- Home
- History
- OPS
-
Personnel
- Pilots
- 4th Headquarters - Ground
- 334 - Ground
- 335 - Ground
- 336 - Ground
- 438th Air Service Group >
-
33rd Service Group and Other Units Stationed at Debden
>
- 33rd Service Group Detachment A Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
- 45th Service Squadron
- 24th Station Complement Squadron
- 1770th OS&M Company
- 1126th Quartermaster Company
- 2119th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon
- 1030th Signal Company
- 1063rd Military Police Company
- 30th Postal Regulating Section/128th Army Postal Unit / 18th Weather Squadron
- Images
- News
- Publications
- The A4FG
- Contact Us
4th Fighter Group News
The Association Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the
RAF Eagle Squadrons Transfer into the US Army Air Force
Photo courtesy National Museum of the US Air Force
2
29 September 2017 DAYTON, OHIO - Members of the Association of the 4th Fighter Group met in Dayton today - 75 years to the day of the RAF Eagle Squadrons' transfer into the 8th Air Force, creating the 4th Fighter Group.
A memorial service was held at the US Air Force Museum to honor the 128 men who lost their lives while on duty with the 4th. A wreath was presented by pilots Willard "G.I." Gillette (334) and Chuck Konsler (335). After the presentation of the wreath, USAF Master Sergeant Mike Richter played TAPS. A 21-gun salute was fired by the VFW Honor Guard.
As has become the tradition, the Debdenites began their visit to the museum by visiting The Belly Tank for a photo op. Following the memorial service, the group enjoyed lunch in the Valkyrie Cafe. Before departing, the pilots walked through the museum's WWII gallery, stopping for photos in front the P-51D.
Pictured above with the Honor Guard - provided by VFW Post 9927 of Kettering, Ohio, and MSgt Richter after the memorial service are 4th Fighter Group veterans (L-R) Chuck Konsler and Willard Gillette.
The Association Celebrates the 70th Anniversary of Operation FRANTIC II
Photo courtesy Mark Richie
2-5 October 2014 DAYTON, OHIO - Members of the Association of the 4th Fighter Group met in Dayton this past weekend to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Group's participation in Operation FRANTIC II, the first England to Russia shuttle mission. During FRANTIC II, the second of seven shuttle raids which commenced on 21 June 1944, the 4th operated from bases in the Ukraine and Italy before returning to Debden on 5 July.
On Friday, 3 October, a memorial service was held at the US Air Force Museum to honor the 128 men who lost their lives while on duty with the 4th, as well as the ten Debdenites known to have Gone West since the last reunion. Present for the ceremony was the USAF Color Guard, consisting of SSgt Daniel Applen, A1C Tyler Brinson, A1C Brandon Solomon and A1C Gabriel Becerril. As the ceremony drew to a close, bugler Kevin Murachanian played TAPS. After the service, a wreath was presented by 334 pilot and Shuttle veteran Willard "G.I." Gillette. It was later placed at the 4th Fighter Group monument in Memorial Park.
Once again the Debdenites began their visit to the museum by stopping at The Belly Tank for a photo op. After lunch at the museum's cafeteria, the 4th vets posed for some more shots with members of the 452nd Bomb Group, who happened to be touring the museum that day. The 452nd also participated in FRANTIC II, though was unable to complete the operation due to devastating loses incurred during the Luftwaffe's raid on Poltava. As with the previous visit in 2012, the trip concluded with photos by the museum's P-51 display in the World War II gallery.
Pictured above with the Color Guard after the memorial service are 4th Fighter Group veterans (L-R) Jack Swan (pilot, 336), Don Groomer (crew chief, 336), Carl Brown (pilot, 334), Chuck Konsler (pilot, 335), Jim Rathkey (teletype operator, 334) and Willard "GI" Gillette (pilot, 334).
On Friday, 3 October, a memorial service was held at the US Air Force Museum to honor the 128 men who lost their lives while on duty with the 4th, as well as the ten Debdenites known to have Gone West since the last reunion. Present for the ceremony was the USAF Color Guard, consisting of SSgt Daniel Applen, A1C Tyler Brinson, A1C Brandon Solomon and A1C Gabriel Becerril. As the ceremony drew to a close, bugler Kevin Murachanian played TAPS. After the service, a wreath was presented by 334 pilot and Shuttle veteran Willard "G.I." Gillette. It was later placed at the 4th Fighter Group monument in Memorial Park.
