Spirit Of Flight Center Event Features Captain Bill Getz, P-51 Mustang Replica

One of the major factors influencing the success or failure of strategic bombing missions in the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) during World War II was the severe weather conditions often encountered over the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.  Weather forecasting and reconnaissance was in its infancy and although various aircraft were used to help forecast weather over the target areas, it was still a hit and miss arrangement at best. Colonel Bud J.  Peaslee, Commanding Officer of the 384th Bomb Group knew the problem all too well. He had led bomber formations that had been forced to turn back due to impenetrable cloud cover obscuring not just the target but the entire route to and from it.  Colonel Peaslee realized that it would be of great benefit to have someone scouting the route out up ahead and reporting back, to enable formation leaders to make informed decisions concerning the viability of the mission. Fortunately, Colonel Peaslee had the ear of high command and discussed the matter with General Jimmy Doolitle.

Capt. Charles W “Bill” Getz

General Doolittle liked the idea and authorized Colonel Peaslee to test the idea using the only aircraft capable of making it all the way to the targets with the bombers- the mighty North American P-51 Mustang.  In June 1944, supported by the 355th Fighter Group, the Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX) was formed at Steeple Morden, England.  Colonel Peaslee arrived with 8 volunteer bomber pilots who had completed their combat tours. The 355th furnished 12 aircraft, Crew Chiefs and Assistants, quarters and all logistical support needed by the Scouts. The 355th also furnished 8 fighter pilots to fly wing on the former bomber pilots. The idea was for the bomber pilots, who knew the bomber problems, to lead all aspects of the mission other than combat. When enemy fighters were encountered, the fighter pilot slipped into the lead. Eventually the bomber pilots became pretty good fighter pilots themselves. In July, 1944 the SFX flew its first mission and continued on to prove the Scouting Force concept with the 35th and final successful mission completed on September 12, 1944.

Capt. Charles W “Bill” Getz was a member of the 2nd Scouting Force, ex 491st Bomb Group and flew a P-51D known as “Saucy Shirley".

P-51D 1/4 Scale Model

On Saturday, September 24, 2011 the Spirit of Flight Center air museum, located at the Erie, CO Municipal airport, will honor Capt. Bill Getz with a ceremony and induction of a giant ¼ scale P-51 Mustang which is painted in the colors of his “Saucy Shirley”. 

“We were the eyes of the bombing commander on mission during WWII” said Bill Getz.  “And I can’t wait to see the model of my old P-51”.

Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center said “We are thrilled to have Bill Getz and his family travel to the museum for the induction of the P-51 model.  His is a story that not many people know.  Master modeler Dave Gianakos and his family have spent hours working on an incredible addition for the museum and we are truly thankful his family for their efforts, and can’t wait to see Bill’s reaction”. 

The general public is invited to the ceremony which is from 11AM-1PM at the museum.  A $5 admission includes the ceremony, a museum tour, coffee and snacks.

(Images courtesy Spirit Of Flight Museum)

FMI: www.spiritofflight.com