It’s that time of year. A few days ago I posted some of my birds of another type, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. This is about some other warbirds, that to some, time has forgotten. Soon, on October 9-10 the Commemorative Air Force will have their annual big air show at their headquarters at Midland International Airport, Midland, Texas. They were once known as the Confederate Air Force, but of course some people can’t let anything alone, and they had to change their name for “political” reasons. But for non-interupted excitement you shouldn’t miss it.
I have attended several times and there is non-stop flying, featuring predominantly old World War II fighters and bombers. One of the stars of the show is Fifi, the only flyable B-29 Superfortress left in the country. It is a nostalgic journey for me to see these old warbirds. I am of the age to remember them very well. Check out http://airsho.org to get more information.
P-51 Mustang
B-29 Flying Fortress "Fifi"
B-17G Flying Fortress "Sentimental Journey"
TBF Avenger
Also, last but certainly not forgetten to me, are the two more photos that I’d like to share with you. I was stationed at now defunct Ardmore AFB, Ardmore, Oklahoma for three years back in the 50s. It was home to the 463rd Troop Carrier Wing, part of the old Tactical Air Command. Chief of Command was General Curtis LeMay. He used to visit us and when he did he arrived in the C124 Globemaster pictured below.
C-124 Globemaster
In December of 1957, we at Ardmore AFB, received the very first operational C130 Hercules. It was flown in by a civilian techie from Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, the builders. It became part of the 463rd Troop Carrier of the 838th Air Base Group. We received an outstanding unit citation with this aircraft and her sisters. I was very proud to be part of that citation. This is the actual aircraft as it arrived from the factory. It, with the same tail number, is now sitting on a pedestal in the Air Park at Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas. By the way, these two black and white photos carry my copyright, as do the others. I was the photographer that took the pictures and they are part of my personal collection.
C-130 Hercules
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
I must’ve seen that C130 on my many trips to Dyess when I grew up in Abilene, though high school days are a bit fuzzy now. If I ever make it back home for the Dyess Air show, I’ll snap a photo for you!
I love to see stuff like this. It makes me proud of my country and those who have served her in the Armed Forces. Thanks for your service to our country, Bob.
You’re quite welcome. I still get choked up when I raemember.
Thanks for this post, Bob! these are amazing shots. My father spent three years in the Pacific in WW II. I have pictures of him climbing in and out of some of these planes (I think). Great job.
Thanks for the kind comment. I just love photographing air shows. Another of my passions, besides wildlife and birds.