Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away
 

Hello Everyone!!!

Sorry to pass along the sad news about Colonel Lopez. One of the nicest gentlemen you would ever want to meet.

I know Colonel Lopez is in his P-40 going vertical to Heaven. What a great man....what a great life!!

http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/pressr...?releaseID=185

Mark Copeland

Re: Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away
 

Sad news indeed. :( Still he leaves a lasting legacy at the Smithsonian, as well as having written two excellent books. Time I pulled them down from the shelves and read them again.

Re: Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away
 

I now have tears in my eyes. RIP Col. Lopez. Bob

Re: Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away
 

Mark Copeland,

Are you the same gentleman that in 1994, at Minneapolis, had a painting made of my aircraft (#35) and, which during our reunion there, all the 325th Fighter Group members and myself autographed it?

Cordially, Art Fiedler

Re: Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away
 

Art,

My goodness...what a great surprise. I sure am that gentleman Art!!

The painting now hangs proudly in my office Art. I will never forget our meeting in Bloomington. It was at the Days Inn next to the Mall of America.

"Herky", Chet Sluder, George Novotny and you and I sitting around a table together with plenty of adult beverages. I will never forget that night Art.

How are things with you friend?

Mark Copeland

Re: Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away
 

Hello Mark,

My that was good news that you are who I thought you might be. Proves there are a few memories left between the ears. I hope the moderator will excuse this excursion from the purpose of this board, but that meeting in Minneapolis was a long time ago…1994!

I had the artist airbrush a copy of that painting for me also, and it hangs in my living room together with several other great paintings. As you know, Herky, Chet Sluder, and several others at that reunion have made their last flight. George Novotny does not answer his Emails so I worry about his health. There are now 4 aces still alive from the 27 we had. I keep more than busy but enjoy all the great information posted on this and the other boards of this site. I am truly amazed at the answers that appear here.

Barrie Davis (an ace) and I are in reasonable health, one other ace has been hanging on for many years but unable to participate in any activities, and George who has become difficult to contact are all that are left. Our last reunion (Des Moines) consisted of 18 people. Several were spouses, sons or grandsons escorting one of us former fighter pilots. Nothing like the Minneapolis reunion. We next meet in Portland, OR but we may be getting to the point of no return on attendance numbers and as many other fighter groups have done, we may also have to terminate ours too.

My best wishes to you and your family,

Cordially, Art Fiedler