M/Sgt. Merle Olmsted Passed Away
 

Merle was a Crew Chief in the 362d Sq. , 357th FG and
went on to Serve in the Air Force for 20 Years.
He is Well Known for his Books on the 357th FG and
provided Information and Pictures for many Publications.
Although very ill , and against Doctor's wishes , Merle
was able to attend the last Gathering of Mustangs where
he got to see his Beloved P-51s and some Old Friends
One Last Time.
My Dad , John , was a Pilot in the 364th Sq. Merle provided me
with Info and pictures that I would never have known about
and did the same for many other Sons and Daughters.
For that I am eternally Grateful.
God Speed Merle
Michael Howell

Re: M/Sgt. Merle Olmsted Passed Away
 

Hi Mike

We all probably owe much to Merle's major contribution to WWII aviation history - an inspiration to the younger researchers/historians/enthusiasts amongst our clan.

RIP
Brian

Re: M/Sgt. Merle Olmsted Passed Away
 

I am saddened to hear of Merle's passing . . . another link to that eventful period gone west. When I was at the Gathering in Ohio, Merle was the one Legend I wanted most to meet - alas, I was not able to. We all owe him a great deal for how much he helped us remember those young men and what they did so many years ago.