My cousin Albert P. Muska was with the 12th Air Force, 83rd Bombardment Group. He died on a routine mission 11/3/1943 from Gerbini to La Marsa on a B-25. I was wondering if anyone had photos of him or one of his planes.
Heinkel Wulf, e-mail, 24.03.2018 11:02
The gunship versions of this beautiful machine are easily my favorite. If I'm not mistaken, with the exception of the Piaggio P.108 with it's 105mm nose cannon, the B-25 was the most heavily armed bomber of the war when it's 75mm Sherman tank cannon was combined with it's 18 50 cal's. Too bad those weren't available for the Doolitle raid. I imagine they would've made quite an impression. Of course, they would've lacked the range to deploy from as far as they did from the available carriers, but it's still fun to use one's imagination.
william J. Harvey, e-mail, 12.02.2016 18:24
Hi: I have 1171 Pilot Hours in the B-25, mostly in the Straight Stack. I am trying to get a hearing aid from the VA, but I need information on the decibel level in the Cockpit. I flew out of Lowry and Sheppard for the Photo School and Radar Navigation Training School. Graduated 49-C from Barksdale AFB. I do not think any of the present VA employees know what a Straight Stack B-25 is, I left enough of them on the runway's at Lowry.
Charles Herrmann, e-mail, 23.05.2015 04:59
The B-25 was very dear to me, I earned my wings as a United States Air Force navigator in 1953 flying in the B-25 and then in 1957 completed USAF pilot training, flying the B-25. One of the reasons why I have hearing problems now is from spending so much time in the '25 what with the sound level in the cockpit and nose measured at 95 decibels. Nevertheless, I still have fond memories of my days in the B-25, a great aircraft!!
Pat Daily, e-mail, 11.02.2015 18:10
I was a Flight Mech. (Flt. Engineer) on TB-25Js at Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY in 1954 through 1958. We had four B-25s, tail # 818, 881 and two others. Do any of you know the other two tail #s and are any of these "birds" still around? Pat Daily
George Haloulakos, CFA, e-mail, 25.06.2014 21:47
A detailed account on how the PBJ version of the B-25 Mitchell [i.e., operated by the USMC] was the difference maker in the Pacific Theater during WWII is featured in chapter 5 of my new book. This is an integral part of USMC aviation history.
HIGH FLIGHT Aviation as a Teaching Tool for Finance, Strategy and American Exceptionalism By George A. Haloulakos, MBA, CFA ISBN: 9780-1007-2738-0 Order your copy online at: ucsandiegobookstore.com Or by phone: 858-534-4557 “Partial proceeds support aviation heritage”
Phil Marchese, e-mail, 30.03.2014 17:25
The Far East Air Forces developed the C1; D1; G1; H1 and J1 commerce straffers with added forward 50 cals ( deleting the75mm on the G & H. The NAA designed the D2; G-12 and J2 versions. The J2 nose kit could fit the C/D and G/H also and that was done in limited quantities along with many early J series.
Phil Marchese, e-mail, 30.03.2014 17:17
I am familar with Bill's Delight of the 48BS. Without checking, I recall it as Bill Legget's original plane lost with Ostronick's crew on Detached Service to Saipan. The 48th ended the war at Kadena Okinawa.
sheldon, e-mail, 09.02.2014 15:47
2004. Dana Point, CA. Art show. Paintings of B-25s in flight. Including the takeoff from the Hornet. I meet the artist, a WWII B-25 pilot. USAAF. Pacific theater. He tells me stories of missions flown, 1944,1945. Awesome airplane. Magnificent airmen. Bless them all.
J.B. Riley, e-mail, 29.01.2014 04:35
I flew in the last class that went through B-25's at Enid AFB, Oklahoma and ferried the last ones to Arizona for moth-balling in 1965.
DAN MERNIT, e-mail, 29.05.2013 04:27
7th Af,47thBG,41st mediums.crew member on h and j.Had the back door.Was the armorer gunner.No other plane like it in the war ,or the world.