Once again the Debdenites began their visit to the museum by stopping at The Belly Tank for a photo op. After lunch at the museum's cafeteria, the 4th vets posed for some more shots with members of the 452nd Bomb Group, who happened to be touring the museum that day. The 452nd also participated in FRANTIC II, though was unable to complete the operation due to devastating loses incurred during the Luftwaffe's raid on Poltava. As with the previous visit in 2012, the trip concluded with photos by the museum's P-51 display in the World War II gallery.
Pictured above with the Color Guard after the memorial service are 4th Fighter Group veterans (L-R) Jack Swan (pilot, 336), Don Groomer (crew chief, 336), Carl Brown (pilot, 334), Chuck Konsler (pilot, 335), Jim Rathkey (teletype operator, 334) and Willard "GI" Gillette (pilot, 334).
Nose Art and Pin Ups Documentary To Hit the Big Screen in the UK
10 April 2013 - SAFFRON WALDEN, ENGLAND - It was announced today that the Saffron Screen will be presenting a screening of the Nose Art Films documentary Nose Art and Pin Ups on 25 May at 1500. Tickets are available from www.saffronscreen.com or at the box office, and at the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Center.
Also the cinema organizers would very much like to contact local people with memories of the USAAF to record them and keep them for future generations. The point of contact for the local history project is Rebecca del Tufo at the Saffron Screen; her contact info is: [email protected] or via phone at 01799 521252.
Our thanks to Gail Downey for bringing this to our attention.
Also the cinema organizers would very much like to contact local people with memories of the USAAF to record them and keep them for future generations. The point of contact for the local history project is Rebecca del Tufo at the Saffron Screen; her contact info is: [email protected] or via phone at 01799 521252.
Our thanks to Gail Downey for bringing this to our attention.
A 334 Reunion 68 Years in the Making
Carl Brown (left) and Victor Tomko.
6 April 2013 HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA - Victor Tomko and Carl Brown last saw each other at Debden in 1945, when Victor was an armorer with 334 responsible for keeping the P-51's .50 caliber machine guns in tip top shape, and Carl was a pilot and the last commanding officer of 334. That all changed on 6 April, when Victor travelled north from his home to Pennsylvania to see Carl - for the first time in 68 years.
The two squadron mates "spent the day reminiscing and sharing stories," according to Carl's daughter Lynn Brown Shope, who hosted the reunion. "It was really wonderful and so interesting to hear both sides of the story - from the air and from the ground!"
Victor was accompanied by his son Ken; in addition to Lynn, Carl was joined by his other daughter Laurie Brown Trowbridge. The two families enjoyed looking through the "memorabilia, books, uniforms and so on" assembled for the meeting.
Photos/information courtesy Lynn Brown Shope
The two squadron mates "spent the day reminiscing and sharing stories," according to Carl's daughter Lynn Brown Shope, who hosted the reunion. "It was really wonderful and so interesting to hear both sides of the story - from the air and from the ground!"
Victor was accompanied by his son Ken; in addition to Lynn, Carl was joined by his other daughter Laurie Brown Trowbridge. The two families enjoyed looking through the "memorabilia, books, uniforms and so on" assembled for the meeting.
Photos/information courtesy Lynn Brown Shope
The Association Celebrates the Group's 70th Anniversary!
Photo courtesy Mark Richie
1 October 2012 DAYTON, OHIO - Members of the Association of the 4th Fighter Group gathered in Dayton this past weekend to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Group's activation at Debden on 29 September 1942, when the three RAF Eagle Squadrons were transferred to the US Army Air Force.
On Friday, 28 September, a memorial service was held at the US Air Force Museum to honor the 128 men who lost their lives while on duty with the 4th. After the service, a wreath was unveiled by 336 crew chief Don Groomer and then placed at the 4th Fighter Group Memorial.
