Noted Author, Fighter Pilots To Speak About Flying Tigers

Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.texas.gov

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FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Those interested in World War II and aviation will have an opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from three men who made history while flying in the China-Burma-India Campaign.

The program is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 6 at the new Hangar Hotel Conference Center at the Gillespie County airport near here. The event is a production of the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site- National Museum of the Pacific War.

Brig.Gen. David “Tex” Hill of San Antonio will share his recollections of the early period flying under the command of Gen. Claire Chennault.

Donald Lopez, deputy director of the National Air and Space Museum, will show a slide presentation about his experiences flying Curtiss P-40’s and North American P-51’s earning ace status. He later flew in Korea and then accepted a post at the Pentagon.

Retired Maj. Gen. John R. Alison will share his experiences from the war. Alison served with the Flying Sharks, attached to the 75th Fighter Squadron of the 23rd Fighter Group, where he became a combat ace credited with seven victories. He also served as Deputy Cmdr. of the 1st Air Commando Group, a long-range penetration unit which dropped allied troops, mules, horses and munitions behind enemy lines.

Lopez, Alison and Hill are the recipients of numerous awards and honors. Hill’s biography and Lopez’s book, “Into the Teeth of the Tiger,” and other books and memorabilia will be available on-site.

Tickets are $20 per person for Nimitz Foundation members and $25 for non-members. The Hangar Hotel is offering special rates for those attending the program. Please call (830) 997-9990 for hotel reservations. For tickets or more information, call the museum at (830) 997-8600.