He stated in no uncertain terms that we never,
repeat NEVER,
turn away from head-on attack before the enemy!
A period of pregnant silence followed his last sentence.
Finally a young pilot in the front row hesitantly asked what would happen
if the German pilot turned out to be as bullheaded as we were?
A flicker of smile creased Blakeslee’s face as he replied,
fixing his grey eyes on the uncomfortable young man,
‘In that case, son, you have earned your extra flight pay the hard way!’
This broke up the briefing in more ways than one,
and after being dismissed we all headed for our fighters to prepare for take-off,
laughing in spite of our anxiety.
The serial number is incorrect per the aircraft card – 44-15622 went to the MTO and was assigned to the 31st FG / 307th FS and went MIA on 26 December 1944 – ditched Adriatic Sea with 2Lt William H Dunn (no MACR since the pilot was rescued)
This information comes from three sources, Aircraft card, 31st FG records and 15th AF S-3 reports.