78th Fighter Group
78th Fighter Group
" Target of Opportunity "
A new book by Lt. Col. Richard A. "Dick" Hewitt, 82nd Fighter Squadron.
Cover illustration: " Target of Opportunity, Tales and Contrails of the Second World War ", Lt. Col. R.A. "Dick" Hewitt, self published, 2000, ISBN 0-9705180-0-5 . ( Picture Source: Webmaster )
Lt. Col. R. A. "Dick" Hewitt, 82nd Fighter Squadron, 9-16-43 to 7-20-45, has authored / published his personal biography, titled " Target of Opportunity, Tales and Contrails of the Second World War ". Inspired by the Marc Stewart painting of the same name, Dick uniquely relates his personal experiences as a WW II combat pilot. Starting with his enlistment and training, through to his last mission with the 78th Fighter Group, he provides a personal perspective which constantly reminds us of the dedication, courage and great sacrifice made by many.
" Target of Opportunity ", a painting by Marc Stewart, depicts the 82nd Fighter Squadron P-47D, MX-E, s/n 42-26635, making a strafing pass on a locomotive in the WWII French countryside. More information regarding this painting and the artist, Marc Stewart, can be found on this web site at " 78th Fighter Group - Aviation Art Showcase "( Picture Source: Marc Stewart, Aviation Art, Stewart Studios )
" Indeed I had a tale to tell, not only of those days at Duxford, but the months of training that had gone into getting us ready. It was not of me, but the dozen's of my flying buddies, that I wanted to memorialize and write about. They were the unsung heroes. " ( Source: R.A. Hewitt, "Target of Opportunity, etc.", November, 2000 )
Dick has been handling the current distribution of his book personally and he reports that the first printing is practically sold out. A second printing is underway. Rumor has it that a "Major" bookseller may be stocking "Target of Opportunity" on their shelves very soon. For information regarding the book, Dick can be reached via email at p47dick@aol.com .
82nd Fighter Squadron P-47D-25-RE, MX-E, s/n 42-26635, flown by Lt. Col. Richard A. Hewitt(then a Captain). This picture was taken by an RAF Hudson during a "photo-ops" flight on August 8, 1944. This picture inspired the creation of the painting "Target of Opportunity" by aviation artist Marc Stewart in 1990(see above). ( Picture Source: "Thunderbolt, The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in the European Theater", Ernest R. McDowell, Squadron / Signal Publications, 1998, ISBN 0-89747-393-0 )
82nd Fighter Squadron P-51D-20NA, MX-U, s/n 44-64147, "Big Dick". This aircraft was assigned to Lt.Col. Richard A. Hewitt( then a Major). He was C.O. of the 82nd Fighter Squadron March - June, 1945. The Crew Chief was TSgt. Phil Doloway, Asst. C.C. ; Sgt. Herb Trantham and Armorer; Cpl. John Montgomery. ( Picture Source: Bob Boyd, "Eagles of Duxford", Garry L. Fry, Phalanx Publishing Ltd., 1991 )
Lt. Col. Richard A. Hewitt at Duxford with the 78th Fighter Group. During his tours with the 78th, Col. Hewitt was credited with 8.3 victories, including 4 in the air. ( Picture Source: R.A. Hewitt, "Target of Opportunity, etc.", November, 2000 )
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