Mark, e-mail, 20.09.2012 17:44
B-25
Πρόκειται για ένα βομβαρδιστικό μεσαίου τύπου, απόγονο του παλαιότερου XB-21, κατασκευασμένο στην Αμερική, το οποίο χρησιμοποιήθηκε από αρκετές δυνάμεις των Συμμάχων σε όλα τα θέατρα του Δευτέρου Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου, καθώς και μετά το τέλος του πολέμου και για περίπου τέσσερις δεκαετίες. Παρουσιάστηκε το 1941 και το όνομά του το πήρε προς τιμή του στρατηγού Billy Mitchell, ο οποίος θεωρείται ως ο "πατέρας" των δυνάμεων αέρα στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες και είναι ο πιο γνωστός ιδρυτής των αεροπορικών δυνάμεων της χώρας. Είναι ο μόνος άνθρωπος στην Αμερική προς τιμή του οποίου ονομάστηκε στρατιωτικό αεροσκάφος. Συνολικά παράχθηκαν περίπου 10.000 B-25 σε πολλές εκδόσεις Είχε πλήρωμα 6 ανδρών, μήκος 16 μέτρων, άνοιγμα πτερυγίων 20.6 μέτρα, μέγιστη ταχύτητα 442 χλμ/ώρα, ακτίνα δράσης 2.170χλμ και μπορούσε να μεταφέρει μέγιστο φορτίο πυρομαχικών 2.700 κιλά. Ήταν εξοπλισμένο με 12-18 πολυβόλα μισής ίντσας (12.7 χιλ), τα οποία σε επόμενες εκδόσεις αντικαταστάθηκαν από τα πιο βελτιωμένα πολυβόλα M2 και M3. Εκτός από εκδόσεις βομβαρδιστικού, παράχθηκε και σε εκδόσεις εκπαιδευτικού αλλά και για το ναυτικό. Η τελευταία του έκδοση ήταν η B-25J
Η πρώτη αποστολή στην οποία έγινε ευρύτερα γνωστό ήταν στην Επιχείρηση Doolittle Raid στις 18 Απριλίου του 1942, η οποία αποτέλεσε την πρώτη αεροπορική επίθεση της Αμερικής στην Ιαπωνία. 16 B-25B απογειώθηκαν από το USS Hornet και βομβάρδισαν στόχους στο εσωτερικό της Ιαπωνίας, τέσσερις μήνες μετά την επίθεση στο Περλ Χάρμπορ. Επίσης, στις 28 Ιουλίου του 1945, ένα B-25 προσέκρουσε στον πύργο του Empire State στη Νέα Υόρκη σκοτώνονας 14 άτομα. Αυτή τη στιγμή διασώζονται πάνω από 100 B-25, τα περισσότερα από αυτά σε μουσεία στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες
DAN, e-mail, 06.09.2012 03:57
THERE WAS NOTHING BETTER IN THE AIR THAN THE 25.WENT OUT 72 TIMES.MISSIONS AND SORTIES.DITCHED ONE ,GOT ANOTHER.ANY ?`S
Harlan Cooper, e-mail, 09.04.2012 17:58
My Dad, Lt. Robert M. Cooper was navigator in B-25s in the Pacific. The nose of his plane took a hit by a 40 mm shell Dec 26, 1944 in a night attack on a Jap destroyer near Mindoro. The hit took out the hydraulic system and most of Pop's leg. Miraculously, I can't imagine how, the plane made it back to safety. The war was over for him - he made it back to the USA with what was left of his leg and a DFC. The rest of the crew flew again, only to crash and be captured in China where they were all beheaded.
If you haven't seen R.E. Peppy Blount's book, "We Band of Brothers," you should. He told a gripping story of his piloting Air Apaches (B-25 strafers) in the Pacific. He later became the youngest member ever elected to the Texas Legislature. At amazon.com -- We Band of Brothers by R. E. Peppy Blount (Hardcover - May 1984)
Logan O'Leary, e-mail, 31.03.2012 00:55
the person this plane is named after is my step great great great great uncle
John Shaw, e-mail, 12.03.2012 19:47
I flew 65 missions in B25's during 1944-to 1945. Our main base was North Africa and Corsica. One of our favorite "NON" operational trips was to Cairo to stockup wine beer and socialize.
Tommie Bailey, e-mail, 16.02.2012 18:45
I flew the B-25 in advanced training school in La Junta,Colorado in 1944. I can still hear the cracking sound of the engines on a cold Colorado morning. Great plane and a joy to pilot. Left the B-25 for transition to the B-26 in Del Rio, Texas--still love the Mitchell
Johnny, e-mail, 21.01.2012 09:44
The B-25 is one of my favorite aircraft and I've got to see several flying examples at various air shows etc, and at museums,it was a well made aircraft and well liked,and as we all know made famous by Gen.Doolittle ! Great aircraft and great mwn who fly and crewed them, Much thanks all Veterans for what you did for us during WW-2 it is Very much appreciated !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I make leather Squadron/Group patches ,USAAF/USN/USMC.
