THE COLLINGS FOUNDATION & A M E RI CAN HER I TAGE M U S EUM
2019 - 2020 NEWSLETTER
KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE THROUGH DIRECT PARTICIPATION
www.collingsfoundation.org & www.americanheritagemuseum.org
The 2019 National Wings of Freedom Tour had the most attendance in our 30 years of operation. Starting in January, thousands of people from around the country eagerly came out to see and fly in these amazing WWII bombers and fighters. In May, the new American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation’s campus in Massachusetts had its grand opening. Veterans, the Littlefield family and the general public came together to celebrate the beginning of this remarkable museum. Additionally, restoration of the F6F Hellcat was completed and others are underway. Things were looking great. Then, on October 2nd, at Bradley International Airport, the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine 0 Nine” had an accident. In an instant, something went terribly wrong. Bradley’s emergency responders offered what can only be described as incredible heroism, rescuing people from the B-17 before it was consumed by fire. Six survived the crash, but our pilot, copilot and five passengers perished. In the wake of this accident, we are confronted with the reality of it all. Safety has been, and will always be the bedrock upon which we conduct every aspect of our operations. Safety, maintenance, and professionalism have been essential to the Foundation since its inception. We will continue to support the NTSB investigation into this tragic accident. But, we must continue our shared mission to preserve and present our nation’s heritage. We appreciate that this tragedy does not diminish that purpose, nor does it end our commitment to relive stories of bravery, valor and courage through the experience of flying in the planes which embody our history. So, we will move forward. We are grateful to report the realization of some major, 1
long-term projects. Perhaps most extraordinary was the opening of the new American Heritage Museum here in Hudson, Massachusetts. Attendees are proclaiming the Museum a world-class Smithsonian level educational resource, filled with rare icons of authentic history. From the staggering variety of artifacts to the presentation and narrative, the American Heritage Museum will serve our country well for generations to come. Our restoration projects continue at a strong pace. The historic PBY Catalina (with 3.5 Uboat kills) made an incredible flight across the Atlantic to Florida, where a thorough refurbishment will begin. The F6F-3 Hellcat restoration was completed and awarded the 2019 Reserve Grand Champion at EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture. The P-38 Lightning received a new paint scheme in honor of Major Thomas McGuire Jr.’s P-38 “Pudgy V.” The restoration of the L-4 Grasshopper (originally flown by Major Charles Carpenter who destroyed six German tanks in this aircraft) should be finished within the year. The restoration of our other B-17 Flying Fortress (originally from the Evergreen Air and Space Museum) has been progressing. We hope to have this B-17 Flying Fortress on the Wings of Freedom Tour within the next two years. The highly detailed restoration of an original Nieuport 28 (America’s first fighter aircraft) has begun. The National Wings of Freedom Tour will continue. The 2020 tour will start in January in Florida. From there, we plan on visiting over 100 cities across the United States. The success of the Wings of Freedom Tour, American Heritage Museum, our restoration projects and living history events has been made possible by your support. For that, we are forever grateful. We hope that you will continue to be engaged with the Collings Foundation. Your participation is what
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matters. Please come out and visit the Wings of Freedom Tour, visit the American Heritage Museum, volunteer, and make a contribution at this time. Without your support, none of this would be possible. From all of us at the Collings Foundation, we wish you health and happiness through 2020 and look forward to seeing you soon. Executive Director Page 1-2: Foundation Address Page 3-6: American Heritage Museum Page 7-10: Wings of Freedom Tour Page 11-12: PBY’s Epic Journey Page 13: Type VII U-Boat Page 14: Nieuport 28 Restoration
Index
Page 15-16: B-17 Restoration Page 17-18: A-4 Skyhawk Flight Page 19-20: The Backbone Page 21: 9/11 Video Release Page 22: Ho-Ro Tank Page 23-24: Collings Events
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Co-Founder
Page 25-26: P-38 New Paint Page 27-28: Tank Experience Page 29-30: Paint With Precision Page 31-32: Make A Difference Page 33: Sponsors Page 34: Membership
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Photo by Glenn Perry Top photo: Rob Collings and some young patrons react to the ‘fire effect’ coming from the Russian T-34/85 tank during the Clash of Steel exhibition. A captivating presentation unfolds when the German Panther tank faces off against the T-34/85 in a barrel-to-barrel duel. Nearby, the exhibition WWII in Europe can be seen. Here, each exhibit is tied to the chronology of WWII. Left photo: Rob Collings and family, some of Jacques Littlefield’s family, board members and WWII veterans celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the American Heritage Museum on May 2, 2019. Photo by David Watts Jr. 3
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On May 2, 2019, the American Heritage Museum had its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Invited guests, representatives of the Littlefield family and the general public came to celebrate the beginning of something truly extraordinary. This day marked the culmination of years of work and preparation. The American Heritage Museum is a unique educational resource located on the campus of the Collings Foundation in the town of Stow, Massachusetts, 21 miles west of Boston. The collection includes over 100 rare historic artifacts (of these, 20 are the only ones on display in North America), many of which were formerly part of Jacques Littlefield’s Military Vehicle Technology Foundation collection in Portola Valley, California. Beginning in the early 1980s and continuing for the next 20 years, Littlefield, a Stanford University graduate and former Hewlett Packard engineer, amassed the world’s largest collection of military vehicles. He also engaged in a program of restoring many of them and giving educational tours to the public. By the time of Littlefield’s premature death in 2009, his collection had expanded to over 240 major items. In accordance with his wish to preserve the collection for the future, the Littlefield’s Military Vehicle Technology Foundation (MVTF) donated its collection to the Collings Deeply grateful for the opportunity to share the MUSEUM INFORMATION: Foundation. most important elements of this collection with the public, Address: 568 Main Street, Hudson, MA the Collings Foundation committed to design and construct Open Friday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5:00 PM. a new 67,000 square foot museum. Some of Littlefield’s Special group and school tours available collection was de-accessioned to fund creation of the new through the week. Admission: $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors, Active facility. The remaining 80+ collection items, each a true historic treasure, are now on display at the new American Duty Military and Veterans, $10 for Children Heritage Museum. 12 years and younger. The great variety of expertly restored artifacts on display span from the Revolutionary War up to current time. 4 www.collingsfoundation.org 800.568.8924
www. american heritage museum .org 978-562-9182
Photo by David Watts Jr. Top photo: The Concord Independent Battery fired their cannons (stolen from the British Gun House on Boston Common in 1774) in salute of the American Heritage Museum’s opening. Right photo: Lead Docent Colin Rixon stands in front of the D-day exhibit. His father’s uniform (that he wore during the D-Day invasion) is behind him in the display case (on the right). Bottom right photo: The German 88 cannon looms large within the Defense of the Reich exhibit.
Visitors are encouraged to begin their tour of the museum by viewing a brief opening film. After the introductory film and presentation on the Revolutionary War, Civil War and WWI, visitors depart the theater, walking through the immersive “WWI Trench Experience,” containing a recreation of the Western front at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. This exhibit captures the first and only offensive launched solely by the United States Army in World War I. Next, visitors enter the “War Clouds” room, which provides an educational interpretation of the inter-war period and the rise of Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany. They then exit to the immense main display floor, in which artifacts are arranged chronologically and grouped by campaigns and theaters of war. Since our May opening, close to 30,000 people have visited the museum. Groups, schools and scholars frequent the museum during the week for personal tours and presentations from our knowledgeable docents. There will be a variety of exciting events and exhibitions happening throughout 2020. From ‘Tank Demo Days’ starting in May to historian talks and veteran discussions, there will be something exciting happening every month. For more information on the American Heritage Museum, hours and directions visit: www. american heritage museum.org 5
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What you can see: Walk down into the immersive WWI trench experience. See the German half-track driven by Lee Marvin in “The Dirty Dozen.” Watch the German Panther tank face off with a Soviet T-34/85 in the Clash of Steel exhibit. See the only M1A1 Abrams tank on public display in the world.
