Major Montgomery Throop RAF/AAF - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

JACK COOK · #1 2nd February 2006, 00:33

Seeking info on Major Throop who was CO of the 363rd FS 357th FG. He was reportidly (according to some books) an X-Eagle Sqd pilot but doesn't show up on their list. What are the details of his RAF service, aircraft service and what ever happened to him? Even with the fame of the 357th FG he seems largely forgotten. I seem to recall hearing that he was not well liked which may explain why he's barely mentioned in books of the unit.

shooshoobaby · #2 2nd February 2006, 02:22

Jack - Throop was in the 4th FG , 335th sq. 2/43 - 11/43
357th FG , 363d Sq. 3 Victories 3/44 - 5/44
Awarded DFC - May have served in 9th AF
Not on any Eagle Sq. Rosters
My Dad , John C. Howell , was in the 357th FG , 364th Sq.
C5 - L " Shoo Shoo Baby ".
We live just up the road in Vancouver, Wa.
357th Historian/ Author Merle Olmsted has very little in his books. I have heard he was " different ". I will contact Merle and see what he has and get back to you ok?
Cheers,
Mike

kaki3152 · #3 2nd February 2006, 06:17

It appears he just died a little over a year ago. See the following link:
http://www.currentobituary.com/Memor..._ObitdID=14407

shooshoobaby · #4 3rd February 2006, 03:23

After leaving the 4th FG , he commanded a 9thAF training Sq. From 1/44
to 6/44 he commanded the 363d Sq. Returned to U.S.
His P - 51 was named " Shanghai LiL " serial # unknown.
Merle indicates very " private person " , didn't like to be photographed.
No pictures known of him or his P - 51.
Mike

JACK COOK · #5 3rd February 2006, 08:50

I happen to have a great shot of Major Throop among my stash of 363rd FS originals!

shooshoobaby · #6 4th February 2006, 03:25

Jack - I just got 3 encounter reports and 3 pictures of Throop , 2 in cockpit, 1 on wing w/ name visible from Bud Anderson. He remarked also that Throop had RAF wings. Would you like any copies?
Mike