Ed Kopordc, e-mail, 15.01.2012 19:18
I flew them in pilot training at Reese AFB in 1957-58. I still remember the noise! At that time, the group commander was Col. Travis Hoover, the pilot of the No. 2 plane off the Hornet.
John Irwin, e-mail, 24.11.2011 21:23
I have a few flights as co-pilot. Out base ops at Perrin had 2 B-25s and base ops personnel were checked out in them. When they needed a co-pilot, they would grab any of us jet jocks that wereavailable. Base ops guys, stuck in recips, hated us jet pilots and most of them treated us like dirt. "Just sit there and shut up" was the order of the day. Still, growing up during WW II, I was pleased to get in a B-25, my favorite plane as a kid.
Gary Bailey, e-mail, 08.11.2011 00:59
I am from Presque Isle,Maine & joined the Marines in 1955 but recall the f-89 scorpion flying about.Quite a scene.Also during ww-2 recall the sky full of planes taking off for Europe flying out over my house in Fairview acres
gary Bailey, e-mail, 08.11.2011 00:50
My brother Parker E Bailey Jr. was a gunner on the b-25 in the Rabaul area.Squardon 423.He passed a way a few years ago.As far as I know he wasnt aware of reunions.I have a picture that was in his possesion of Nick Lucarelli,Long Island,NY.My brother wrote on the reverse side"He went down one night in the Pacific ocean.I did not see him again until at the slope shut in El Toro.I have the picture of Nick standing in front of a B-25.I would like to give this picture to him 0r one of hia relatives.My E-mail is madtownmarine@yahoo.com.Regards Gary bailey
bombardier, e-mail, 25.05.2011 09:39
The B-25G and H had a 75mm cannon and 14 machine-guns by far the heaviest armament fitted to a bomber during WW2
Raymond Scott, e-mail, 22.04.2011 21:03
I have been researching the military history of my uncle, 2nd Lt. Raymond C Ostronik, who piloted a B-25G named Bill's Delight II. He served with the 48th Bombardment Squadron in the Central Pacific flying from Apamama, Makin and finally Saipan before he was shot down over Guam in August 1944. I am amazed at the transformations in the armament and use of this incredible aircraft over the coourse of the war. I am interested in any information available on the 47th and 48th Bomb Squadrons during 1944.
Jesse J. Craddock, e-mail, 10.04.2011 01:26
I was an Advanced Flying instructor in B-25s for 11 months before going to combat in Italy.I had over 1000 hours in the B-25 before I flew 46 Missions. An easy aircraft to fly, no bad characteristics and was reliable --and could "take a beating". I also flew it home to the USA as did many others. 321Bomb Group 447 Bomb Sq. 12th A.F.
John Irwin, e-mail, 08.04.2011 06:55
I have a few B-25 flights as co-pilot and a number of flights as passenger. Base Ops at Perrin had 2 B-25s and whenever they needed a co-pilot, they would grab anyone at the fighter squadron who was not flying at the moment. It is one noisy beast. At that time I had never flown multi-engine and it felt terribly heavy and awkward to me. I later flew C-119 and C-123 and appreciated the B-25 a lot more.
ric bradshaw, e-mail, 19.03.2011 20:20
My father, William "Brad" H Bradshaw was a B-25 Mitchell pilot with the 13th Airforce, 390th Bomb Group,42nd Bomb(medium)from 1943-1944 flying over 56 missions...I have all his logs...mostly against Rabaul from Stirling island (not much of an island just long enough for a runway). He is 94 and still sharp as a tack...and finally telling me what he experienced. An amazing man..I am trying to have him add some stuff to this site...as well as preserve his detailed records for posterity. He loved the Mitchell but finally got to fly the A-26 at the end of the war ..that was his favorite plane. God bless their generation..the likes of which we will probably never see again.
Ben Beekman, e-mail, 04.03.2011 04:49
Using the twin-engine B-25 instead of conventionasl single-engine carrier planes was what made the 1942 Doolittle raid on Tokyo possible. The Japanese mainland forces had been alerted by radio signals from one of their picket boats which was at sea about 700-800 miles east of Tokyo. The picket boat, having sighted the American force, was sunk by gunfire but not before it had radioed a warning of "three" American carriers (two, actually, Hornet and Enterprise) approaching Japan. Thinking the carriers would have to close to within 300 miles before launching their planes, which the Japanese assumed would be single-engine, short radius of action types, the Japanese thought they had plenty of time to get ready for the anticipated attack. They had no idea that an aircraft carrier could launch long-range twin-engine bombers requiring take-off distances far in excess of the length available on a carrier. Neither did they know Doolittle's fliers had trained in take off distances of 500-700 feet under the tutelage of the navy. The Hornet, racing into a 25 knot headwind at 30 knots, could and did launch all 16 bombers successfully (but ahead of schedule) taking the forewarned Japanese by surprise. After dropping their bombs on Tokyo, though, the B-25's lacked enough fuel to make it to the intended airfields in China. All the planes except one which landed safely in Vladivostok were lost. Of the crewmen who went on the mission most returned to the U.S. except for the survivors of two crashed aircraft who were later captured by the Japanese.
