Officers from the Commemorative Air Drive Airbase Georgia just lately organized a shock for a World Warfare II veteran and former P-51 pilot who was celebrating his a centesimal birthday. Invoice MacClarence, who flew Mustangs in the course of the struggle, had no thought what was in retailer for him when a P-51 Mustang fighter arrived on the Naples Municipal Airport the place he was celebrating with family and friends. The sight and sound of the long-lasting plane introduced again reminiscences for MacClarence, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

MacClarence enlisted in 1942 after the assault on Pearl Harbor, becoming a member of a number of different college students from Columbia College. He was despatched to Fowlmere, England, as a substitute P-51 pilot and gained expertise in bomber escort and floor strafing. He even encountered a German Me-262 jet whereas flying his P-51, which he affectionately named “The Iron Chicken.” He accomplished 36 missions in the course of the struggle and later earned an engineering diploma from Columbia College. He labored for Common Meals earlier than finally retiring in Martha’s Winery and Naples.

Reflecting on his time as a pilot, MacClarence described the chance to fly a P-51 as some of the memorable experiences any pilot may have. The Commemorative Air Drive Airbase Georgia, whose mission is to honor the sacrifices made by veterans, was thrilled to offer such a nostalgic reminiscence for this outstanding veteran and pilot. In response to Airbase chief Joel Perkins, MacClarence and others like him deserve recognition as a part of the “Best Era.”

CAF Airbase Georgia, established in 1987, is a major unit of the Commemorative Air Drive. The group preserves and operates six classic army plane, together with the P-51 Mustang, FG-1D Corsair, SBD Dauntless, and P-63A Kingcobra. Comprised of over 500 volunteer members, the Airbase can be a founding associate of the Georgia WWII Heritage Path, which was launched in 2021. For extra details about their work, people can go to their web site at AirbaseGeorgia.org.