Chino, Madera and PRS Preview: 

Planes of Fame Does it Again 

By Marilyn Dash

Mustangs and more Mustangs. (Jason Fisher)The Planes of Fame Airshow gets better every year. Each year we turn to each other at the end and say, “That was the best ever, how will they ever outdo that!” But, the following year, they do.    

This year was the salute to “The Greatest Generation” and it was quite a salute. Jonna Doolittle Hoppes led panel discussions with the following veterans: Maj. General John “Johnny” Alison (the “father” of Air Force Special Operations, WWII ace, and Korean War veteran); Clarence “Bud” Anderson (P-51 “Old Crow” triple ace in WWII); Col. John Doolittle (WWII and Korean War veteran); Bill Holloman (Tuskegee Airman P-51 pilot); Huie Lamb (P-47 and P-51 pilot); Wilbur Richardson (B-17 ball turret gunner, Purple Heart recipient); William “Bill” Spengler (P-51 “Buzzin Cuzzin”). This panel discussion was broadcast over the speaker system while many of the visitors walked the Airshow grounds to see the aircraft.