Don Kaiser, e-mail, 02.03.2011 01:52
The B-25 was a very important aircraft in the Middle East, North Africa, and Mediterranean during WWII. There were 5 USAAF bombardment groups (BG) that used this aircraft for tactical and strategic bombing missions. They were the 12th, 310th, 319th, 321st, and 340th BG. Perform a google search for B-25 Mitchell Medium Bombardment Groups of the MTO.
W. Kernaghan, e-mail, 18.02.2011 02:24
Helped assemble B-25s at the KCK plant in 1942. Many fond memories doing the electrical wiring of the center section.
Then got drafted for WWII in Europe. That Channel storm was really rough. Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, etc.
David Fish, e-mail, 10.02.2011 00:16
My father was a PBJ-1 pilot assigned to Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-611 (MAG-32, MAGSZAM), Moret Field, Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. He flew 25 combat missions in both the PBJ-1D and PBJ-1J models. He and his crew went MIA 30 May 1945 during a strike on Kibawe Trail, flying PBJ-1J "MB 11".
As a member of the CAF, SoCal Wing, we are restoring the only official PBJ-1J (BuNo 35857) existing today.
Jerry Zeilman, e-mail, 08.01.2011 01:28
As a 13 yesrold living in Kansas City, KS I used to set on the bluffs above Fairfax Field and watch new B-25s taking off. I never emagined 11 years later I would be stationed at Vance AFB( 52 - 54)and be crew chief and flight engineer on a TB-25L (914). Like Dick Adams, I read Hattensteins book and reminisced my days at Vance.
Dick Adams, e-mail, 06.01.2011 03:16
I also was at Vance AFB, Enid OK from 1949-1952 and a Flight Engineer on TB-25J's. I bought the book "Behind the Copilot Seat" read it in one sitting, found my experiences very similar to those of C.P. Hattenstein, post 27.02.2010. The best, most informative years of my life.
Bob Stangier, e-mail, 20.12.2010 05:24
I flew 70 missions out of Corsica and northern Italy 1044-45. The B-25 probably kept me alive as it was indestructable.
John Setser, e-mail, 14.12.2010 00:58
My first assignment in the AF was Waco, Texas working in the Inspection Dock on B-25's. Dock chief was MSGT Oliver. Don't remember any other names. The B-25 was used in the Navigator training program along with the T-29's. Spent several months on the 25's then transferred to the T-29's.
Larry Bell, e-mail, 04.12.2010 17:50
In 1958 the B-25 was used at James Connally AFB in Waco TX as a trainer to transition navigators to the RIO position in the F-89 interceptors which were also at James Connally. Went from there to the 76th FIS at McCoy AFB at Orlando as a RIO in F-89H and J in1958-1960.
a.casais, e-mail, 24.11.2010 13:55
This one is another of my favorites planes, and i think is the one to do everything even a "X-Files" history. That happen over the monanghela river(i think) or Ohio river around Pittsburgh, PA, when a B-25 felt down in the river, a very close night and never ever was found,is like was vanished.Everybody said over there was a special transporting operation with some kind of weird staff from....you know what i mean.This is so famous, is a big mural with a painting of event at the shore of the river.Cool!!!!
Phil Stromowsky, e-mail, 05.11.2010 03:56
I had the privilege of flying the B-25 in flight school (Class 56-Q) out of Vance AFB in Enid, OK. A great experience in a classic airplane.
Joe A Meeker, e-mail, 02.11.2010 21:14
Flew them at Vance AFB back in 1956 (56-I) Aviation Cadets...we may have been the last Cadets there. A great aircraft, easy to fly,land & takeoff. Good practice for my next one, the Douglas B-26.
