Forgotten War?

July 22 - Places such as Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima evoke painful memories for most Americans, especially World War II veterans.  But, to thousands of WWII aviators, "flying the Hump" still inspires awe and disbelief. 

"We were a bunch of kids given the job of carrying supplies to China from India," states octogenarian and C-46 ‘Humpster’ Dean Baird.   "The roads were non-existent, so the sky was the only way!"  The sky these Warbirds flew was literally over the roof of the world, the Himalayas with peaks ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 feet.  And, they were not the only obstacles to overcome.  "Weather," continues Baird”was very unpredictable and very treacherous, not to mention the Japanese who were firing at us!"  But, carrying supplies, fuel and troops was instrumental to the war effort and could not be put off until the next day. Casualties were enormous but those who did come home are determined to leave their mark in history. 

On September 9, 2004, a bronze 1/6th scale-18 feet wingspan- C-46 Commando will be dedicated on the Honor Court at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  This replica will join seven other bronze Warbirds permanently set on what is now referred to as "The Study Hall" outdoor sculpture garden. 

Robert Henderson, creator and sculptor of all the bronze airplanes has recorded this era in aviation since the mid-1980's.  "As a pilot, I was enamored with the machinery of World War II," asserts Henderson.  "As time went on, I realized that this history would be forgotten if it weren't recorded."  The garden now houses a P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and a B-29 Superfortress.  The C-46 is the only cargo airplane and will be, perhaps, the final Warbird on this prestigious court. 

"All of the bronze Warbirds are funded by those who flew and crewed them," proudly remarks Henderson.  "No tax dollars have been spent to leave this history."  Henderson has also sculpted such notables as Walter Cronkite, John Denver, Mario Andretti and most recently the Pearl Harbor World War II Memorial.   To take a virtual tour of the work of the sculptor, log on to www.warbirdcentral.com. 

To facilitate funding, a tax-exempt non-profit corporation has been established.  Groups Memorial Inc., of the Army Air Forces was created by B-17 pilot and POW Dale Brown and Brigadier General James McPartlin, B-24 pilot.  "I'd rather have my children and grandchildren visit 'The Study Hall' to remember me than a gravesite," says McPartlin.  Because of their efforts, it is assured that "The Forgotten War" and those involved will NEVER be forgotten. 

To have a name inscribed on the plaque below the C-46 Memorial, call 800-305-1738 or log on to www.warbirdcentral.com.