Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Reunion: Warbird, Pilot and Crew Chief

It was nearly sixty years ago when Jesse Frey slipped into the cockpit of “Ain’t Misbehavin” to escort allied bombers over Germany and back to their base in Great Britain. As part of the 362nd Fighter Group, Lt. Frey scored two enemy kills on those long missions.

On Saturday, October 23rd the Indiana native will see “Ain’t Misbehavin’” again. The fully restored P-51 will be flown from Birmingham, Alabama to Indianapolis Executive Airport for the reunion. The event is being hosted by Montgomery Aviation, Inc. and the Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force which is dedicated to preserving America’s Warbirds and their stories.

The public is invited to the Fly-In to see an array of vintage aircraft and to meet Jessie Frey as he greets his old friend “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” The crew chief, Pat Buzzeo (90) will be there. The plane’s current owners will also be available.
Billy Strickland and Wes Stowers are two Alabama businessmen who have taken it upon themselves to keep this rare aircraft in flying condition so all Americans can remember the sacrifices of those who went into combat to preserve our freedoms.

Memories of the great war are slipping away as fast as the veterans themselves so we have a rare opportunity to meet one of the heros of World War Two in Europe and the plane he flew in combat.

Sat Oct 23, 10AM ‘til 2PM CAF Fly-In
11AM P-51 “Ain’t Misbehavin” & Pilot Reunion
Indianapolis Executive Airport , 11329 East State Road 32, Zionsville, IN
Three miles east of US 421 - Six miles west of US 31.

Contact:
Carl J Winkler VP, Business Manager
Montgomery Aviation Inc.
Office 317-769-4487
Fax 317-769-3207

Photos provided by Rob Frey

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