R.J. Parker, e-mail, 19.10.2010 07:06
My dad Jim Parker was co-pilot on plane #9 on the Doolittle Raid, April 18, 1942. Although this plane was lost, I have his letters about this aircraft, and what a great piece of equipment he said it was. He piloted more time in the B-26 in North Africa, but always loved the B-25 the best. Natives of his small home town still speak of times he would buzz the town in the B-25.
Dallas Smith, e-mail, 16.10.2010 19:48
I was in the 76th FIS flying F-89s at Presque Isle. (56-57) I managed a flight or 2 in the B-25. What a beast! I felt like I was on my front porch trying to fly my house.
alex, e-mail, 28.09.2010 01:37
Mar. 12, 1945 Harry and I were out looking for a way ward milk cow. Our job was to pasture the cows and get them ready for milking. yesterday elements of the 41st. Div. invaded Zamboanga city on the mainland of Mindanao, Philippines. We were on Basilan Island 10 miles south of Zamboanga. The cow seemed to be heading towards my Fathers sawmill 1 mile south from where we were. we were walking along foot paths on each side of the the Provincial road as it was paved with crushed rocks and we were bare footed as our shoes had long ago wore out. All of a sudden the road exploded with a horrendous noise with rock splinters flying all over the place. Harry dove to the right and I jumped to the left. As I was airborne I saw the tell tale twin rudders of the B-25. We have been watching 2 B-25s and 2 PT boats obliterate the town of Isabela. We had just been strafed by 2 B-25s luckily we were not hurt. In 1954 My wife and I with our 2 children immigrated to the United States. I hired into North American Aviation in 1956. When asked by my fellow employees why I hired in to NAA . Told them the storey of the strafing that while I was airborne I swore I would get even. so now I am working for NAA. Through the years I researched the Libraries and later the internet to identify the unit it was the MAG.61 PBJ Marine Bombers specifically the VMB-611 Lt. Col. George A Sarles commanding and was stationd Moret field Zamboanga. I communicated with Jim Collins a member of the unit until 1994, Jim stopped answering my e-mails and we lost touch. Via con Dios Jim.
Col.Mitchell Striker, 18.09.2010 14:16
To remember those B25J Mitchell Bombers and flight crew's airmen that have gave their lives for freedum. I will build a B25J Mitchell of approx 16lbs and to be a RC flying devise system. Will build that fully scale replica project of a (Special hystorycal squadron) for to be presented to elementary school students class on hystorical presentation and to be never forgot ...
Maynard Wedul, e-mail, 06.09.2010 18:43
I graduated from Vance AFB in Jan 1954. We flew the B-25 L and J models in training, At the time I never realized what an honor it was to have the priviledge to fly such a distinguished plane. July 10 I had the thrill of a lifetime. The Confederate Air Force wing located inSt Paul Minn has a J model and I had the priviledge to sit in the jump seat on a flyover in Lakeville Mn. Not bad for an 80 year old man-56 years after flying it myself. Thank God for the people that have taken the time and intrest to keep these planes that are such a great part of history flying. I would love to hear from anyone from that era that is part of those bygone years.
Ron Johnson, e-mail, 21.08.2010 23:08
My dad worked for North American in Kansas City, Kansas where B-25's were built. He installed and checked out the radio equipment in them. He was one of many who contributed to the war effort.
Ron Johnson, e-mail, 21.08.2010 23:07
My dad worked for North American in Kansas City, Kansas where B-25's were built. He installed and checked out the radio equipment in them. He was one of many who contributed to the war effort.
Ned Wernick, e-mail, 20.08.2010 21:22
With the Marine Corps flew as top turret gunner in the D and J models in mopping up and heckler raids in the Northern Solomons. Primarily against Rabaul on New Britain, Kavieng on New Ireland and low level tree top bombing and strafing on Bougainville 1944-1945
Carl Wollaston, e-mail, 09.05.2010 03:11
B-25s were the bombers that starred on the movie "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo".I believe that a few of them crashed during the time that they were shooting the movie.
Larry Simpson, e-mail, 06.04.2010 17:03
My dad, Col. Thomas S Simpson (now age 89)loved the B-25; flew 4000 hrs in it. Was with Chennault's 14th AF in CBI 1943-44. Shot down 7-4-44 in northern Burma-crash landed Lido Road,about 6000' up in the rugged mountains - plane burning, jumped out, enemy approached, climbed back in to top turret, turned 2 50 cal between tails, killed 18 Japanese, jumped out, ran 7 days thru jungle, fired upon every day, saw 400 US prisoners-unable to help them. Poured blood out of boots daily from leeches; tribes helped with food and trip up river, black US Marines took them to China; all got malaria; 1945 given Silver Star & Chinese Medal of Honor. Retired 1962 after turning down BG star because they wouldn't let him fly anymore. Still alive and remembers all military stories. I give speeches around N Calif - have his uniforms, logbooks, fotos, whiskey flask, medals, 1000+ personnel papers. All these men from this time were incredibly brave and are my HEROES!!