See the Imperial Japanese Army Ho-Ro self- propelled gun captured by American forces in the Philippines and the only one left in the world. See the Sherman “Jumbo” tank which fought in Battle of the Bulge and a Soviet IS-2 tank from the Battle of Berlin.
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Photo by Glenn Perry
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Wings of Freedom Tour 2019 In Pictures
The 2019 Wings of Freedom Tour was on track to be the best in our 30 years of operation. Traveling to over 100 cities, we saw a lot of people from all walks of life. Everyone came out to see these extraordinary aircraft and share the history they represent. Here are some snapshots of the planes and people who make the Wings of Freedom Tour so special. Thank you for helping us “Keep ‘Em Flying!”
Top left photo: The B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” flying over New Braunfels, Texas with Chief Pilot Rob Pinksten at the controls. Left photo: Great crowd waiting to tour through the B-17 “Nine 0 Nine” during our stop in Nashua, New Hampshire. Top photo: WWII Veteran Jack Hallet reacted with a broad smile as he put the TF-51D Mustang “Toulouse Nuts” through a roll. Mr. Hallet flew 60 missions in the P-38 and went on to fly another 44 missions in the P-47. Jack said the one regret he had was that he’d never had the chance to fly the P-51 Mustang. 7
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Top left photo: A ‘Rosie The Riveter’ re-enactor under the B-24 in California. Top right photo: New to the 2019 Wings of Freedom Tour was the TP-40N Warhawk fighter. This newly restored full dual-control Warhawk joined the Tour in May. Mid left photo: Flight coordinator Demi Bamber in one of her favorite spots - nose of the B-17. Bottom left photo: P-51 instructor pilot Paul Barnett with a young pilot in training on the wing of the Mustang “Toulouse Nuts.” Bottom right photo: A 30’ x 60’ American flag was brought to the Ramona stop by Mitch Mendler and the Patriot Flag project for proper folding.
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Wings of Freedom Tour 2019
Photo by Britt Dietz 9
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We are forever grateful for the crew, pilots, Starting in January we will begin our 31st national mechanics and volunteers who have dedicated Wings of Freedom tour in Florida and continue so much to keep this extraordinary living history on around the United States through the year. tour going. To all the people who have come out The 2020 tour will feature the B-24 Liberator, to see and fly in these amazing planes, we give our B-25 Mitchell and P-51 Mustang. Walk-through most heart-felt thanks. If you would like to be a tours and flights will be available at each stop. volunteer at a Wings of Freedom tour stop near For a current list of stops or to reserve your flights you, email Director of Marketing, Hunter Chaney visit the Wings of Freedom tour schedule at: at: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org www.collingsfoundation.org 10 www.collingsfoundation.org 800.568.8924
Consolidated PBY-5A
TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT Epic journey for the world’s most historically significant Catalina
“Two of the most significant artifacts from the Battle of the Atlantic, the PBY and the German Type VII U-boat, are now reunited.” ~ Executive Director Rob Collings The Collings Foundation’s PBY-5A Catalina (Bu. No. 2459) served the Allied forces well in WWII. This aircraft was the United States’ highest scoring U-boat destroyer in history, and is the oldest operational PBY Catalina. In 1942 it was sent to Iceland as part of Squadron VP-73. There it made one of the first acoustic honing torpedo attacks, sank three U-boats, and shared the kill of a fourth.
Battle for the Atlantic
“The only thing that ever really frightened me during the War was the U-boat peril.” ~ Winston Churchill
As complex naval battles raged throughout the Atlantic, England struggled with its dependence on shipments by sea. They needed over a million tons of goods per week just to survive. U-boats were a constant threat to our Allies. Over 3,500 merchant ships and 175 warships were sunk by U-boats. 783 German U-boats (mostly Type VII U-boats, as seen on page 13) were sunk. During WWII, the Allied Navies suffered the highest casualty rate of all services, losing over 72,000 sailors. Approximately 28,000 German sailors were killed in U-boats. This is a 75% casualty rate, the highest for any branch of German service in the War. 11
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Photos: (Left) View from the cockpit as the PBY approaches Greenland. (Right) Spectacular sight of the north Atlantic.
“The flight to Iceland was big for all of us. It would be the first true ‘out there’ leg of the journey, and we’d be returning to the place where this PBY distinguished itself and her crews in combat.” ~ Pilot Joe Scheil
In June, 2019, we began an extraordinary mission to fly the PBY from the Netherlands to New Smyrna Beach, Florida for restoration. After a wonderful farewell from our Dutch friends, pilots Rogier Leefling, Christiaan Soetemaan, Rob Collings and Joe Scheil, mechanics Jan Bes and William Schouten, and Collings Board Member Frank Dworak set out for a 4,168 nautical mile flight. Flying out of Lleystad, the first stop was in Wick, Scotland. The next leg took the PBY back to her old home in Iceland, then a long haul to Goose Bay, Labrador. From there, the PBY flew to Bangor, Maine, made a short stop in Massachusetts, then down to North Carolina for one last fuel stop before a successful arrival at American Aero Services in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The entire flight time was just over 38 hours at an average speed of 110 knots. Now in Florida, the Catalina will be inspected and restored its original configuration, including the addition of nose and waist gun turrets. The cost of restoration is ‘sky high,’ so we could really use donations for this project! If you would like to make a contribution to the PBY’S restoration please contact Ryan Keough at the Collings Foundation: rkeough@collingsfoundation.org.
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Type VIIC U-boat: The Grey Wolves of the Kriegsmarine Rare conning tower gun platform at American Heritage Museum
The origin of the Type VII U-boat can be traced to World War One, where around 350 primitive, gasolinepowered U-boats sank nearly 13 million tons of Allied shipping and warships. When hostilities ended in 1918 with the signing of the Armistice, the designers of the Versailles Treaty looked back on the U-boat scourge and said “never again.” Upon the signing of the Treaty, Germany was entirely banned from building submarines. But, starting in the mid 30s, through a Dutch dummy company in the Hague, a group of designers and engineers set about Adolf Hitler’s plan for a quiet rearmament of the new German Kriegsmarine. Starting with a design for a smaller coastal type submarine, the false company Ingenieurskantoor voor Scheepsbouw Den Haag began the task of creating a longer range “Atlantikboot.” After prototyping the design with the Finnish Vetihinen class, and circumventing the Versailles Treaty’s restrictions, shipyards began building the Type VII U-boat. The Type VII U-boat is a medium sized, all-round vessel, sitting between the small 500-ton coastal Type II class and the large, ocean-going 1,500-ton Type IXs. With 703 of these craft built over the course of WWII, the Type VII was the workhorse of the Kriegsmarine and a great danger to Allied ships. As part of a network of “Milk-Cow” resupply submarines, and with a range of 8,500 miles on
the surface, Type VIIs patrolled almost every ocean. The Type VIIs carried 14 torpedoes, which could be fired from 5 torpedo tubes; four forward and one aft. Additionally, it had an 88mm deck gun for finishing off crippled ships or ones that weren’t worth a torpedo. The Type VII demonstrated good sustained combat performance. The crew could stay at sea for up to 40 days, though most patrols lasted around three weeks to a month. Most notably, the Type VII was heralded for its “crash dive” performance, being able to go from a normal surfaced cruise configuration to fully submerged in less than 40 seconds. Beginning in mid 1942, with America’s entry into the war and an increase in air power in the Atlantic, German dockyards in France began up-arming U-boats with more anti-aircraft guns to hold enemy aircraft at bay long enough to dive to safety. Beginning in 1944, Snorkel devices were added so the submarine could charge its batteries and run its more efficient diesel engines without needing to surface. Type VIIC U-boats were introduced late in 1941 and bore the brunt of the Battle of the Atlantic until the very end. The Collings Foundation acquired the rear gun platform originally from a Type VII U-boat in eastern Europe. It is now on display at the American Heritage Museum. This Type VII conning tower is the only example in North America.
