346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON PART 1

Описание: This video is the first (Part 1) of seven 16 mm film reels (Part 3 appears to be missing) that document the history of the 346th Fighter Squadron of the 350th Fighter Group in Italy during WWII. This film was produced by Edward Roggenbuck.

In June of 1944, the 346th FS moved from Elmas on Sardinia to Pomigliano, Italy with P-39s and converted to P-47s during July and August while based near Mount Vesuvius (see end of Part 7 for Vesuvius footage). On August 24-25, 1944, the squadron moved from Pomigliano to Tarquinia, Italy. The film documents the squadron history primarily during its time based at Tarquinia (August 25, 1944 to November 16, 1944) and Pisa, Italy (November 16, 1944 to July 14, 1945).

This history was photographed and produced by Edward Roggenbuck, preserved by 346th pilot Lee Merkel, and acquired by Don Heinz from Merkel's son.

Lt. Col. Lee J. Merkel, veteran commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard base and vice commander of the 123rd Fighter-Interceptor Wing, died on January 31, 1956 when his P-51 crashed near Bloomington, Indiana while possibly investigating a UFO sighting. He took-off from Standiford Field, which is now the Louisville International Airport.

An aerial view of the 346th FS base at Pisa can be seen in here: http://www.warwingsart.com/LTA/pisa.html

346th Fighter Squadron 16 mm Film Footage from Edward Roggenbuck:

Part 1:    • 346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON   PART 1  

Part 2:    • 346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON   PART 2  

Part 3: This reel is missing

Part 4:    • 346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON   PART 4  

Part 5:    • 346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON   PART 5  

Part 6:    • 346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON   PART 6  

Part 7:    • 346TH FIGHTER SQUADRON   PART 7