Edward Alspach, e-mail, 31.03.2010 20:06
I instructed at Reese in B-25s after graduating from Goodfellow. I took Jim Woodhead( see post 8.06.2008 ) on a cross-country, if I remember correctly. On another night cross-country, watched the ignition harness arcing at 23,000 feet just before the right engine coughed it's guts out. I still have a piece of one of the pistons I picked out of the engine cowling after landing. Remember, Doolittle's Raiders didn't have R-2600s. They were much smaller.
Charles Wagamon. LTC , USAF Re, e-mail, 01.03.2010 18:41
I was with the 340th BG, B/N, on Corsica and later in Italy near the end of the war. The maintenance on these 25's was always first class so no matter what demands were placed on them during a mission they always performed. On July 3rd we were given 6K of the 486th BS to fly back to Savannah,GA. We logged 52 hours from Italy to Africa to Ascension Island, to Natal, to Belem, to Georgetown to Puerto Rico to Hunter Field. Sgt. Garland, the crew chief, changed a left main tire on Ascension but other than that 6K never missed a beat. 6K had a 103 missions on it with an ME 109 shot down to its credit. What a remarable airplane. The hardest part of the flight was leaving her there on the tarmac and not knowing who would be flying her and not knowing the super service she gave to us in the 486th and bringing us safely home. After shutdown I just sat in her listening to the gyros wind down and the sounds hot metal gives as it contracts so I could remember what it was like to have flown in such an airplane in combat and my last private contact with her. There are some who thought planes were just just well formed aluminum sheets fashioned into shapes with engines attached. I always thought 6K was much more than that. I remained convinced that 6K had a soul.
Robert H Meek JR, e-mail, 01.03.2010 17:43
My Dad 2LT Robert H Meek was flying copilot in a J model tail number 7Z of the 487th BS flying out of Corsica on October 19, 1944 when he was hit and killed instantly by flak. Despite being wounded himself the pilot 2lT Wilbur Lentz got the plane back to Corsica and landed it. At testament to the B-25. I have before and after pictures and it was really shot up. Some day I hope to get my ride in one. In their memory, Robert H Meek JR Colonel USAR (R)
Charles P. Hattenstein, e-mail, 27.02.2010 01:51
I was at Vance AFB, Enid, Ok. from 1949-1954. was aircraft mechanic and fligt engineer (B-25s-North Stage) with B-25 s/n 45-8873A. Flew daily four hour flights with cadets/student pilots. I published a book "Behind The Copilot seat" in 2006 that depicted my experiences flying with cadets/stucent pilots at that time. (Published by Author House)
Verne Lietz, e-mail, 28.01.2010 04:32
Trained 65 hours in B-25s at Reese AFB, class 50G. They were great planes to fly. 69 years later I can still remember the thrill of listening to those engines roar (out of sync on take-off) as they pulled us back in the seat. In training we cruised at 200 mph and never got higher than 10,000 feet, whereas I had already gone higher in my own 65 h.p. 1946 Piper Cub. Wish I had been a pilot in the 25 during the war instead of a gun mechanic.
Stan Copp, e-mail, 26.01.2010 02:03
We (MIA Charities aka "Moore's Marauders" Team #7) are planning to visit the 29 January 1953 wreck of AC 5246, an RCAF B25 Mitchell that crashed on a training flight from Saskatoon to the Vancouver area. We hope to fix a memorial plaque on, or near, the wreckage in memory of the five air crew who perished. If anyone out there has any information (Dept of Nat'l Defense hasn't forwarded the crash scene report to us) - we would appreciate hearing from you.
