A DAY FOR GIANTS

What may appear to be just another reviewing party of old retired military guys that no longer fit in their uniforms and get teary-eyed when the Colors pass - is in fact, one of the most historical gatherings of GIANTS in Air Force history. Thanks to CMSgt Milton Martin, he has shared this priceless photo of the parade honoring the 35th anniversary of the USAF.

SMSgt Charles Barnes was leading the Flag Mass. As a member of the STAN Team, TSgt Milton 'Marty' Martin, was responsible for briefing the Reviewing Party - as expected, Four Star General Curtis LeMay took charge and told everyone to 'Salute' as the Colors passed - Colonel Paul Tibbets decided otherwise......?

1
Known as the ‘Ole Man’ General Curtis LeMay created the Stratigic Air Command (SAC) and was considered one of the toughest generals of all time.
2
General John P. Flynn was the highest ranking ‘POW’ of the Viet Nam conflict.
3

Considered the ‘Best’ bomber pilot in the US Army Air Corps, General Paul W. Tibbets was selected to fly the B29 that would drop the first Atomic Bomb.

After spending over a year training the new B29 Super Fortress pilots - Tibbets headed for the island of Tinian where his plain would be loaded with the world's first atomic bomb.

He named his plane after his mother - ‘Enola Gay’
4

Colonel David ‘Tex’ Hill was a Squadron Leader in the famous ‘Flying Tigers’.

As an all volunteer squadron and separate operation from the US Military. The Flying Tigers duty was considered one of the most dangerous. While defending China from Japan during WWII, Tex shot down 17 enemy aircraft.

5

During the ‘Berlin Airlift’ Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen was known as 'Uncle Wiggly Wings, The Candy Bomber'

He would drop mini parachutes with candy bags attached, to the German children below.

His compassionate act drew huge support from Americans. He began receiving boxes of candy and hankerchiefs by the thousands. By the end of the airlift, Col Halvorsen and his fellow pilots had dropped over 250,000 bags of candy via their tiny parachutes.
6

Colonel Francis 'Gabby' Gabreski - 'Double ACE’

in WWII flying a P47 Thunderbolt, he downed 28 enemy aircraft. In Korea, flying an F86 Sabre Jet, he shot down another 6.5 enemy aircraft. Making him America's 1st Double ACE.

One of America’s greatest Aces.