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26th Fighter Sqdn Page 1
26th Fighter Squadron (CBI)
China Blitzers
1941-1945
Homer Sanders
And so it was to pass in 1941 the best danged Fighter Group -- the 51st, was to be formed at least on paper at Hamilton Field, California, one of if not the most beautiful Air Corps installation.  It's initial personnel originated from squadrons of the 20th Pursuit Group including the 51st Group's first commander, Major Homer L. Sanders.  At that time 2nd Lt. Charles W. Dunning was assigned as the 26th's first squadron commander.  In a short while he was replaced by 1st Lt. Francis E. "Fee" Brenner who maintained this slot during the 26th's introduction to combat in the CBI theater.  
On the 10th of June, the squadron transitioned from that of paper to a flying unit, with a contingent of 3-officers (Brenner, Jack Hamilton and T. M. "Andy" Hardy) and a number of enlisted personnel being assigned to March Field.
Jack Hamilton
T. M. "Andy" Hardy
Fee Brenner
The outbreak of war found the squadron at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego and thence to Mines Field (LAX today) for off-shore patrol duty and protection of the aircraft plants in the Los Angeles area.   During this patrol period Lt. George T. Grammas had to bail out from his disabled aircraft into the Pacific, but was rescued.
The S.S. President Coolidge in its hey day plying the Pacific.  She signed up for troop transport duty in June 1941 and of
George Grammas
The balance of the year for the 26th was spent in training (what else) with a complement of P-40s, a P-36, PT-17 and even some P-38s.  It was believed the 51st was to be equipped with the P-38 but that dream was short lived.  This period is well chronicled by 2nd Lt. Roy Santini on film which included the bivouac to Big Bear and gunnery at Muroc Dry Lake.  Here's their Stearman at Big Bear.
course donned "army" colors and served the 51st FG well in leading the first convoy across the Pacific in January 1942. Click on "Coolidge" link for its history
By the end of the year well-founded
rumors abounded of shipment overseas which occurred on January 12, 1942 as the squadron embarked aboard the former President Lines liner, the S.S. President Coolidge with 12-officers and 225 enlisted men.  In its holds were
The S.S. President Coolidge sinking after striking a "friendly" mine near Espiritu Santo in October 1942.  She was beached on the coral and all save four abandoned ship safely before she plunged off the coral to 200-foot depths.
25 of its aircraft.  Additional aircraft for the other squadron  were also aboard and an additional 19-crated aircraft in the S.S. Mariposa's holds.  This marked the first convoy to depart from the U.S. since the outbreak of war.  On board the Mariposa were members of the Hq and Headquarters Sqdn while the balance of the 51st Group personnel were aboard the Coolidge.  That's the Mariposa in the lower picture - - looks pretty much like the Coolidge.
And thus comes to pass the start of the 25th and 26th fighter legends to be chronicled over the coming years.  Speaking of "Chronicles," the all encompassing history of the 26th Fighter Squadron has been excellently captured by Ray Youngblood.  Click on the following link to read all about it.  
And so the dear old Lady slips beneath the waves
Joe Baglio
Joe Baglio with his two squadron mates, Robinson and John Sherak on either side of him.  The three came overseas together, survived their CBI tour and now only Joe remains.
No mistaking these teeth
Chennault visiting with 26th pilots
Chuck Hall
26th Fighter Pilots
Kunming, China - - 1944
Click on the above "Before You Go."
Dr. Sam Bierstock and John Melnick's
 Tribute to YOU
"Pinky" Mace, Chuck Hall, Ed Headley
Ah for yesterday when we were young
Cal Crooms
Ted Coakley
Mace, Hall and Headley (After)
Tessman - - KIA
Mace witnessed the mid air when a P40 pulled up from a strafing run and flew into Tessman who was flying top cover in a P51 while on detached service with the 75h
Joe Baglio
Norton
The Great Santini

 

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