David Gunn, e-mail, 18.01.2010 09:28
Flew 32 missions with the 38th Bomb Group (jack DeTour above)38th was first medium bomb group to fly B-25s all the way from San Francisco to Australia in Aug. 1942 by the 71st Squadron and 405th Squadrons, the only two Squadron Bomb Group. Two squadrons had earlier been detached from the 38th to fly their Martin Marauder B-26s from San Francisco to New Caledonia - the first to fly from San Francisco to Hawaii in May/June 1942, two of which participated in the Battle of Midway. The B-25s flown to Australia in August were B25C and B-25Ds. In the Spring of 1943, they were modified to have eight forwad firing .50s. B-25Gs joined the outfit in August 1943 flown by the new 822nd and 823rd Squadrons. This plane had the 75 mm cannon in the nose with two .50 machine guns. Cannon was soon removed and two more machine guns installed with two more on each side under the pilot. In Spring of 1944, some B-25Hs came to the outfit, a;so with the 75. Were not kept as they had no copilot seat and we needed copilots and didn't like the 75.. B-25Js began arriving in July 1944. Most were equipped with solid nose with 8 .50 cal. machine guns and had two more .50s on each side under the pilot's compartment. There were B-25Js which retained the bombardiers glass nose compartment and used aas lead ships in medium altitude bombing missions. The top turret had been moved forward to engineer/navigator compartment for added forward firing power. I ditched one near Tarakan Borneo in Dec. 1944. Consider it the best waterlanding plane the Army Air Corps had. Most missions were strafing bombing missions during which we often brought home tree foliage in nacells and dents in wing. One plane clipped of 8" tree, a notch in leading endge of wing between engine and fuselage and tail, and came home, engine not missing a beat. A rugged, sweet plane to fly.
Fred Goodrich, e-mail, 16.01.2010 07:05
Graduated from Lubbock TX Air Force Base, flew 46 missions in the Asiatic Pacific, after the war retrained American prison of war pilots at Boca Raton Air Force Base. The B-25,J-27 model was a great and forgiving aircraft, I loved it. All my missions were strafing at tree top level and skip bombing, all with 10 100 pound bombs; best time of my life!
Tom Crouch, e-mail, 16.01.2010 04:06
Sorry Jim. The last B-25 class at Reese AFB was 59-E.
Bill Pitsker (Bill, the school, e-mail, 09.01.2010 23:14
How well I remember this bird, in its USAF training configuration (Reese AFB, 57-D). The way that twin tail vibrated at certain RPM settings didn't do mujch for the confidence of the trainee. But, I took one up to 23,500' (high-blower), and scared the p**s out of my crew chief. It was a great instrument trainer, (and transitioning to the Douglas C-124 was rather easy). Those Wright Cyclone R-1850s (?) made an unmistakeable racket, especially when equipped with the short stacks (no collector ring). Ours were -J, -L, and -N models, the L's being solid nosed attack versions, with the cannon and/or machine guns removed, of course.
Fred Vecchiato, e-mail, 18.07.2009 01:43
Hi all! I need information about B25 crashed near Padua (Italy) in autumn 1943... Help me pease!
masha, e-mail, 12.06.2009 15:21
Hank Goldman: Well, there were many B-25J with 8x M2 in the nose, but majority had normal greenhouse, my dear friend:-) Only G and H versions had gun noses in all examples built. But you are right, this is not B-25J. "H" and "J" versions have totally different defensive armamment- the dorsal turret is just behind the cockpit, there are two M2 on the sides of the fuselage and it also has turret on the tail, like the very early versions. On the 3-wiew is one of them, B-25B.
Mark, e-mail, 28.04.2009 06:49
I grew up in Pasadena, Texas and our house was located under the training "loop" (for the sake of a better word) for Ellington field (AFB). (Same field where Retired Pres. Geo W. flew out of for a time). Don't know if they were doing pilot training touch and go's or what but they (B25's) came over all day, every day. Year was somewhere around 1946 (before the Air Core became the USAF in '47 as I recall)
The planes came over the house in an arc completing the loop and I watched everyone. Apparently back then minimum altitude over a city wasn't invented yet and the planes were so low that I could clearly see the pilot (made a CCW circle), and sometimes waved at them. Loved to hear the engines.
When Ellington had open house and an air show, I couldn't wait for daddy to take me out there to see the 25's and other aircraft. I guess that's where I got the idea that when I grew up I wanted to be in the Air Corps which I did (USAF) but by then I wanted to be a fixer upper rather than a breaker upper...ha no insult intended. Had no desire to be a pilot. I was in love and wanted to learn a trade that I could use at local commercial airports to support a (hopefully soon to be) family. I joined up initially wanting to be a jet engine mechanic but scored high in electronics and they talked me into that. Was probably the second best thing that happened in my life (electronics career)......marrying my sweetheart was the best....been 47 1/2 years now.
