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Retired Col. Steve Pisanos, a World War II ace who was decorated by four nations, has died, his family confirmed through the San Diego Air and Space Museum on June 9. Pisanos was 96. Born in Athens, Greece, Pisanos [sometimes spelled Pissanos] came to the United States in 1938. He joined the British Royal Air Force in 1941 and served with an Eagle Squadron until American members were absorbed by the US Army Air Forces 4th Fighter Group. Pisanos was then commissioned a USAAF lieutenant. On May 3, 1942, Pisanos became an American citizen during a ceremony in London, England,...

HAMPTON — 1st Lt. William S. Marchant of Newport News was killed on June 10, 1944, when his fighter plane was shot down over a small town in France. It was the fourth day of the operation that began with the D-Day landing at Normandy. Marchant was 23 years old. The Germans came upon the wreckage, but they didn't take Marchant away. Their message to the French villagers: Do whatever you want with the body. A carpenter in the village built a coffin. Others carefully prepared the body for burial. In a village wracked by war and still under the...

At least 25 bombers being escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen over Europe during World War II were shot down by enemy aircraft, according to a new Air Force report. The report contradicts the legend that the famed black aviators never lost a plane to fire from enemy aircraft...

The P-47 recovered from a lake up in Austria was assinged to the 9th AF, 405th Grp, 511th Sq, the unit to which I was a member. On October 15th 1944 I was assinged to this aircraft and subsequently flew 39 missions in it of my total 76. a friend in the unit offered to paint a pinup on it with "Dottie Mae" my wife at the time next to it. Although I picked up shrapnel on several occassions, the aircraft brought me through the war without a scratch. I was able to put in 22 years with the military...

LAVANNES, France — The gesture was simple and unbidden. With two weathered fingers, French farmer Marcel Jonoux softly touched the lined forehead of Los Angeles amateur artist Gustave "Bud" Plochere. "Ah, bon," Jonoux said, tracing an old wound. "C'est bon." It was the second time the two men were meeting. This encounter Saturday was graced with laughter and storytelling, champagne toasts and an exchange of gifts. Dominique Dutartre, mayor of Lavannes, made Plochere an honorary citizen. Plochere presented Jonoux with a plaque. Each man thanked the other, and in the way of men who have seen so much, there were...

THE MEXICAN EXPEDITIONARY AIR FORCE IN WORLD WAR II THE ORGANIZATION, TRAINING, AND OPERATIONS OF THE 201st SQUADRON The Mexican Expeditionary Air Force is Mexico's only military organization that saw combat overseas in World War II. This organization and its operational unit, the 201st Squadron, were part of the Allied forces that battled against the Axis in the South West Pacific Area. However, there are few history works that mention the participation of this unit. Hence, the history of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force is not well known. The Mexican Expeditionary Air Force was part of the Allied forces in...

(google translate) Thunderbolt elevated - new pictures 13.06.2005 - 21:10 Uh r In the later in the afternoon hours, the Thunderbolt an American combat aircraft could be saved. The combat flier returned nearly intact again to the water surface and on particularly a wood rack intended for it was deposited. Up to the damage of the crash, he remained well preserved to some extent in the 60 years at the trusting sea-reason. As was to be experienced from press reports, it was to be reconditioned in Austria and then into the USA to be transferred. The salvage work remained secret...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. Welcome to "Warrior Wednesday" Where the Freeper Foxhole introduces a different...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

Dear Lord, There's a young man far from home, called to serve his nation in time of war; sent to defend our freedom on some distant foreign shore. We pray You keep him safe, we pray You keep him strong, we pray You send him safely home ... for he's been away so long. There's a young woman far from home, serving her nation with pride. Her step is strong, her step is sure, there is courage in every stride. We pray You keep her safe, we pray You keep her strong, we pray You send her safely home...