Photos: The Type 7 U-boat gun platform had to be unloaded and placed inside the Museum with great care due to 76 years of corrosion. 13
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Nieuport 28 America’s First Fighter
The Collings Foundation is restoring this original WWI fighter to flying condition. In early 1918, with the air war over the skies of France and Belgium reaching their most dangerous point, American pilots with the Allied Expeditionary Force were anxious to take the fight to the German menace. Unfortunately, the French SPAD XIII aircraft they wanted were in short supply. France had trouble with engine production and the formalization of the SPAD as France’s premier front-line fighter. There were simply not enough of the new airplanes to go around. However, at the same time Nieuport had finished their ultimate biplane design. After almost a year of prototypes and re-designs, production had started on the Nieuport 28 (N28). Since France had no need for the new N28, the aircraft were deemed as surplus. The American 94th and 95th Aero Squadrons saw an opportunity and began taking the first allotments of the brand new Nieuports in mid-February 1918. When the Americans received the planes there was one minor issue - they weren’t shipped with any armament. Allied Expeditionary Forces didn’t have enough Vickers machine guns to supply the squadrons. Making the best of a poor situation, the squadrons set to work on familiarizing themselves with the new 28s. Pilots like future top ace Eddie Rickenbacker, Douglas Campbell, and Quentin Roosevelt (the son of former president Theodore Roosevelt) could be found flying in the cold, early spring skies above friendly territory, learning and developing new tactics so they were prepared when the guns finally arrived. Deliveries of the guns began, albeit in fits and starts, and the first combat patrols were flown in mid-March, with some aircraft carrying just one machine gun instead of the usual two. The first victories weren’t far behind. On their squadron’s second patrol, pilots Douglas Campbell and Alan Winslow both shot down an enemy aircraft over their home field. As time went on, more and more victories were scored by the American squadrons. The Nieuport 28 became a beloved aircraft in the war against Germany. Unfortunately, Quentin Roosevelt was shot down and killed in July 1918, mere weeks before the AEF began taking deliveries of the more superior SPADs. The Nieuport 28 holds a special place in American aviation history as the first fighter U.S. forces flew into combat.
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Top photo: WWI Ace Eddie Rickenbacker striking a pose in front of his Nieuport 28. Middle and bottom photos: The main fuselage and tail section are coming together in the work shop of Mikael Carlson’s Flying Machines. This is one of five original Nieuport 28s that remain in the world.
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B-17G Flying Fortress
Restoration of a unique bomber underway. In 2015, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in Oregon sold their B-17G Flying Fortress to help the Museum during a restructuring and reorganization. The Collings Foundation acquired this aircraft through the generous support of donors. At that time, a crew of mechanics and pilots were sent to the Museum to prepare the aircraft for a ferry flight from Oregon to Florida. After several weeks of preparation, the Evergreen B-17 made a flawless flight across the country to American Aero Services in New Smryna Beach, Florida. A thorough restoration has been underway to restore the aircraft back to its original WWII B-17G model configuration. The new B-17G will replace “Nine O Nine” that was lost in an accident. While similar to the beloved “Nine O Nine” in form and function, this B-17 (“639”) has a fascinating (and clandestine) history. When the war ended, many new B-17Gs were being flown directly to long term storage, sold, or even scrapped. The postwar military found varied uses for B-17Gs. For example, our B-17 “Nine 0 Nine” had been re-designated as a TB-17H or “Training Bomber” before becoming an SB-17G sea rescue aircraft with a Higgins lifeboat attached to the underside. Later, it became an A-bomb target and finally a civilian owned fire bomber. The B-17G from Evergreen Museum has a story that is even more complicated. While the US Air Force was 15
getting into pressurized bombers and jet aircraft, large numbers of flying B-17s were doing dangerous atomic research work or else being expended as targets called QB-17Gs. Their durability and utility also allowed other Air Force units to operate the B-17s in special roles. These missions included surveillance and agent insertion, as well as clandestine “eaves dropping” patrols near and over hostile territory. During the 1950’s and 1960’s penetration of the Iron Curtain was an important goal for the CIA. Flush with money and political power, the CIA found the B-17 a stalwart platform for difficult missions into Soviet airspace. The CIA found another use for the B-17s in China. In 1951, a company called Western Enterprises Inc. of Taiwan was created to advance U.S. interests. Using crews sourced from Civil Air Transport (CAT) of Taiwan, five B-17s entered service and began training for missions over mainland China. Between 1954 and 1959, CIA Operations flew these few B-17s extensively over the Chinese mainland. Because they were not supposed to be there, CIA operatives “sanitized” the planes, preventing them from being identified as US military aircraft. Serial numbers and data plates were removed, and their USAF military records were ended with an LI code or (loss to organization outside the USAF). These B-17’s were painted flat black and identified by three digit serial numbers. They had racks installed in which a serial number could be switched by sliding in a new number plate. Our new B-17 is the sole survivor of these five special mission aircraft that fought
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After 15 years outside the continental US, the B-17 “639” was brought back to California. While in Burbank she was modified to carry the Fulton Skyhook (picture bottom), a system designed to recover agents and material from places that could not be reached by helicopter or STOL aircraft. Seen in action during the 1965 movie “Thunderball,” a B-17 with a similar Skyhook snatches James Bond and Domino Vitali from a raft in the closing scene (see picture on left). This modification came just three years after a real intelligence caper that truly was movie worthy: the execution of “Operation Coldfeet” during 1962. Two agents parachuted down to an unattended floating Soviet Drift Station NP8 in the Arctic Ocean. After removing research equipment, they returned to the B-17 via a Fulton pickup with secret information from the clandestine floating Soviet station. In 1962 the plane was registered to Intermountain Aviation, another CIA front company. This B-17 was used sparingly until 1969. During that year she was converted to an air tanker, then used as a firefighter until 1985. Trying to distance itself from the company’s CIA roots, Evergreen repainted and eventually re-registered N809Z as N207EV.
in the Cold War. It is a veteran of an unknown number of dangerous missions over mainland China hiding from Mig 17s; a survivor of secret Cold War aerial combat! The five CAT B-17Gs were numbered “739”, “357”, “815” and “835” and “639”(Evergreen’s B-17). During these dangerous missions three were shot down by the PLAAF or PLA (People’s Liberation Army Air Force).
