PILOT CLASS 43-D

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 my brother, the men that served with him,
and to those men whose lives and dreams have been devoted to flight,
and love of their country.

PILOT CLASS 43-D Association

The Pilot Class 43-D Association was the concept of Frank Dutko, a graduate of Aloe AAF, Victoria, TX.
He assembled the first reunion in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. in April 1984,
where 17 attended.

At the second assembly at Camp Spring, MD, and Andrews AFB in April 1985,
a formal structure was established.
Over 74 members and their wives attended.
Members agreed the organization would be open to all graduates of 43-D
regardless of their graduation field or training command,
anyone who began training with 43-D, as well as widows of
former members of the class.

Incorporated in the State of Florida in March 1985, the Pilot Class 43-D Association is an IRS approved
non-profit service organization.
The roster now exceeds 1137.

The “Delta Eagles”, as they prefer to be called, met annually
at sites selected on a rotational basis between Southeast,
Gulf Coast and West Coast Training Commands. The organization’s
official newsletter, “THE 43-DELTA EAGLE” is published quarterly,
keeps the members informed of happenings, history and antics of
fellow members.

The association has grown and gained fame in national air-related publications
like AIR FORCE MAGAZINE and AIR POWER HISTORY (formerly AEROSPACE HISTORIAN).

The active membership proudly boasts three Medal of Honor recipients,
retired General Officers to include 4-star rank, a former astronaut,
and a host of airmen who attained status of ACE.
In addition to retired military, there are retired airline Captains,
Movie Stars, Authors, Publishers, Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists, and Ministers.

Medal of Honor Recipients:
William R. Lawley, Air Force, WWII
Edward S. Michael, Air Force, WWII
Joe M. Jackson, Air Force, Viet Nam

United States Air Force General Officers
Gen. David C. Jones
Maj. Gen. G. B. Dettinger (Pilot, former Dep. Surgeon-General)
Lt. Gen. Russ E. Dougherty (Exec. Dir. Air Force Assoc.)
Lt. Gen. W. W. (“Bones”) Marshall
Maj. Gen. Herbert J. Gavin
B/Gen. Wiltz P. (“Flash”) Segura
General David Jones, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Astronaut
Donald (“Duke”) Slayton

Familiar names
John W. Conrad, VP Braniff, better known as William Conrad, (Radio voice of Matt Dillion in Gunsmoke, “Cannon” in TV series, and “Jake and the Fatman” TV series).

Jack Palance, TV and screen actor.

This organization is the first known and recognized Pilot Class Cadet oriented of its size and kind. They are dedicated to comradeship among their members and are composed of men whose lives and dreams have been devoted to flight.

PILOT CLASS 43-D Assoc. Officers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
West Coast Command:
Jack Patton
George Tripp

Gulf Coast Command:
Frank Rolla
Powell Schuemack

Southeast Command:
Charlie Brown, Chairman
George Savage

PAST PRESIDENTS:

Eugene Causey.......1985 - 1986
Frank Dutko.........1986 - 1987
Eugene L. Riser.....1987 - 1988
Charles Brown.......1988 - 1989
Jack Songer.........1989 - 1990
Ken Harris..........1990 - 1991
Jack Patton.........1991 - 1992
Vic Nunenkamp.......1992 - 1993
George Tripp........1993 - 1994
Art Speer...........1994 - 1995
Otis Prichard.......1995 - 1996
Harold Peterson.....1996 - 1997
Robert G. Babb......1997 - 1998
Frank J. Rolla......1998 - 1999
Robert Alter........1999 - 2000
Charlie Brown.......2000 - 2002
Ed Ondre............2002 - 2003
Frank Rolla.........2003 - 2004
Frank Dutko.........2004 - 2006
Robert Alter........2006 - 2008

Pilot Class 43-D
DELTA EAGLE
 
A 'MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT" - Bob Alter
 
OCTOBER 2007

We have been fortunate to have been part of the "greatest generation" and of the 43-D pilot class. 
I believe we have lived through some of the best times, but now we are a part of the present. 
We are living through some life changes due to our health and the loss of some of beloved 
co-pilots and family members. 
We cannot change any of these; however, we can thank our God for allowing us the privilege 
of knowing you and to spend good times making memories we will not soon forget. 
We have the good fortune to have a history which will be available for generations to come.
 
We are grateful that Frank Dutko is still in such good health and Is able to continue 
publishing the Delta Eagle. 
This enables us to keep up with our friends and that his wife Phyl has offered her 
support to Frank and this organization.
 
Also, we thank you who have contributed to continued existence of the Delta Eagle 
so it will continue to "fly".
 
Martha's 88 year old sister made her Last Flight and leaves her with only another in 
Dallas, TX. She is blind. 
My brother in Indiana is an Alzheimer patient In the Fowler Nursing Home. 
We have been blessed with friends who have been In prayer support of us during this time;
however, we do feel the need to spend more time with our grandchildren. 
We know many of you have similar family problems and our prayers go out to you as well.
 
LET'S STAY IN TOUCH. 
WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOU INPUT-AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO KEEP THE 
DELTA EAGLE INTERESTING AND ONGOING. 
GOD BLESS 

Bob


********************

 
OCTOBER 2006
 
A Message from the President – Bob Alter

1. We came from the farm; we came from the city, we came from the factory, we came from the office, 
we came from every conceivable background. We responded to a call to protect our country and with a desire to fly. 
We admired the military pilots. We were awestruck by the movies and by the magazine articles 
telling us about the Aviation Cadet Programs. We had a burning desire to fly mighty aircraft to defeat 
totalitarian invasions around the world.

2. Many sought out recruiters. Many of us were already in the service and at the time of our enlistment 
only enlisted jobs were available. When war was declared the sky was the limit for any job that one could qualify for. 
After passing many exams and being approved by various boards, we passed a physical 
and we were herded to a classification center like Nashville, TN.

3. We were tested mentally and physically through a battery of tests and exercise. 
We survived, and from the mass of would-be bombardiers, navigators, and pilots, 
we were classified, to our great relief, for pilot training. Our desires were to become famous aces, 
to clear the air of enemy aircraft.

4. We were transported to the appropriate preflight training bases near Montgomery, AL 
where ground school was crammed down our throats. Courses in navigation, weather, aircraft identification, 
radio communication, military courses, code, etc. We encountered strenuous physical training. 
In addition, the upper-classmen spared us no mercy---Iong hours at attention, marching endlessly, 
plenty of hazing to make us think, act and appear alert and on the ball at all times. 
In addition, we had spotless barracks, perfection in military dress and military act as top brass.

5. We survived primary pilot training, link training, code, etc., and moved to basic and advanced pilot training. 
We graduated from flight training to be flight or instrument instructors, 
others became fighter or bomber pilots to drive the enemy from the sky, or bomb anything that provided aircraft, 
tanks, guns, ammunition, explosives, etc.. We destroyed all means of delivering supplies and protected our ground troops.

6. We were a major factor in protection of civilization as we knew it. 
We helped make the most productive worldwide economy and prosperity ever conceived by mankind.

7. Now we are aging. Our ranks are thinning rapidly and we will soon no longer exist except in the memories we leave behind. 
Before we all vanish, as long as we are able, we should speak to any group or organization, such as schools, service clubs, 
so that our younger generation can be glad that they met us and shook our hands. 
Keep the regional reunions going as long as possible.
God Bless us and remember to talk to your grandchildren and brag about the missions we accomplished.

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