'Twin-tailed Dragons' pencil sketch (459FS P-38s) - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

chicoartist · #1 25th April 2006, 07:40

Hi Stephen,

In relation to this painting, I asked about the plane-in-squadron number (large number painted on the tail) for Lt. Baumeiser's Irish Lassie, which I've since decided to make the "star" of this piece. Baumeister wasn't an ace - indeed I don't think he scored a single victory - but I couldn't resist the shamrock and large lettering on the nose of his kite.

Research by a friend is indicating this P-38 had "7" painted on the tail, and no. 7, lacking a time machine for personal verification with my own eyes, may have to be it considering these really attractive Lightnings were so poorly covered, relatively speaking, in photos. This is a commission piece, and the more I read about these guys, the more excited I am about the work - they got a couple of DUCs and were actually a hot outfit - arse kickers, if you will!

See this page of my site for the progress on "Twin-tailed Dragons". Tomorrow I actually get started on the small oil sketch:
http://wademeyersart.tripod.com/id74.html

Thx,

Wade

Frank Olynyk · #2 25th April 2006, 10:09

2nd Lt William George Baumeister was credited with an Oscar damaged on May 23, 1944. He was flying (or scheduled to fly) P-38H-5 42-66979 #120.

Frank.

chicoartist · #3 25th April 2006, 16:41

Many thanks, Frank. I have two of your books (Stars and Bars, and ETO Credits) which I consult regularly.

Unfortunately, though - I'm looking for info on Baumeister's J-model.

While I've got you on the line, have you investigated or looked into Walter F. Duke's last three kills (459th FS; June 6, 1944), bringing him up to 13 total? I notice that you and the Air Force "credit" him with only 10.

Several sources say Japanese records showed after the war that Duke got three before he was shot down. US pilots of course didn't know about this (since Duke was alone), but US Intel officers heard and entered into the record the story of Duke's last fight when they went around interviewing JAAF Intel folks right after the war.

Of course, I know there's a thousand such "revisionist" ace stories like this, but I'd like to see Duke get what he deserves ... especially since competent verification is available (or so the story goes), and he was engaged in what could easily be a Medal of Honor-worthy "above and beyond" mission, to my mind.

Wade