wright-Patt, it was to honor those that were killed in Vietnam along with the MIA's at an air show and I remember the pilot pealing off and heading into the clouds as they had the words to High Flight broadcast on the speakers.

I had been to airshows before that but it wasn't done then.

Glad to know the history.