The Senate voted to terminate further production of the Air Force’s topline F-22 Raptor Tuesday, giving President Obama a major spending victory and siding with the Pentagon’s desire for smaller jets beter suited to 21st century wars. F-22 Raptor supporters complained the action would be a blow to long-term national defense — and cost thousands of jobs in the middle of the recession.
In recent news, just announced is the replacement for the F-22 Raptor jets that will not be built. Budget cuts have forced the Air Force to re-visit WWII B-29 Super Fortressaircraft and the developement of jet engines tested in the X-1 Rocket Plane that are more efficent.
July 20, 1944 - World War II – US Troops storm the beaches on the Pacific island of Guam as yet another step in the island hopping campaign against the Empire of Japan.
July 20, 1944 – World War II – Adolph Hitler survives an assassination attempt (known as teh July 20 plot) led by German Army Colonel Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. While the plot was successful in detonating a bomb in close proximity to Hitler during a meeting, several factors such as the location of the meeting and the placement of the bomb in relation to a heavy wooden table leg led to the ultimate failure. The 2008 film Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise was based on this event.
The Second World War, the famous 44th ‘Vampire” fight Squadron of the 13th Air Force, Far from home, One P-38 Pilot flying missions in the Solomons & Philippines during 1944-1945. Retired Col. Mitchell lived the adventure, the air combat, and the reality!
Col. Mitchell recently sat down with our Flightline Fabrications Living History Project to share his story of flying the P-38 Lightning , Phis comfirmed victory and 1 probable victory, and the stories that went along with WWII.
Strap on your parachute, complete your pre-flight checklist, and get ready to take off, because these P-38 Lightning Pilot stories are AWESOME! Thank you Mr. Mitchell for taking the time to preserve your history!
If you missed PART ONE , PART TWO, or PART THREE, You will not want to miss any more of Col. Mitchell’s interview!
PART FOUR of Four: P-38 Pilot Col. Robert Mitchell Interview
Flightline Fabrications expresses its gratitude to the P-38 National Association for their partnership in making these interviews possible.
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Do you or someone you know have first hand memories of this or any other historic event, whether you served in the military or as a civilian, Flightline Fabrications Living History Project want to hear from you. Please contact our Living History Project with your remembrances. History should NEVER be forgotten. Your memories are important and should be retained and shared.
