| What's in a name? A number of interesting
stories, if you are referring to the names pilots and crews gave their
WWII and Korea-era aircraft. The name of the most famous WWII aircraft,
the Enola Gay, has become legendary, but many other war-time airplanes
carried a name that became significant to their pilots and crews.
Most aircraft personnel, whether based on a naval carrier, a South Sea island or a European airfield, elected to give their plane a name reflecting its importance in their lives. This was often that of the pilot’s wife or girlfriend, but could be of another relation, a friend or even a family pet. In the photo on right, a pilot has painted the image and name of the family dog on his plane as a reminder of home. |
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