While at the museum the Debdenites also visited their old stomping grounds, posing for photos at The Belly Tank, located in the Nissen hut exhibit on the museum's grounds. The Belly Tank is the actual enlisted men's beer hall that was on the station from 1943-45. The group enjoyed a lunch at the museum's cafe, then posed for some more shots in front of the P-51D exhibit before heading back to their hotel. During their time at the museum, the original Debdenites created a stir wherever they went, with both the museum patrons and the museum staffers.
Pictured above are 4th Fighter Group veterans (L-R) Jack Swan (pilot, 336), Andy Lacy (pilot, 334), Richard Rinebolt (pilot, 335), Willard "GI" Gillette (pilot, 334) and Don Groomer (crew chief, 336). Also in attendance but not pictured: H.W. "Zed" Zaiser (cryptographic tech, 4th HQ).
On Friday, 28 September, a memorial service was held at the US Air Force Museum to honor the 128 men who lost their lives while on duty with the 4th. After the service, a wreath was unveiled by 336 crew chief Don Groomer and then placed at the 4th Fighter Group Memorial.
While at the museum the Debdenites also visited their old stomping grounds, posing for photos at The Belly Tank, located in the Nissen hut exhibit on the museum's grounds. The Belly Tank is the actual enlisted men's beer hall that was on the station from 1943-45. The group enjoyed a lunch at the museum's cafe, then posed for some more shots in front of the P-51D exhibit before heading back to their hotel. During their time at the museum, the original Debdenites created a stir wherever they went, with both the museum patrons and the museum staffers.
Pictured above are 4th Fighter Group veterans (L-R) Jack Swan (pilot, 336), Andy Lacy (pilot, 334), Richard Rinebolt (pilot, 335), Willard "GI" Gillette (pilot, 334) and Don Groomer (crew chief, 336). Also in attendance but not pictured: H.W. "Zed" Zaiser (cryptographic tech, 4th HQ).
Documentary Now Available in US Format
30 September 2012 - The Whirlwind Productions documentary Nose Art & Pin Ups is now available in NTSC format, the formatting used to create DVD's in the US and Canada. As mentioned previously, our own Don Allen is featured prominently in this production - he even made the cover! For more information, visit the official DVD site here: (http://www.noseartfilms.co.uk/)
The DVD goes for $25, and if you'd like to order a copy, you can do so at Amazon.com here: http://www.amazon.com/Nose-Art-and-Pin-Ups/dp/B00968MBJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349049953&sr=8-1&keywords=nose+art+and+pin+ups+dvd
The DVD goes for $25, and if you'd like to order a copy, you can do so at Amazon.com here: http://www.amazon.com/Nose-Art-and-Pin-Ups/dp/B00968MBJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349049953&sr=8-1&keywords=nose+art+and+pin+ups+dvd
"The Escorts" - new 4th Fighter Group painting!
14 June 2012 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Steve Heyen has just completed another painting featuring a 4th Fighter Group subject, and it is one familiar to all. In "The Escorts," Steve depicts 336's Don Gentile returning to Debden in the spring of 1944 in his famous Mustang "Shangri-La."
The painting, an oil on a 20" x 30" canvas, also shows John Godfrey flying Gentile's wing as they make their way across East Anglia. If you're interested in purchasing this piece or speaking with Steve, check out his page in the Aviation Art section of this site for his contact information.
The painting, an oil on a 20" x 30" canvas, also shows John Godfrey flying Gentile's wing as they make their way across East Anglia. If you're interested in purchasing this piece or speaking with Steve, check out his page in the Aviation Art section of this site for his contact information.
Don Allen Court Dedicated at SJAFB
18 May 2012 SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, NC - Don Allen Court was officially dedicated at SJAFB, with Don attending the ceremonies and the unveiling of the street sign (left). When asked by the 4th Wing's S/Sgt Peter Ising what his initial thoughts were when informed about the honor, Don responded "I think they're nuts!" Don Allen Court is in the new Berkeley Manor housing section of the base.
The photo shows 4th Fighter Wing Commanding Officer Col. Patrick Doherty doing the honors as Don and his family watch. Facsimiles of Don's nose art paintings are on display at the base's Consolidated Support Center.
