World War II Pilots Return to the Skies
Two Legendary Ace World War II Pilots Return to the Skies
The pair of centenarian veterans had their wishes granted to fly one last time.
By Kimberly Johnson
July 4, 2022
Two legendary ace World War II pilots had their wishes granted this week, climbing into the open cockpit of a Boeing Stearman PT-17 biplane for one last flight.
Retired U.S. Air Force Triple Ace Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, 100, and retired U.S. Navy “Ace of Two Oceans” Cmdr. Dean “Diz” Laird, 101, were treated to Thursday’s flights at Auburn Municipal Airport (KAUN) near Sacramento, California, in the vintage military trainer operated by Dream Flights.
The Carson City, Nevada-based non-profit has a mission of giving back to veterans and seniors through flights in their four vintage World War II-era biplanes.
The 1940 Boeing Stearman PT-17, which is based on the Stearman Model 75, was produced in large numbers in Wichita, Kansas, as a military aerobatic trainer. The aircraft was renowned for its rugged durability stemming from its steel tube fuselage. Following the war, it became a favored aircraft for crop dusting and airshows.
Click here, to read more: https://www.flyingmag.com/two-legendary-ace-world-war-ii-pilots-return-to-the-skies/
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Story credit: Flying Magazine; https://www.flyingmag.com/two-legendary-ace-world-war-ii-pilots-return-to-the-skies/