34th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron

	34th PRS: Lockheed F-5C-1-LO

F-5C-1-LO
The 34th PRS didn't have many of them, but a few "C-models" were to be found in the skies over Europe in 34th colors. Based upon the P-38J-5-LO and J-10-LO and sometimes difficult to distinguish from other F-types, the "C" can best be picked out by camera arrangement, canopy and most importantly -- serial number. For the most part the squadron's F-5Cs were combat veterans from the 7th Photo Group of the 8th Air Force. Although at the end of the war, all of the squadron's photo Lightnings were destroyed -- the F-5Cs were spared this fate. All of the following photo Lightnings were transferred to the French with some of the going to the 1/33 Photo Recon of the French Air Force on 29-April, 1945. Flown from Hagenau (Y-39) to Colmar (Y-53) with pilots Jim Frakes, John Sanders, Stu Mimm and Robert Von Tempsky in the lead, these planes flew in the service of the French into the 1950s. Garland York followed behind by car to meet the pilots at Colmar and return them to Hagenau.

a/c name: type: s/n: sqdrn code(s): notes:

F-5C-1-LO 42-67109 S9 Pilot:

One of five known F-5Cs belonging to the 34th. The "09" on the cowling (indicating last two-digits of serial number), lack of camera ports on the starboard side of the gondolla and the rounded windscreen are all telltale signs of the F-5C-1-LO. This aircraft was amongst the first planes converted by LAC at Love Field to the recon role. With the desperate need for aircraft on arrival at Chalgrove, #109 was transferred to the 34th PRS in the Spring of '44 from the 22nd PRS, 7th PRG, 8th AAF at Mt. Farm where it had served from as early as February 1944. This F-5C was transfered to the French Air Force in late July 1944. (Charlie Hoy)

a/c name: type: s/n: sqdrn code(s): notes:

F-5C-1-LO 42-67112 S9 Pilot: Walters

#112 was another combat veteran of the 22nd PRS at Mt. Farm as early as late February 1944. Flown by 1Lt. Neil H. Walters, #112 is featured in several of the squadron's formation day photos. The finish on this ship shows its age as the synthetic haze paint is well worn showing a patch-work of PRU painted over it. (Bob Whitacre)

a/c name: type: s/n: sqdrn code(s): notes:

Viola F-5C-1-LO 42-67134 S9 Pilot: Siek

With Major W. Donn Hayes, Jr. at the controls, this F-5C was the first ship from the 34th to fly an operational mission over occupied Europe on 19 April, 1944. #134 was one of 123 LAC built as P-38J-5-LO delivered to the Dallas Modification Center at Love Field and modified to F-5C-1-LO between 8/43 - 4/44 and is believed to be one of the first new aircraft assigned to the 34th PRS at Chalgrove. Interestingly enough his F-5 is seen later in the war with two fake guns in the nose! #134 is recorded as being piloted by Lt. Larry Schmidt for its last flight. 29 October, 1944 while on a "slow-time" test hop after an engine change, the daring young Lt. Schmidt mis-judged his approach speed and stalled her onto the deck from about 50' above the runway at Dijon. The nose wheel collapsed and the main gear was thrust through the wings thus finishing off #134. (Hal Vaughn)

a/c name: type: s/n: sqdrn code(s): notes:

F-5C-1-LO 42-67236 S9 Pilot: Cameron

Quoting from squadron records..."The sixth (6th) accident and the first (1st) casualty in the squadrons' history was on 14 April 1944. Lt. Ralph T. Cameron, 0-153607 in A/P 42-67236, left his ship at an altitude too low for his parachute to open." 236 was one of the earliest aircraft to be delivered to the 34th in England and no photos have been found to date.

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"Thanks Pop...you're my hero." (Thom Myers)

a/c name:	type:	s/n:	sqdrn code(s):	notes:
	F-5C-1-LO	42-67109	S9	Pilot:
				One of five known F-5Cs belonging to the 34th. The "09" on the cowling (indicating last two-digits of serial number), lack of camera ports on the starboard side of the gondolla and the rounded windscreen are all telltale signs of the F-5C-1-LO. This aircraft was amongst the first planes converted by LAC at Love Field to the recon role. With the desperate need for aircraft on arrival at Chalgrove, #109 was transferred to the 34th PRS in the Spring of '44 from the 22nd PRS, 7th PRG, 8th AAF at Mt. Farm where it had served from as early as February 1944. This F-5C was transfered to the French Air Force in late July 1944. (Charlie Hoy)