Mark
Jock Williams, e-mail, 07.04.2009 23:39
I checked out in the Mitchell under the tutelage of Vern Schille -a Canadian aviation legend -at the Canadian Warplane Heritage in Hamilton Canada -a marvellous flying museum!. It flew like it looks -it was a beautiful airplane with no vices that I could detect -anybody who had ever flown a King Air or any other medium twin could transition to it without any problem. The Warplane Heritage aircraft was the hard nosed model -I think it had 8 .50 cals up there -and as a former fighter pilot I would have loved to give them a try on a ground target, while low passes gave me the impression that it would have been an excellent skip bomber. Mostly...there was the mystique of it being "a Mitchell" -one of the most famous aircraft of WW2. It was an honour!
Jock Williams
Henry L. Hoey, Jr. Lt. Col. US, e-mail, 15.10.2008 09:02
Graduated Class 53-G. After six months at Bartow AB Fla. in the AT-6, spent the next six months at Vance AFB, Okla. wih 40 hrs in T-28 and then up to North Stage to fly tis wonderful aircraft; it was an experience I will never forget. Enjoyed every minute in the air with this marvelous airplane. A toast to all who flew it.
jim taylor, e-mail, 27.09.2008 16:53
i was stationed at reese afb, lubbock tx. from 51 through 55. i have logged a little over 5000 hrs as crew chief and flight eng. many fond memories their. we were training pilots from all over the world. i was chief on tail no.787 a b-25 l model.
William Steely, e-mail, 09.09.2008 08:09
I'm fortunate to have 2 officially logged flights (rt.seat)in the B-25. I was an instructor in the T-33 at Laredo AFB one day when a guy walked in looking for a co-pilot to fly the pistol team to/from Laredo to Reese (Lubbock). Years before, during ROTC days, I did a book report on Doolittle's Tokyo raid. So now, I can talk about flying this historical aircraft.
Robert H GARDNER, e-mail, 12.07.2008 20:23
The first B-25 to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet was on Feb 2nd, 1942 by Lt. John E. Fitzgerald. Three B-25's were placed on the 'Hornet" to test the ability of launching B-25's for the "Raid on Tokyo" 4/18/42. The first B-25 to be launched on the raid was AC. 40-2344 Pilot James Doolittle , Co-Pilot R.E. "Dick" Cole, Nav. Henry A "Hank" Potter, Bombardier S/Sgt. Fred A. Braemer, Flt Eng- Gunner S/Sgt. Paul E. Leonard
Rob Liesik, e-mail, 24.06.2008 17:11
If I remember correctlyl, this is the aircraft Bill Mitchel flew from the aircraft carrier Hornet to make the first bombing run on Tokyo.
Jim Woodhead, e-mail, 08.06.2008 03:33
I graduated from the last B-25 class at Lubbock, Texas (Class 58-L). Hearing that ealrly morning flight line with engines running has been unforgetable. Best wishes to all who experienced that fabulous aircraft.
Hank Goldman, e-mail, 12.05.2008 23:12
Picture shown is NOT a B25J. The B25J does not have a greenhouse in the nose. It has 8 50 caliber machine guns in the nose. I would like to see a B25J. I flew 25 missions in B25J.
Billy Shields, e-mail, 05.05.2008 01:04
Other than for getting a whole lot of stuff! You forgot to mention the U.S.Marine Corp's PBJ-1D.-1J, and -1H aircraft.
Jack DeTour, e-mail, 04.05.2008 19:09
Please make the following changes to the my email comments I sent to you on 30.4.2008: (1). Line six should read = Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation .... (I left out Distinguished). (2). Line nine after Website add =
You guys do good work. Thanks for your help. Jack DeTour 38 BG WW II
Jack DeTour, Col USAF (R), e-mail, 30.04.2008 09:46
The 38th Bomb Group played a very significant roll in winning WW II in the Pacific. They flew B-25s strafing and bombing shipping, port facilities, air fields, rail road yards, oil fields, alcohol plants and ground support on a daily basis for four and a half Years from Australia to Japan. It was combat at 20 feet. The 38 BG was awarded four Presidential Unit Citations - more than any other unit in the Pacific. One 38th BG member, Major Ralph Cheli, was awarded "The Medal Of Honor" while flying a mission in a B-25. Check the 38 BG Website -- Jack DeTour --
Jeff Weber, e-mail, 28.04.2008 20:23
My dad flew B-25's in the CBI theatre. He was flying a later model (no co-pilot) and was severely wounded bombing a bridge in VietNam. Wounded, he flew it home w/o O2 through a thunderstorm w/o canopy and instruments. This has to be one of the most widely used (all theatres) and field modified (12 .50cal MG firing forward w/75mm cannon too) a/c in history.