Restored as a B-17G with a full set of turrets, N207EV was flown for a few years before moving to the Evergreen Museum in Oregon for display. Now transferred to the Collings Foundation, this B-17 will undergo a detailed inspection and restoration to flight-worthy status. This unique B-17 will be a fantastic addition to the National Wings of Freedom Tour, and further the outreach of the Collings Foundation.
• “739” lost over Fujian May 26, 1954 by AAA, crew of four killed. • “357”shot down over Jiangxi on June 23, 1956 by a PLA Mig 17, eleven killed. • “815” shot down over Guandong May 29, 1959 by a Mig 17PF, fourteen killed. The fourth surviving B-17 CAT “835” was given to Air America in August 1960. The fifth B-17 known as “639” was later identified as 44-85531 and ended up at Clark Field, Luzon in the Philippines. It is believed this veteran of secret Chinese over-flights was retired between 1958 and 1960.
Top photo: Our B-17 Flying out of McMinnville, Oregon. Bottom photo: A B-17 with the skyhook attached to the nose.
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HOUSTON
TA-4J Skyhawk Exciting Flight Training and Flight Experience Programs
The A-4 Skyhawk is an attack aircraft originally designed to operate from United States Navy carriers. Fifty years after the type’s first flight, some of the nearly 3,000 Skyhawks produced remain in service with smaller air forces around the world. The Douglas Aircraft Corporation, later McDonnell Douglas, and now Boeing, designed the A-4 Skyhawk. The original designer, Ed Heinemann, opted for a design that would minimize size, weight and complexity. Due to its nimble performance, power and armament capabilities, the Skyhawk received the nicknames “Heinemann’s Hot Rod,” “Scooter” and “Bantam Bomber.” The Skyhawk has a low mounted delta wing with a single Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojet engine in the rear fuselage. Armament consisted of two 20mm Colt Mk 12 cannons, one in each wing root, with 200 rounds per gun. In addition, the Skyhawk carries a large variety of bombs, rockets and missiles affixed to hard points under the fuselage and each wing. 17
Skyhawks were the Navy’s primary light bomber during the early years of the Vietnam War. Skyhawks carried out some of the first air strikes by the US during the conflict, and one was believed to have dropped the last US bombs of the war. Arizona Senator John McCain was a well-known Skyhawk pilot during the Vietnam War. He was ultimately shot down by anti-aircraft missile and captured by the North Vietnamese. The Skyhawk served with the Navy’s famed Blue Angels from 1974-1986 and the U.S. Navy’s “Top Gun” Aggressors at NAS Miramar due to its incredible thrust to weight ratio and astounding roll rate making it one of the most maneuverable performers ever.
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The Collings Foundation was allocated a Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk through Congressional action in October, 2000. After looking at various aircraft that were held in storage at AMARC, BuNo 153524 was selected because the overall condition of the aircraft and its low airframe hours. After a long year of working transfer details with the Navy representatives, the Foundation was allowed to move the aircraft to a private facility. The TA-4J Skyhawk was disassembled in Tucson late summer 2004 and shipped by truck to the facilities of AvCraft in Myrtle Beach, SC. Reassembly, repairs and flight inspections were completed. In the early part of 2005, the aircraft flew from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Midland, Texas where it was repainted in the colors of Marine Squadron H&MS 11. The squadron was an all volunteer group of pilots who flew the Skyhawk in the dangerous mission of a Forward Air Controller or FAST FAC over the skies of North Vietnam. The Skyhawk flies with the Collings Foundation’s Huey helicopter, F-4 Phantom and F-100 Super Sabre as part of the “Vietnam Memorial Flight” tour and is shown in various aviation history events and air shows. In addition, the TA-4J is also used in the Collings Foundation Flight Training Program. This Program takes place at the Foundation’s Houston, Texas facility. Each participant will take part in academic sessions before flying in the aircraft. This instruction includes: safety procedures, ejection seat training and cockpit orientation. Flights are personally tailored to each student’s interests and capabilities. The Flight Training Program costs $8000. A portion of this is a tax-deductible donation. The only way we can keep this amazing Vietnam era jet flying is through donations, flight experiences and flight training programs. We hope that you find this important enough to help it continue. For more information or to schedule your flight call 800-568.8924.
Photos: The TA-4 Skyhawk trainee in his gear getting ready for the flight. The crew can been seen pre-flighting the jet and running up the engine on the ramp at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas.
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Volunteers Make It Happen. For the past thirty years, the Collings Foundation has enlivened the public conversation about military history and honored our nation’s veterans through living history events. As a member of the small team that helms the Foundation, I have learned over my fourteen-year tenure just how much it takes to plan, organize, and implement these programs. And one thing I can state with absolute certainty is this: none of what we do would be possible without the passion, dedication, and unflagging efforts of hundreds of volunteers. Each year, the Wings of Freedom Tour visits an average of 110 cities across the United States. The flight crews on these tours are made up of volunteer pilots who take time out of their professional responsibilities to fly these incredible, historic aircraft. At each stop of the Tour, there is a Stop Organizer and a cadre of volunteers who act as an advance team to liaison with airport staff; promote the event through local media, veterans’ organizations, schools, and civics groups; arrange lodging accommodations and ground transportation; and address planning issues as they arise. During the event, volunteers staff the gate, keep the planes clean, answer questions, and generally ensure that visitors have the best experience possible. Many of these volunteers have a personal or family connection to these unique aircraft that allows them to truly bring to life the narrative of WWII as they interact with visitors. All share a passion for ensuring that the history of the USA’s military aviation is never forgotten, and to help visitors to understand not only the flying machines but the men and women who flew them.
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Volunteers at the on-site programs we host in Stow, Massachusetts share that same passion. Consider one of our largest events, our annual Battle for the Airfield. Over the course of two days, thousands of people attend this historical reenactment to witness a lively (and genuinely unforgettable!) event in a recreated World War II-era European theatre. Using meticulously restored tanks and other military equipment, hundreds of uniformed re-enactors perform a full-scale battle. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds dedicate countless hours to the planning and execution of this event, working with the re-enactors, maintaining the equipment, preparing effects, publicizing the event, and ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Our recently-opened American Heritage Museum benefits from dozens of volunteers who are devoted to passing on to the next generation an understanding of our history. This unique, interactive educational resource presents the contributions of our military men and women throughout the history of our nation, as well as the evolving technology of war. Every aspect of the Museum owes its existence to volunteers, who collaborated to enhance the exhibits and literally helped to restore many of the artifacts. Volunteers currently act as docents and staff the admissions desk, gift shop, and main floor. I have been honored and humbled to work with our volunteers, who give so much of themselves in order to safeguard our heritage. Together we are nurturing something much larger than ourselves, and this shared commitment binds the staff and volunteer corps together as a family. Mixed with our moments of awe and solemnity are many other times of excitement and magic -- and always, gratitude for those whose lives and legacies we honor and retell. We invite you to join this family and see why our volunteers return time and time again, to reconnect with kindred spirits and keep the story alive. They truly are the backbone of all we do. To learn what part you can play, please reach out to me via phone or email. Hunter Chaney hchaney@collingsfoundation.org
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American Heritage Museum Special video debut in the 9/11 / War On Terror exhibit featuring F-16 pilots Heather Penney and Marc Sasseville.
