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,
In April 1943, 5,275 members graduated from 29 Advanced Flying Schools,
Many of our Pilots were lost in World War 2, many were discharged after WW2,
This site is dedicated my brother, the men that served with him, PILOT CLASS 43-D Association
The Pilot Class 43-D Association was the concept of Frank Dutko,
a graduate of Aloe AAF, Victoria, TX.
At the second assembly at Camp Spring, MD, and Andrews AFB in April 1985,
Incorporated in the State of Florida in March 1985,
the Pilot Class 43-D Association is an IRS approved
The “Delta Eagles”, as they prefer to be called, met annually
The association has grown and gained fame in national air-related publications
The active membership proudly boasts three Medal of Honor recipients,
Medal of Honor Recipients:
United States Air Force General Officers
Astronaut
Familiar names
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:
Gulf Coast Command:
Southeast Command:
PAST PRESIDENTS:
the "D" being the fourth letter of the alphabet, signifying April.
and received their wings.
and many went on to serve proudly, again, during the Korea conflict and Viet Nam.
and to those men whose lives and dreams have been devoted to flight,
and love of their country.
He assembled the first reunion in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. in April 1984,
where 17 attended.
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.
non-profit service organization.
The roster now exceeds 1137.
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.
like AIR FORCE MAGAZINE and AIR POWER HISTORY (formerly AEROSPACE HISTORIAN).
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.
William R. Lawley, Air Force, WWII
Edward S. Michael, Air Force, WWII
Joe M. Jackson, Air Force, Viet Nam
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
Donald (“Duke”) Slayton
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).
West Coast Command:
Jack Patton
George Tripp
Frank Rolla
Powell Schuemack
Charlie Brown, Chairman
George Savage
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.
