78th Fighter Group
78th Fighter Group
Derek Horne( WWII aviation enthusiast and collector ) has provided a picture of a recently acquired sketch, drawn by artist Keith Mallen, depicting the 84th Fighter Squadron, P-51D, s/n 44-63209 ), WZ-S, " Sherman was Right ".
" P-51D Mustang. 78th F Grp. 84th F Sq. Duxford 1945 " by Keith Mallen. (Picture Source: Derek Horne collection )
1st. Lt. Frank E. Oiler, 84th Fighter Squadron was assigned this aircraft. The name "Sherman was Right" was inspired by the words of Civil War General William T. Sherman, when he said " There is many a boy here who looks on war as all glory but, boys, it is all hell ". Lt. Louis R. Hereford, 84th Fighter Squadron was lost on an escort mission in this aircraft on March 3, 1945 near Nordingen, Germany.
1st. Lt. Frank E. Oiler and S/Sgt Donald Shope, ACC, stand next to "Sherman was Right ". ( Picture Source: Roger A. Freeman via C. Tom Bendorf, "The Mighty Eighth in Colour", Arms and Armour Press, 1991, ISBN 1-85409-095-X )
A profile plate of "Sherman was Right" by artist / illustrator Don Greer. (Picture Source: " Fighting Colors - P-51 Mustang in Color", Larry Davis, Squadron / Signal Publications, 1982 )
With the loss of s/n 44-63209, 1st Lt. Frank Oiler was assigned another Mustang. P-51D, s/n 44-72203, "Sweet and Lovely", also coded WZ-S. Lt. Thomas V. Thain in this aircraft cooperated with Lt. Warren Blodgett to claim a Me262 victory on March 30, 1945.
P-51D, WZ-S, s/n 44-72203, " Sweet and Lovely ". ( Picture Source: Garry L. Fry via Duke Morrison, "Eagles of Duxford", Phalanx Publishing Ltd, 1991 )
Prior to the 78th Fighter Group transition from P-47 to P-51 aircraft, Lt. Frank E. Oiler was asssigned several P-47s, also coded WZ-S, which were named "Eileen". The nose art emblem used on both of these aircraft was considered one of the most colorful in the 78th .
The " 78th Fighter Group - Art Showcase " section of this web site features a Derek Bunce painting, titled " Top Cover ", of Frank Oilers' P-47D, "Eileen", flying a long range escort mission. More information and pictures of this aircraft can be found on this site at " 84th Fighter Squadron - "Eileen" ".
Derek Horne also authors the web site " Derek's Chuck Yeager Site ". Please visit this fine tribute to General Chuck Yeager.
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