The American Heritage Museum is proud to announce the debut of a captivating video interview with two F-16 pilots as they attempted to intercept the hijacked flight 93 aircraft on September 11th, 2001. From the remarkable vantage point of these two fighter pilots, Lt. Col. Marc Sasseville and Lt. Heather “Lucky” Penney, visitors will access a true moment by moment account of that fateful day. This extraordinary, one-of-a-kind video exhibit at the American Heritage Museum honors all the heroes of 9/11. Story synopsis: On the clear, blue morning of September 11th, 2001, New York’s World Trade towers and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. are attacked using hijacked commercial airliners. The U.S. Capital begins evacuations. A westbound airliner suddenly turns back toward Washington, flying over the Pennsylvania countryside. Time is short. A countdown begins in Washington. Two F-16 pilots are scrambled out of Joint Base Andrews to protect Washington airspace from an 21
unknown threat. The danger came so quickly that their F-16s are forced to takeoff without any live weapons onboard. In less than an hour and a half, all air traffic is grounded, but inbound planes remained potential threats. Racing out of D.C., Penney and Sasseville laid out a plan. Should they encounter a hostile airliner threatening the city, Sasseville said: “I’ll take the cockpit and you take the tail.” In that moment, Penney knew: “If we were successful, we would not be coming back.” Minutes later, Flight 93 crashed into a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, during an attempt by passengers and crew to regain control of the aircraft. All 44 people were killed, including the four hijackers.
To see a clip of this film and pictures of the new exhibits and artifacts visit: www.american heritage museum.org
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Rare Japanese Ho-Ro Self-Propelled Cannon added to the Pacific War Exhibit. Thanks to the National Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps., the American Heritage Museum has added the last known WWII Japanese Ho-Ro self-propelled gun to the Pacific War exhibit. The Type 4 Ho-Ro was a self-propelled 150mm gun that saw limited service with the Imperial Japanese Army in the Pacific War. Japanese engineers based the Type 4 Ho-Ro on the German “Grille” (German for “Cricket”) using the chassis from Type 97 Japanese tanks. The Type 4 Ho-Ro was rushed into service and typically deployed in batteries of four, that saw combat as part of the 2nd Tank Division during the Philippines campaign. The remaining units were deployed to Okinawa for island defense, but were quickly decimated by American artillery during the Battle of Okinawa. This Ho-Ro saw its last action at the Battle of Luzon near Clark Airfield in the Philippines, January 1945. It was under command of an Independent Gun Company alongside the Japanese 8th Infantry Division with additional support by the Japanese 2nd Tank Division with
units of Chi-Ha Kai medium tanks. The battle was shortlived with the crew abandoning the cannon and forced to retreat into the forest. Even though the Type 4 Ho-Ro was designed as an offensive weapon, because of its late introduction in the war, it was forced to become a defensive one. In the end, its limited quantity and outdated design led many Type 4s to be destroyed by Allied artillery. The Type 4 was never mass-produced. As a result, only 12 Type 4 Ho-Ro’s were made. This Type 4 Ho-Ro was captured at Luzon and is the only example that remains. The Ho-Ro is a fascinating addition to the LVT(A)-4 landing vehicle, M29 Weasel personnel carrier, Daimaler Mk.2 personnel carrier, M3 A75mm gun motor carriage and Model 97 towed gun in the Pacific War exhibit.
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2020 Events & Exhibitions 568 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts
TANK DEMO DAYS - May 8th & 9th, July 11th & 12th, August 15th & 16th The American Heritage Museum will showcase several tanks and armored vehicles through unique demonstrations on the museum grounds. Tanks such as the M24 Chaffee, M4A3 Sherman and M10 Tank Destroyer will operate through a course of obstacles and challenges. Veterans and armor experts will give people a close up and personal view as they discuss the history of each tank, their theaters of operation and fire power. Ride experiences will be available in the M5 high speed tractor and M10 Wolverine tank.
MOVE THROUGH THE AGES - June 20th & 21st This is a spring event everyone looks forward to! The Collings Foundation brings out all of its most rare and beautiful classic cars, sprint racers, antique automobiles, carriages and stage coach for a transportation themed exhibition. American history and culture is intertwined with the presentations, making it informative as well as entertaining! Rare cars such as Al Capone’s V-16 Cadillac and Fred Duesenberg’s SJ Dual Cowl Duesenberg will be out in the sunshine. There will be a race featuring several vintage sprint cars.
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BATTLE FOR THE AIRFIELD WWII RE-ENACTMENT October 10th & 11th
The Collings Foundation is hosting a WWII reenactment, WWII Veterans round-table discussion and historic artifact demonstrations. Like all our weekend events, the entire grounds will be open: The Classic Car Barn, The Hangar and The American Heritage Museum. Fully restored military equipment of all kinds will be on display and operating in a captivating living history event. Allied and Axis camps will be set up with authentic materials and appearance. An incredible battle takes place with many special effects. Over 300 Re-enactors act as docents who share a wealth of information about life as a WWII military person. WWII Veterans from all ranks and branches of service will participate in a round-table discussion. There are two World War II battle re-enactments per day at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Each re-enactment is approximately 40 minutes in duration. There will be a veterans round-table discussion and presentation featuring actual veterans of World War II who tell their stories and take questions from the audience. Tickets will be available to purchase in September. For more information on all our events visit www.american heritage museum.org
Top photo: A long scroll depicting the line of bomber formations over Berlin is shown during the veterans round table discussion. Bottom photo: Re-enactors in Jeeps making the initial push through the Axis line at the height of the battle.
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P-38 Lightning
Legendary fighter gets a new paint scheme in honor of one of the most decorated flying Aces of WWII.
Photo: A rare sight of the P-38 Lightning in pursuit of the Nakajima A6M2 Model 21 over central Massachusetts. 25
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Photos by Scott Slocum
Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr. (photos on right) was the second highest-scoring, and one of the most decorated flying aces in World War II with 38 “kills” fighting against the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. McGuire joined the United States Army Air Corps Cadet Program in July 1941. He quickly found himself flying a Lockheed P-38 Lightning against the Japanese in the South Pacific, scoring his first three victories in August, 1943. McGuire chose to name his aircraft after his wife, Marilynn, whom he called “Pudgy.” Even when his plane was shot down, or exchanged for a newer type, he kept re-naming his aircraft “Pudgy.” “Pudgy V” was Major McGuire’s final P-38. McGuire is recognized as one of the most exemplary airmen of WWII. His fearlessness in battle was evident during two days of aerial combat over Luzon in December 1944. He and his squadron mates led heavy bombers to their mission, suffering relentless attack by Japanese fighters. McGuire repeatedly flew to the aid of embattled comrades, driving off enemy assaults while himself under attack, and at times outnumbered three to one. He was credited with seven fighter kills. Two weeks later, Major McGuire gave his life in service. On January 7, 1945, he led a voluntary fighter sweep over Los Negros Island in the Philippines. While attempting to save a fellow flyer from attack, he undertook a difficult maneuver, close to the ground, and crashed. In recognition of his conspicuous tenacity and valor during these final battles, McGuire was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously. We at the Collings Foundation have decided to restore our newest flying aircraft as the P-38 “Pudgy V,” in honor of Major Thomas McGuire Jr.
