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40th FS - Port Moresby - Tsili Tsili - Nazdab - New Guinea - Clark Field Phillipines - Okinawa 1942/45

1942 and 1943 were dark days for Americans. The Axis powers were still on a victorious march and the Army Air Force (AAF) aircrews in the Pacific had to make do with limited shipments of supplies and aircraft considered unfit for the airwar over Europe. What their crews did not lack, was the courage to take the fight to the Japanese. Below are two profiles. By utilizing the superior traits of their aircrafts more rugged construction, firepower and tactics of teamwork, pilots and air crew like Dan Dannacher held the line and ground down the Japanese combat veterans of the skies over China, Java and the Phillipines. Rip Collins came in as the wave of new pilots with improved aircraft began the drive to press the Japanese back to the home islands. Both men were on hand to witness the end of the war from their base in Okinawa.

Carlos "Dan Danacher" 40th Fighter Squadron

Richard "Rip" Collins 40th Fighter Squadron

With thanks to: Cissy Wong...web master for the 40th FS / Test group web site for assistance and a recent photo of Dan and his wife at the last reunion.

Beth E. Oljace (and the staff of volunteers) Indiana Room Librarian Anderson Public Library for her invaluable assistance with Carls story and photos from the 30's. Anderson Public Library. Click Here

E-Mail Me @ worldwar2mem@yahoo.com

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Links:

WWII MEMORIES HOME PAGE FOR MORE PROFILES A profile on members of the AAF units and Naval units in WWII
Links:

Bob Hornbecks WWII Experiences in the A20 312th BG A geat page by a veteran.

5th AF Web Page The best overall reference on the 5th on the web I found

Red Raiders 22nd Bomb Group

35th Fighter Group History of the 35th FG from WWII to today

475th Fighter Group NEW WEB SITE!!! History of the 475th FG from WWII Old Link is down. some one has accessed it to direct it to another site, will try to get a new one established.

P-38 Association museum web site (the one at March Field) NEW WEB SITE!!!

9th Fighter Squadron 9th FS 49th FG

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