(Info via SJAFB website; U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore/Released)
The photo shows 4th Fighter Wing Commanding Officer Col. Patrick Doherty doing the honors as Don and his family watch. Facsimiles of Don's nose art paintings are on display at the base's Consolidated Support Center.
(Info via SJAFB website; U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore/Released)
Eagles Do the Elephant Walk
17 April 2012 SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, NC - In tribute to the 1,016 victories chalked up by the 4th Fighter Group, the 4th Fighter Wing sent nearly 70 F-15E Strike Eagles aloft to bomb 1,000 targets in their "Turkey Shoot" training mission of 16 April. 16 April also marked the 67th anniversary of the great, late-war strafing shows in Germany and Czechoslovakia on which the 4th destroyed over 100 enemy aircraft.
At left, all sixty-eight Strike Eagles can be seen taxiing at SJAFB, a maneuver known as the "elephant walk." The name "Turkey Shoot" uses the name of the famous June 1944 engagement in the Philipine Sea in which US Navy aviators destroyed over 400 Japanese aircraft and came to be referred to as "The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot."
In an interview with T/Sgt Tammie Moore of 4th FW Public Affairs, 4th Fighter Wing CO Colonel Patrick Doherty said, "This F-15E Strike package and Turkey Shoot honored the excellence and sacrifices of our Wing's past while 'flexing' 4th FW airpower today, sharpening our warfighting spirit and skills as we look toward the future."
Information for this segment via the Seymour Johnson AFB website article by T/Sgt Tammie Moore; U.S. Air Force photos by S/Sgt Elizabeth Rissmiller, Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho, T/Sgt Colette Graham and S/Sgt Eric Harris/RELEASED
At left, all sixty-eight Strike Eagles can be seen taxiing at SJAFB, a maneuver known as the "elephant walk." The name "Turkey Shoot" uses the name of the famous June 1944 engagement in the Philipine Sea in which US Navy aviators destroyed over 400 Japanese aircraft and came to be referred to as "The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot."
In an interview with T/Sgt Tammie Moore of 4th FW Public Affairs, 4th Fighter Wing CO Colonel Patrick Doherty said, "This F-15E Strike package and Turkey Shoot honored the excellence and sacrifices of our Wing's past while 'flexing' 4th FW airpower today, sharpening our warfighting spirit and skills as we look toward the future."
Information for this segment via the Seymour Johnson AFB website article by T/Sgt Tammie Moore; U.S. Air Force photos by S/Sgt Elizabeth Rissmiller, Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho, T/Sgt Colette Graham and S/Sgt Eric Harris/RELEASED
New Painting "Devastating Thunder" Features Pisanos' "Miss Plainfield"
20 January 2012 SAN DIEGO, CA - 334's Steve Pisanos (left) and aviation artist Brian Bateman are shown holding "Devastating Thunder," Bateman's new painting of Pisanos' P-47 Thunderbolt "Miss Plainfield." The painting depicts Pisanos and his wingman strafing a German BR-52 locomotive - a task he relished. The scene depicted was chosen by Steve from a half dozen concept sketches provided by Brian at the outset.
Brian then worked closely with Steve to make sure he had all the elements of the painting correct. Despite the long hours of hard work put into the details, Bateman was still a bit nervous the morning of the unveiling. However, his concerns were allayed by Steve's big smile and enthusiastic response upon seeing the finished work. Said the artist on his opportunity to work with 'The Greek,' "...this project is up there at the all time top for me. It was an honor and a pleasure." Prints bearing the signature of both artist and pilot will be available via Cranston Fine Arts.
Brian then worked closely with Steve to make sure he had all the elements of the painting correct. Despite the long hours of hard work put into the details, Bateman was still a bit nervous the morning of the unveiling. However, his concerns were allayed by Steve's big smile and enthusiastic response upon seeing the finished work. Said the artist on his opportunity to work with 'The Greek,' "...this project is up there at the all time top for me. It was an honor and a pleasure." Prints bearing the signature of both artist and pilot will be available via Cranston Fine Arts.