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TANK
driving experience program M4a3 sherman m24 chaffee Always wanted to drive a tank? We have always felt that an immersive experience in history brings you to a closer sense of appreciation and excitement in wanting to learn more. Aside from flying in a WWII aircraft, there is nothing quite like driving a real tank. Being a crew member or driving a tank is not particularly comfortable. These metal beasts are all business, designed to go over most obstacles with ease and destroy anything in its path. Once in a tank, it is clearly evident you are driving a machine with great power. When you’re in a tank, things don’t happen to you. You happen to them. The American Heritage Museum (AHM) will offer a variety of tank driving and tank experience programs here at the AHM tank movement grounds in Hudson, Massachusetts. The tank experience programs have been developed by our veterans and museum docents who were tank instructors in the Army. The quality of instruction will come straight from the book. Instructors will
cover basic procedures, malfunctions, and driving skills. Most of the tasks are procedural, but many of the procedures require comprehension and aptitude. The training guidelines lay out the tasks into stepped achievements, depending on the ability of the trainees. Later in the program the same tasks are performed by the trainee without the aid of detailed instruction. Cost: M24 Chaffee Driving Program: $995 M4A3 Sherman Driving Program: $1944 Sherman driving program includes initial training in the M5 high speed tractor.
“I had a blast - literally! I was very impressed by the instructors deep knowledge of the M24 Chaffee and M4A3 Sherman tank’s history and their operation. The program was thorough and informative. After I passed the initial driving instruction, I could not wait to put the tanker jump suit on and experience the real thing. Once in the drivers seat and the engine is running, I found my new love!“ Driving Experience Program Graduate
M24 Chaffee Light Tank: The Cadillac on the Shores of the Rhine Armament: 75mm M6 Cannon, one .50 cal. MG and 2x .30 cal. MGs Crew: 5, Commander, Gunner, Driver, Loader, Co-Driver Engine: Cadillac Series 44T24, 220 horsepower. Range: 100 miles Seeking to replace the aging M3 and M5 Stuart series of light tanks, the U.S. Army Ordnance Department and Cadillac joined forces to create a new light tank. The new T24 pilot vehicle was delivered in October 1943 and full scale production began in 1944 as the Light Tank, M24. The Chaffee retained the M5 Stuart’s twin Cadillac V-8 powertrain, but came armed with a lightened 75mm Cannon adapted from a version used on B-25 Mitchell bombers, replacing the under whelming 37mm used on the Stuart. The Chaffee was speedy and nimble. The M24 saw use in WWII, but found a calling in the cold, mountainous environment of Korea, where it fought as a part of reconnaissance units alongside “Easy Eight” Shermans, M26 Pershings and M46 Pattons. Long after the United States replaced the M24 with newer models such as the M41 Walker-Bulldog, other countries such as Israel and France used the Chaffee well into the 1950s.
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M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank: The Allies Workhorse Armament: 75mm M3 Cannon, one .50 cal. MG and 2x .30 cal. MGs Crew: 5, Commander, Gunner, Driver, Loader, Co-Driver Engine: 450 Horsepower Ford GAA, 1,100 cubic inch V-8 Range: 130 miles One of the most produced tanks of WWII, the M4 Sherman saw its debut storming across the hot sands of North Africa in 1942, and went on to see combat in every theater. M4s could be seen everywhere, from the islandhopping campaigns in the Pacific to the dangerous hedgerows of Normandy, even fighting in the steppes of the Eastern Front. Packing a 75mm main cannon, the M4 was a strong and reliable tank on the battlefield. Through progressive upgrades the M4 remained the definitive Allied tank throughout the Second World War and into Korea. Loved by crews for its ease of use and maintenance, the M4 Sherman remains a symbol of the Liberation of Europe and a testament to the bravery of the crews that fought in them.
The Celebrity Tank
The American Heritage Museum’s Sherman played a star roll! Back in 1984, Universal Pictures produced the movie “Tank” starring our Sherman and some well-known (and some not so well-known) actors such as James Garner, Shirley Jones, James Cromwell, G.D. Spradlin, Thomas Howell and Jenilee Harrison.
Plot: US Army Command Sergeant Major Zack Carey (played by Garner) is about to retire from the military after taking his last post in rural Clemmons County, Georgia. Despite being offered the possibility of becoming Sergeant Above: Signatures from Jenilee Harrison, James Garner and Major of the Army, he insists he just wishes to finish his Thomas Howell can be seen on the driver’s compartment door. tour and retire in peace to spend time with his family. Zack owns a vintage Sherman tank from World War II that he has restored with his younger son’s help, and he drives it for parades and other public events. While visiting an off-base bar, he meets a young woman named Sarah (Jenilee Harrison). During their conversation, the local deputy sheriff, Euclid Baker (James Cromwell) sees them together, insulting her and slapping her in the process. Carey quickly intervenes, subduing the deputy...... The evil sheriff unjustly locks up Zack’s son. It is then up to Zack to ‘level’ the playing field by driving the Sherman tank through the jail and rescuing all from such retched injustice.
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F6F- 3 Hellcat Restoration - Paint With Precision The paint schemes possible on the Grumman Hellcat should be very “easy” in broad terms to duplicate for restorers, but sadly a “correct” F6F-3 Hellcat has not really happened until now. With each restoration restorers seem to get closer, and the paint on Bu. 41476 is very accurate. The paint was applied at the Grumman factory, and was a standard “tri-color” paint as per USN requirements. White undersides, medium blue vertical surfaces with leading edges sprayed a thin strip as well, and all upper surfaces sprayed Sea Blue. The paint used in the restoration is a urethane for longevity, structural protection and color fidelity. While the original lacquer paint used could have been sprayed on the aircraft, the difficulty in maintaining it and its propensity to “age” and change over time due to wear and sun damage is a concern. A urethane paint is best for an aircraft that is to be flown.
finished plane will be newer, and when viewed after completion will underscore the “secret” additions to a new aircraft. Not correcting the “damage” to the factory finish by the work to modify the airplane should result in a unique wear pattern particular to a new F6F-3N. That subtle effect should allow us to see the most accurate authentic F6F-3N possible. Is it harder to do it this way? Absolutely. However, achieving the effect of a correct and slightly used plane that then went through the mod is a unique and special effort of the Collings Foundation to get it right. Rob Collings’s vision for the collection has placed this organization on the forefront of the art of combining historian input with the ability of the craftsmanship of American Aero. This is a spectacular plane to view now, and in the future - will be even more so!
The Collings Foundation possesses a rare F6F-3N variant which is a bit unusual for paint in some ways. Finished as a F6F-3, the planes were then retrofitted to F6F-3N standard with the addition of a radome and internal equipment. Research on the specific aircraft’s paint and equipment is ongoing, and this presented a problem for finishing the plane. It was chosen to do the plane in stages, with 41476’s first iteration as a factory fresh aircraft pre modification to -3N standard. It was then subsequently decided to paint her as a “Day 1” airplane, ie. as good and as pristine as her first day outside.
Adding the realism is the never before seen on a restored aircraft “production code” three digit number that was sprayed onto the cowling as the plane was completed. This code allowed the factory pilots to more easily find their aircraft and complete the Grumman flight test card before handing a Hellcat off to the Navy. Many vintage shots showing the code and preflight notes on the propeller blade of the planes inspired similar notes to be placed on “476” at Oshkosh for the show. The effect was incredible. Few understood initially, but as word spread, the plane was enthusiastically received. The future eventually calls for additional work to add the unique and special night fighter parts to the plane. The modification changes added to the already 29
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Photo: F6F-3 Hellcat Bu. No. 41476
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Photos: Immaculate and precise restoration is seen throughout the cockpit and gun bays.
