Hollywood actresses Winnie Lightner and Irene Delroy clown for the camera as Lt. William C. Kingsbury  of the 11th Bomb Sq. looks on. The 11th is still active today, and fly the B-52. Their insignia, “Jiggs” of Sunday comics fame, was designed for the squadron by the character’s creator, George McManus.  (He served with the 11th in World War I.) Lt. Kingsbury retired as a major general in 1966 after having flown almost anything with wings, from the rickety LB-7 to the B-52. Quite a career.

Taken at Luke Field on Ford Island, Hawaii.

Having just returned from the Pan American flight of 1927, this is one of the five aircraft that made the historic flight. Seen here at Langley Field.

A group of newly-minted aeroplane mechanics pose in what I believe is a Martin MB-1. Lacking most of its wings, it has obviously been relegated to training purposes. In the background is (another “I believe”) a chopped down Loening PA-1.

Close examination shows these to be a mixed bag of Bolo’s from various bomb groups. Don’t know what the occasion was, but obviously it was a good day to visit March.

Y1-B-17 of the 96th Bomb Squadron, Langley Field.

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B-17C of the 19th Bomb Group, March Field.

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B-17B’s of the 2nd Bomb Group, Langley Field.

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B-17B’s of the 19th Bomb Group, March Field.

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With the Boardwalk in their sights, the 11th Bomb Squadron was moments away from pounding the resort city to flinders.  That is until, at least if we read the caption correctly, they were intercepted by the pursuit ships we see stealthily approaching from the southeast.

I say “lucky”, but there is always the possibility that when this photo was snapped the instructor was in the middle of giving his student unshirted hell.  Either way, great shot of a BT-14.

The 105th of the Tennessee National Guard was participating in the Louisiana Maneuvers when these men took a break from buzzing the bayous.

This photo hung on our squadron wall until the unit deactivated. It was in an ancient frame, and they were going to toss it out (!)

Coated in slabs of armor plating, and carrying more machine guns and cannons than there are days in the week, the GA-1 was an ungainly brute to fly.  William Boeing is 3rd from left. One cannot fault Boeing for the design – he built what the Air Service asked for.

Many notables attended, but one of the real eye-catchers were the Keystone bombers of the 20th Bomb Squadron from Langley Field, VA.  The lead ship was christened “Miss Columbia SC” by Miss Clara-Ellen Owens, daughter of mayor L.B. Owens.  Hizzoner’s name was later given to the airport itself, and remains in use to this day.

With all four motors turning, this B-17B Flying Fortress of the 2nd Bomb Group readies to taxi at Langley Field in the late 1930’s.

The story goes that when reporters saw the machine guns bristling from an early B-17, they dubbed it a veritable “Flying Fortress.”  I have often questioned that tale, and here’s why: The four machine guns of an early B-17 did not represent a quantum leap in quantity when compared to the other bombers of the era. (The Martin B-10 carried 3)  One man’s opinion, but I have always felt the Flying Fortress name derived less from its armament and more from its size and its ability to defend neutrally-minded America. Or, it was just a good sounding name.