For ALL who served, they shall NOT be forgotten!

Pilot Class 43-D

This web site was created and is maintained in memory of:

2nd Lt. Donald J. Ellis
29 Aug 1923 - 27 Aug. 1943
Cape Bon, NE Tunisia, North Africa
St. Augustine Military Cemetery, FL

Pilot Class 43-D
439th Fighter Squadron
316th Fighter Squadron
324th Fighter Group
12th U.S.A.F

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Pilot Class 43-D was one of the largest to enter training during World War 2.

The designation "43-D" came from the year of graduation,
the "D" being the fourth letter of the alphabet, signifying April.

In April 1943, 5,275 members graduated from 29 Advanced Flying Schools,
and received their wings.

Many of our Pilots were lost in World War 2, many were discharged after WW2,
and many went on to serve proudly, again, during the Korea conflict and Viet Nam.

This site is dedicated to those men whose lives and dreams have been devoted to flight,
and love of their country.

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NEWS & UPDATED PAGES:

Video: High Flight




LAST FLIGHT:
Nathan Patland (Gulf Coast) 4 May 2008
Robert Dent (Blackland) - 10 Mar 2008
Robert L. Fallow (Luke) - 2 Nov 2006
Robert L. Margison (William) - 25 May 2008
Kenneth L. Cassidy (Spence) - 3 Dec. 1943
Arthur F. Eastman (Aloe) - 1944
John Harvey (Aloe) - 11 April 2008
Gerry (Jack) Patton - 8 Feb. 2008

FRANZ STIGLER
After a long extraordinary life, Franz passed away on March 22, 2008. 
Predeceased by his parents Franz, Anna and brother Gustel, 
he is survived by his loving wife Hija daughter Jovita; 
grandchildren Melina, Corbin, Jason and Nathan; 
great grandchildren Mackenzie and Aidan; niece Christiane (Burkhard); 
special brother Charlie Brown; soul mates Jim, Anne and many friends. 

By sparing the lives of Charlie Brown and his B-17 bomber crew during WWII, 
Franz Stigler performed one of the best documented acts 
of chivalry and compassion in the history of air combat.
 (Comment provided by Charlie Brown)
See story: Charlie Brown

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'Honor Flight' Allows Veteran To Visit WOrld War II Memorial

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324th Fighter Group 2008 Reunion 
The Odyssey Continues
314th * 315th * 316th Fighter Squadrons
September 4 - 8 in Charleston, SC
Ramada Charleston, 7401 Northwoods Blvd.
Make reservations by calling the hotel directly at 843-572-2200

Identify yourself as a member of the 324th reunion group to get the special rate of $84.00 per night
For more information and registration form: Reunions
Lee Porter / porterlp@bellsouth.net / 803-360-2765 
Doug Patteson / doug.patteson@turbocam.com / 603-664-6949 
Linda Wurmser Noffsinger / lwnoffs@email.uky.edu / 859-224-0897


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Pilot Classes Of WWII Reunion:
Sept. 18-21
Hilton-Norfolk Airport Hotel
1500 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA
Reservations: Tel: 1-757-466-8000   Fax: 1-757-466-8802 
Web site: Hilton-Norfolk Airport Hotel 


 Don't Forget:   
 


QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

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Franklin D. Roosevelt