The Grumman Hellcat was the most successful and important Navy fighter in the Pacific Theater. The fighter had a 19 to 1 kill to loss ratio, making it the highest scoring Navy aircraft of all time. Pilots like Medal of Honor recipient David McCampbell flew a Hellcat. He was the Navy’s all-time highest scoring ace. From January to September of 1944, Hellcat Bu 41476 (pictured here) was assigned to one of four detachments in the Pacific Fleet. The Detachments were assigned to the aircraft carriers Bunker Hill, Yorktown, Hornet, Essex, and Lexington. The squadrons were successful immediately. They began to take a toll on the night raiders that were previously unopposed. In fact VF(N)-76 was the highest scoring night fighter squadron with one detachment scoring 26 victories.
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THE MISSION MUST
CONTINUE ...WITH YOUR HELP
Help us keep history alive... to honor and educate.
Over the past two months, after thousands of letters of support and personal reflection, the simple truth has become clear: the mission of the Collings Foundation must continue, as living history is more relevant than ever before and is an essential part of our nation’s fabric. Living history gives us experiences. These experiences cannot be duplicated through reading books, watching films, or listening to lectures. It’s walking through and touching the aircraft that your father fought in during World War II or placing your hand on the controls of the P-51 Mustang and rolling it just like you have done in your dreams since you were a kid. It’s feeling the rumble of the M4 Sherman as it rolls past you, or seeing the landing craft that your grandfather rushed out of to storm the beaches at Normandy on D-Day. These experiences change our lives. You are one of tens of thousands each year who have been touched by the living history programs of the Collings Foundation and the American Heritage Museum. Wouldn’t you like to see these kinds of experiences continue well into the future? We invite you to consider becoming an even more important part of our mission now, as a contributor. There are many ways to make a lasting impact. Your generosity could have an immediate effect with an annual fund gift or a donor advised fund (DAF) distribution. Specific programs like those you see to the right of this page are also available. Please also consider a longer-term legacy, making the Collings Foundation and the American Heritage Museum an important part of your planned giving strategy. We would love to discuss how we can work together to connect your special passion with a program that preserves your legacy as part of our mission.
We can do it... together.
Just like the unbreakable American spirit shown at home and abroad during World War II, WE CAN DO IT together. Your support aids our efforts to accomplish enormous projects and programs that, on first inspection, may seem impossible. Whether it is transforming the world’s largest private tank collection into a world-class museum, operating the longest-running and most extensive national warbird tour, carrying out massive restoration projects of rare and historic artifacts from around the globe, or operating America’s last flying F-4 Phantom... we do it. Donors know that their contributions get enormous traction and impact when they give to the Collings Foundation with their donation dollar going further to support the programs that are most meaningful to them. You can make a difference by helping us make a difference... see some of the ways you can >>>>> 31
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A FEW WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE... Give to our educational endowment...
An American Association of School Administrators survey found that 50% of schools did not plan field trips for the coming year. Budgetary crunches are partially to blame. We have developed an endowment to assist with admissions and provide bus funding so that the American Heritage Museum can bring much needed history and STEM content to students.
Preserve your legacy in a gallery...
The American Heritage Museum in Stow offers an unparalleled way to connect your family or corporate legacy to pivotal events in American history through gallery sponsorship. We have a variety of programs available in our world-class museum that will assure your impact is visible for generations to come. Contact us for naming opportunities.
Fund a restoration...
The Collings Foundation is committed to identifying, recovering, and restoring historic artifacts from around the world, preserving the valuable history that they embody. Donors play a critical role in funding these major efforts, especially the projected $800,000 cost of completing work on our other B-17 Flying Fortress, s/n 44-83785, allowing it to join the Wings of Freedom Tour in the future.
Become a sponsor or lifetime member...
There is no better way to support your special aircraft, vehicle, or museum than to become a Plane Sponsor or Armor Sponsor. Your donation goes directly to the program that you value most, and your directed support helps us to fund new restoration and expansion. Lifetime & Corporate memberships are also available.
Make a lasting impact...
We hope you believe, as we do, that the mission of the Collings Foundation is crucial to future generations. There are many different Planned Giving options available to preserve your legacy, provide valuable charitable benefits to you and your family, and even preserve income well into the future. We accept common stock, either public or private, real estate, and other appreciated assets as donation options to continue our mission.
REACH OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE...
There are many ways you can join us and help keep our mission alive. Reach out to Ryan Keough, Director of Donor Relations and Development at 978-562-9182 or rkeough@collingsfoundation.org and let us help you develop a plan that matches your passion today. Learn more online at http://give.cfdn.org
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OUR HONORED CONTRIBUTORS The mission of the Collings Foundation is to keep history alive for our future generations and to preserve our national heritage through our programs. The level of resources required each year to accomplish this is immense, but through the generosity of our supporters, we have not only sustained this mission, but have also greatly expanded our reach in the past decade with new artifacts, restorations, and major program additions like the American Heritage Museum. We are extremely grateful to the supporters who have made this possible.
2019 DONORS LIFETIME SUPPORTERS 2019 AHM FOUNDERS SOCIETY
William Boller Dan Wrightington
2019 PLANE SPONSORS
Michael Barndt B-24 Liberator
Richard Brink
B-17 Flying Fortress
James Carrie PBY-5A Catalina
Bob Carufel B-24 Liberator
Jay Christi P-51 Mustang
John Cooke
B-17 Flying Fortress
Anthony Costanzo Wings of Freedom Tour
Mark Dunham P-51 Mustang
James Fanson
B-17 Flying Fortress
Ricky Foster B-24 Liberator
Donald Foulkes B-24 Liberator
Owen Gallagher
Messerschmitt Me-262
Norm Henry
B-17 Flying Fortress
John Marvin Holyfield B-24 Liberator
John C. Howe
Wings of Freedom Tour
Craig MacMillan B-17 Flying Fortress
Joseph McGrath B-17 Flying Fortress
Betty McMicken B-17 Flying Fortress
John Muhr
B-17 Flying Fortress
Scott & Pam Sheeler #5 B-17 Flying Fortress
Robert Stack
B-17 Flying Fortress
2019 LIFETIME MEMBERS Mike Pecoraro Richard Reina Joseph Reinsch Edward Shea 33
Lifetime supporters of the Collings Foundation have risen above and beyond to help keep history alive for future generations. Their support has helped to ensure the future of the American Heritage Museum, Wings of Freedom Tour, and Vietnam Memorial Flight.
