The Pattillo Brothers Share Their Extraordinary History and Journey to Oshkosh 2009

ANN E-I-C Note: Get READY For Oshkosh 2010... because if events like this are any indication (from LAST YEAR's Oshkosh), then we're in for a heck of a good time. As we count down to Oshkosh 2010, we're going to sprinkle our coverage with some of the best of 2009 so that we can REALLY whet your appetite for this year.. WE CAN'T WAIT!

Rarely do a group of Warbird restoration enthusiasts get a chance to honor the brave sacrifice of the veteran pilots for which their planes represent; yet, that is precisely the extraordinary opportunity that became a reality for Bob Baker and his hard-working crew when they brought two legendary WWII pilots, the Pattillo brothers, to Oshkosh 2009.

Major General Cuthbert “Bill” Pattillo, and his twin brother, Lieutenant General Charles “Buck” Pattillo both flew in the 352nd Fighter Group.  Born on June 3, 1924, the inseparable brothers enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in November of 1942, eventually joining the renowned “Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney.” 

Lt. Gen. “Buck” Pattillo flew 37 combat missions in his P-51D Mustang, the “Little Rebel,” while his brother, “Bill” Pattillo, completed 35 combat missions in his “Sweet and Lovely” P-51D Mustang.

Baker completed “Sweet and Lovely’s” restoration two years ago.  This year, however, was the first time that the brothers were able to see both planes restored since flying the P-51s over 65 years ago. 

For “Buck” Pattillo, it was a moving reunion; the last time he saw “Little Rebel” was in 1945 while stationed in England.

FMI: www.highironillustrations.com/rogues/bill_patillo.html, www.highironillustrations.com/rogues/buck_patillo.html, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews