Francis R Gerard

[Buckeye30]

Kent I had the pleasure of meeting Frank and his wife Adriana (I believe she was Italian) at several re-unions in the past, first in Harrisburg 1999; we were talking about their P-51s but I remember he stated he was an original pilot from 1943 (they called it a "Cadre") along with Bryan and Johnson. This was either at Walterboro SC until Sept. or possibly Rice CA when they were still a Fighter-Bomber Group with P-39s and Scruggs was 503rd. c/o.
I made a note in the Newsletter that he got his wings 30 Aug. 43 from Craig Fld. Alabama (Selma) but can't confirm that but certainly with Group before April 44. I'm afraid nothing in writing though. Frank wasn't a talker unlike Starnes or Ananian and I didn't do his Mustang for "Little Friends". I seem to remember he liked his cigars.


Nick