Don Allen To Be Honored By SJAFB
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, NC - 334 nose artist extraordinaire Don Allen has had a street named after him on Seymour Johnson AFB. Don is only the second 4th FG enlisted man to be so honored, 336's Bob Gilbert being the other. This brings the total number of thoroughfares named after Debdenites on the base to eleven.
Shown at left touching up his paint job on Nick Megura's P-51B Ill Wind, Don was honored in part for his contributions in "painting magnificent nose art on 56 aircraft." And oh-by-the-way, Don was a pretty good crew chief too in his spare time!
Previously, streets had also been named for Don Blakeslee, Gregory Daymond, Don Gentile, John Godfrey, Jim Goodson, Carroll McColpin, Chesley Peterson, Vermont Garrison and Ralph Hofer. Details for a formal naming ceremony have yet to be finalized.
Shown at left touching up his paint job on Nick Megura's P-51B Ill Wind, Don was honored in part for his contributions in "painting magnificent nose art on 56 aircraft." And oh-by-the-way, Don was a pretty good crew chief too in his spare time!
Previously, streets had also been named for Don Blakeslee, Gregory Daymond, Don Gentile, John Godfrey, Jim Goodson, Carroll McColpin, Chesley Peterson, Vermont Garrison and Ralph Hofer. Details for a formal naming ceremony have yet to be finalized.
4th Holds its 2011 Reunion in Denver
DENVER, CO - The A4FG held its biennial reunion 22-25 September in Denver, Colorado. Trips to the Warbirds Over the Rockies R/C Air Show and the Wings Over the Rockies Air Museum on the grounds of the former Lowry AFB highlighted the weekend. Significant changes were made to the structure of the organization during the business meeting Friday evening, readying the A4FG for heading in new directions in the future.
Pictured at left are the six Debdenites that made the trip to Denver. Seated (l-r) are Paul Lucas, 335, pilot and Richard Rinebolt, 335, pilot. Standing are Jack Swan, 336, pilot; Steve Pisanos, 334, pilot; Don Groomer, 336, crew chief, and Henry Lee, 335, pilot.
(Photo courtesy Mark Richie)
Pictured at left are the six Debdenites that made the trip to Denver. Seated (l-r) are Paul Lucas, 335, pilot and Richard Rinebolt, 335, pilot. Standing are Jack Swan, 336, pilot; Steve Pisanos, 334, pilot; Don Groomer, 336, crew chief, and Henry Lee, 335, pilot.
(Photo courtesy Mark Richie)
335th Fighter Squadron F-15E Flagship To Wear the 121 Eagle Squadron Emblem
25 July 2011 SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, NC - Thanks to an Air Combat Command mandate, 335th Fighter Squadron CO Lt. Col. David Moeller's F-15E Strike Eagle will be wearing the emblem of the Eagle Squadron and the patch of 121 Eagle Squadron until May, 2012. Just forward of the cockpit on the port side of the flagship F-15E is the Eagle Squadron emblem, worn by some Eagle Squadron aircraft while serving in the RAF. The emblem of 121 Squadron, whose nickname was "The Chiefs," is painted on the forward end of the port conformal fuel tank.
The heritage patches approved by the ACC are not the only unique artwork adorning this aircraft; just aft of the Eagles emblem and below the cockpit this F-15 E wears a green star - denoting having shot down an Iraqi aircraft. It is the only F-15E in the Air Force with that distinction.
Lt. Col. Moeller and pilot Capt. Joseph Stenger made their maiden flight wearing the heritage patches on 19 July.
Information for this segment via the Seymour Johnson AFB website; U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Rae Perry/RELEASED
The heritage patches approved by the ACC are not the only unique artwork adorning this aircraft; just aft of the Eagles emblem and below the cockpit this F-15 E wears a green star - denoting having shot down an Iraqi aircraft. It is the only F-15E in the Air Force with that distinction.
Lt. Col. Moeller and pilot Capt. Joseph Stenger made their maiden flight wearing the heritage patches on 19 July.
Information for this segment via the Seymour Johnson AFB website; U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Rae Perry/RELEASED
Colonel Don's Mustang Now in its New Home at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
18 July 2011 SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, NC - This P-51D wearing the markings of Col. Blakeslee's last Mustang is lifted into position at the soon to be completed Mission Support Group building.