DIAMOND
Anonymous Donors The Bassick Family Foundation Huisking Foundation Stewart McMillan
PLATINUM
Anonymous Donors Darmochwal Family Glen Hanson George Kuchenbecker
GOLD
Virginia M. Ballard Stuart Bemis Henry W. Bull Foundation Curtis Burton Daniel B. Clark Mark Dunham Gary B. Grainger
The William J. & Deborah S. Nutt Foundation Bill Shea and Family William M. Sheriff
Dorothy A. Metcalf Foundation Tony O’Neill Joe J. Osentoski Kevin Schuerman Mick Hanou Ed Harder Thomas G. Harrison Michael Lam Brad Lemons Foundation Michael Malcolm Chuck McElwee
W.L. Miller Carl F. Moore James R. Moriarty Jim X. Mullen Norris Foundation Paul Parfrey Mike Poirier
Eric M. Stroud David J. Walker
Roy Reardon Charles Robidart Scott & Pam Sheeler Warren Reed Sprinkel David O. Swain Stephen D. Wolfe
SILVER Davey L. Adams, Jr. James Allison James Althoff Craig M Arellano Lawrence Bachman William J. Bachschmidt Anna Bailey Trust Richard L. Bellmer Bret Berry Bob Best Frank Bilotta Barry Birdwell Barbara Bishop-Ward James Blake Letha S. Blankenship James W. Blatchford III Mark Jon Bluth Lawrence Borger David D. Borland Jim Bryant Ann M. Burger John Burnett Beth Butler Joel Caldwell Donald J. Campbell Jerry Carlson Bob D. Carufel Ray Cawley Michele Ciancio Maudie Clark Patrick B. Clark Kenneth Clendenin Brian Cleveland Thomas R. Cockfield
Pamela Coe Philip K. Coleman Keith E. Collett John C. Cooke David L. Craven Bruce P. Creighton Christopher Dale Frank Darabont Paul Darmochwal Dale H. Davenport Richard E. DeKostic Tracy Delahunt-LaPelusa John Dillman Ken Eldred Gregory Fang Helga M. Felsch Caruthers S. Jean Fernandez Michael K. FitzSimons Thomas J. Flaherty John K. Flanagan Ricky Foster Glenn L. Frizzell Robert J. Galloway Ethan Galstad Johnny Gates Jere Gerszewski Robert D. Gilligan Patricia P. Greenhood Dirk Griffin Steve Grogan Thomas Haddock Stephen Han Douglas Hart William T. Hawkins
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Alan Heffron Bruce R. Hegdahl Barry Hennings Norman Henry Steven J. Herson Larry Hinton Stephen J. Hoffman James M. Holley Chris R. Huber Charlene Hunter Laura Huston J.D.M. Foundation Paul Jernigan Thomas D. Johns James A. Joki Kenneth Jones James L. Joslin Ed Kirik Leroy Kirk Matt Kuehn David Kuntz Bob Laverty David A. Lintz Manuel J. Lozano Roderick MacLeod Gunard O. Mahl Maurizio Maranghi Ron A Marquis Clifford Martin Bruce Martini William Maxwell Mike McCune Joseph McGrath Betty McMicken
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William T. Meehleis George Michel John Miller Don Miller Thomas Mueller John Muhr Andrew Munson Mark Nickerson Kevin Nish Mary L. Norton Robert G. Oneglia Brad O’Neill Paul Orr Walt Orth Joan Patterson Mary Paulin, Jr. David W. Payne Matthew M. Perez Paul Peterzell Eric Pintard David T. Plakias Robert D. Poole Melissa Pozarowski Scott Prawat Jack Quinn Dennis Paul Rego Lloyd Robidoux Peter C. Rosenthal Jeff Rusk James Rust Andrew H. Schmidt Susan Schueller Cesare Segalini Barry Semler
Nathan Simpson George Slye Cynthia P. Smith Richard J. Smith Richard Spatz Robert Stack Robert Stanford Carl & Barbara Stanley Family Trust Cory Stirling Susan F. Swanson James Taiclet Alexander B. Taylor Phillip Tenwick Jack N. Thornton Robert Torres Michael Martin Tull Ellie Unum Michael E. Vadvilavich L.A. Vander Putten George Waal Jimmie Waldon Robert Warmack Urs Wettstein M.J. Winer George Wiseman Alan Wolnek Howard B. Young Justin Zabel Stan Zeiden Nancy Zverina
MEMBERSHIP I N FO R M AT I O N
All memberships help support the programs of the Collings Foundation. By becoming a member, you join the ranks of others who have taken the extra step each year to keep history alive!
COLLINGS FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP & CONTRIBUTIONS
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Annual Memberships include one year of unlimited admission as outlined below to the American Heritage Museum and the Wings of Freedom Tour, a 20% discount to special event tickets at the American Heritage Museum, a 10% discount to the museum store or PX, a window decal, and a subscription to member publications.
PHONE
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Individual Membership - $60 - Membership for one person includes standard annual membership benefits as described above, including admission for the member.
� Individual Membership: $60 annually
Participating Membership - $100 - Membership for one person includes standard annual membership benefits as described above, including admission for the member. Also includes a $50 voucher to use toward a flight or armor experience.
� Lifetime Membership: $2500 one time contribution
Family Membership - $140 - Membership for two adults and all children under 18. Includes standard annual membership benefits as described above, including admission for the family.
CONTRIBUTION OPTIONS
� Participating Membership: $100 annually � Family Membership: $140 annually � Plane Sponsor of _________: $7000 one time contribution � Armor Sponsor of ________: $7000 one time contribution
Annual Fund: Applied to the most urgent needs. � $1000
� $500
� $250
� $100
� $50
� Other ___________________
ADVANCED MEMBERSHIPS Advanced Memberships include lifetime unlimited admission as for the member and up to three additional people to the American Heritage Museum and the Wings of Freedom Tour, a 50% discount to special event tickets at the American Heritage Museum, a 10% discount to the museum store or PX, a window decal, and a subscription to member publications. Additional benefits are outlined below. Lifetime Membership - $2500 - Membership for one person includes the advanced membership benefits as described above. Also includes two (2) certificates for a flight experience on a Wings of Freedom bomber OR two (2) certificates for an Armor Experience ride at the AHM. Plane Sponsor - $7000 - Support a specific aircraft of your choice from our collection. Membership includes the advanced membership benefits as described above. Benefits also include flying privileges for member and one (1) guest on between-city move flights (not local flights) on the Wings of Freedom Tour bombers. Member will also receive either a personalized A-2 Leather bomber jacket, or a model of the aircraft they sponsor. Up to $3500 of previous flight donations may be applied to this level. Armor Sponsor - $7000 - Support a specific tank or vehicle of your choice from our collection. Membership includes the advanced membership benefits as described above. Benefits also include two (2) Armor Experience rides per year for sponsor on available vehicles. Member will also receive a personalized WWII Tanker jacket customized for the tank they sponsor.
AHM Founders Society: Help grow the programs and collections of the American Heritage Museum. � $5,000
� $10,000
� $25,000
� Other ___________________
PAYMENT DETAILS PAYMENT: � CHECK
� CREDIT CARD
CARD #
EXPIRATION
CVV CODE
SIGNATURE Make your check payable to COLLINGS FOUNDATION, INC and Mail your donation to:
The Collings Foundation Attn.: Membership & Contributions 568 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749
Give or Become a Member Online at: http://give.cfdn.org www.collingsfoundation.org
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The Collings Foundation 568 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 (978) 562-9182 www.collingsfoundation.org
THE
COLLINGS FOUNDATION
Non Profit Org US Postage Paid
PX STORE
The Collings Foundation’s PX Store features a great selection of gifts for the aviation and history buff in your family. Te e S h i r t s , T i n S i g n s a n d P r i n t s
M o d e l s , To y s , B o o k s a n d U n i q u e G i f t s
We have many new Cobi toys and models now in stock at the American Heritage Museum gift shop.
Flight Certificates
A great variety of tee shirts and vintage tin signs can be found in our online store. For the ultimate holiday gift order a bomber or fighter flight certificate. Every purchase helps!
We have many more items to choose from! See all items in our store at: www.collingsfoundation.org
YOUR PURCHASE HELPS SUPPORT THE COLLINGS FOUNDATION THANK YOU FOR HELPING US “KEEP ‘EM FLYING!”