Lt. Gen. Frank M. Andrews and the consequential tragedy involving the B-24D “Hot Stuff” will be the topic of a presentation at the Sun Lakes Aero Club’s gathering on Monday, Nov. 15, at the Sun Lakes Country Club Navajo Room. Speaker will be noted aviation historian Col. James Evans (USAF ret.).
Gary Vacin
How a B-24 crew was the first heavy bomber crew to finish a full 25-mission tour during World War II will be the topic of a presentation at the Sun Lakes Aero Club’s Nov. 15 gathering at the Sun Lakes Country Club Navajo Room.
The event will begin with coffee and camaraderie at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Col. James Evans (USAF ret.) will refute the notion that a B-25 “Memphis Belle” crew was the first to accomplish the first 25-mission designation. His presentation will intermingle the story of how a B-24 “Hot Stuff” crew earned the first 25-mission designation, how Andrews Air Force Base got its name, and the role of WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots) in World War II.
He promised his presentation will be a “fast-paced story, including elements of history, mythology, and even fake news.”
The Sun Lakes Aero Club sponsors programs the third Monday of each month, November through April. The events are open to all Sun Lakes residents and others interested in any aspect of aviation. More information on the club is available from Cannon Hill at 509-298-7857 or Gary Vacin at 480-298-7017, or at the club’s website www.sunlakesaeroclub.org.