gwb123 Posted May 29, 2016 Share #1 Posted May 29, 2016 The plane was put down in the river, and away from populated areas and river front areas. For that, the pilot should be remembered. http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/27/us/wwii-plane-crash-hudson-river/?iid=ob_lockedrail_topeditorial http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/05/28/divers-recover-body-in-search-pilot-small-plane-that-crashed-in-hudson-river.html?intcmp=hplnws Tragically, he could not escape the aircraft as it sank. Gil BurketOmaha, NESpecializing in Fakes and Reproductionsof the Vietnam Warburkcats@hotmail.com "One is easily fooled by that which one loves." Moliere: Tartuffe Link to post Share on other sites
tarbridge Posted May 29, 2016 Share #2 Posted May 29, 2016 RIP... Always Buying...Medals...Patches...Wings... Singles or Groups...Top Cash Paid!!! My Website...http://www.purpleheartsnorthcarolina.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
ViewfinderGyrene Posted May 29, 2016 Share #3 Posted May 29, 2016 Saw his skills in action for the past 8 years at Reading, PA's WWII Weekend. Greatly missed indeed. Hopefully the aircraft will be salvageable so his memory can live on through the vehicle he piloted so well. ~VFG ***Items from unit called 8th Field Depot*** [Most frequently-sought unit because of family connection] Intact ["out of the woodwork"] Marine Corps combat groups from WWII. Unique items signed by many Marines from one unit, or inscribed with combat history. Marine Corps valor recipient items. Souvenirs taken by Marines with exceptional background and/or unique stories/documentation. Marine Ship Detachment items from major naval engagements and those that warrant stars to ETO ribbon. Link to post Share on other sites
TheMariner Posted May 29, 2016 Share #4 Posted May 29, 2016 Plane was salvaged in very complete condition! The plane was basically completely whole it just sunk upon landing. Certainly fixable! Please Remember the Following Service Members who have passed on! Manley S Webb- 1925-2006 US Navy WW2 James W Boutilier - 1921-1983 US Navy Seabees WW2 Russell W Haight - 1876-1953 Spanish American War, Cuban Pacification, Mexican Border War NYNG Lt Colonel William H Warren 1921-2014 USAF Link to post Share on other sites
patches Posted May 29, 2016 Share #5 Posted May 29, 2016 Front page here in the daily news. Link to post Share on other sites
gwb123 Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted May 29, 2016 Plane was salvaged in very complete condition! The plane was basically completely whole it just sunk upon landing. Certainly fixable! Corps of Engineers barge and crane plucked it right out of the water. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/05/28/hudson-river-plane-crash-id/ http://nypost.com/2016/05/28/rescue-crews-recover-plane-from-hudson-river-crash/ Before it flies again (and "if"), crash investigators will probably go over it from end to end to try to figure out why the engine quit. But for being underwater, it looks in fairly good shape. Considering the wrecks that are recovered from mountain tops and jungles and restored, this one looks like it could at least be brought back to display condition if not better. Gil BurketOmaha, NESpecializing in Fakes and Reproductionsof the Vietnam Warburkcats@hotmail.com "One is easily fooled by that which one loves." Moliere: Tartuffe Link to post Share on other sites
patches Posted May 29, 2016 Share #7 Posted May 29, 2016 Terrible tragedy I thought when this greeted me on the newsstand. Link to post Share on other sites
bheskett Posted May 29, 2016 Share #8 Posted May 29, 2016 While I read this the other day I had a thought of just selfless these pilots are. By this I mean he may have had a really good chance of survival if he put his plane down on land but time after time they fly into the water knowing they are in great danger but the folks on the land are safe from a crash. My hats off to all these pilots, and those still flying. Bob Link to post Share on other sites
patches Posted May 29, 2016 Share #9 Posted May 29, 2016 While I read this the other day I had a thought of just selfless these pilots are. By this I mean he may have had a really good chance of survival if he put his plane down on land but time after time they fly into the water knowing they are in great danger but the folks on the land are safe from a crash. My hats off to all these pilots, and those still flying. Bob Indeed, a big write up in the NY Daily News today on him. Link to post Share on other sites
bobgee Posted May 29, 2016 Share #10 Posted May 29, 2016 Seeing the plane recovered in such remarkable condition makes me wonder what was the cause of death of the pilot? Has it been stated? Thanks.....Bobgee **PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMMUNITY MEMBER HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY** https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/343375-remembering-bobgee/ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/211496624/robert-brendan-gill Link to post Share on other sites
TLeo Posted May 29, 2016 Share #11 Posted May 29, 2016 Seeing the plane recovered in such remarkable condition makes me wonder what was the cause of death of the pilot? Has it been stated? Thanks.....Bobgee I saw one report where witnesses said he was having trouble getting out of his harness. The plane went down very quickly taking him with it so likely drowning. RIP Molly...Oct. 2000 - July 2013 For 13 years you have been my best friend and companion, giving love and asking only for love in return. May you rest now, free from your pain. I will miss you girl, and will keep you in my heart forever....the sweetest dog and best friend ever! I'll see you again one day. Link to post Share on other sites
m1ashooter Posted May 29, 2016 Share #12 Posted May 29, 2016 He did a great job saving the aircraft. GOD Bless Texas And All That Serve Her Link to post Share on other sites
gwb123 Posted May 30, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted May 30, 2016 Seeing the plane recovered in such remarkable condition makes me wonder what was the cause of death of the pilot? Has it been stated? Thanks.....Bobgee Unfortunately, it appeared he drowned while attempting to escape the plane. All the more tragic. Gil BurketOmaha, NESpecializing in Fakes and Reproductionsof the Vietnam Warburkcats@hotmail.com "One is easily fooled by that which one loves." Moliere: Tartuffe Link to post Share on other sites
mdk0911 Posted May 30, 2016 Share #15 Posted May 30, 2016 Sad sorry - P47 - this plane was going to be at the WWII Reading air show this coming Saturday - RIP https://www.yahoo.com/news/vintage-plane-crashes-hudson-river-142511505.html Link to post Share on other sites
Waltz41 Posted June 10, 2016 Share #16 Posted June 10, 2016 Seeing this P-47 and other planes a lot, sometimes you almost forget there is a pilot in there. You think, oh cool, Jacky's Revenge will be at Reading this year, or 909 and Witchcraft are coming to our airport. This past weekend at Reading, they mentioned Bill a lot, and flew the missing man on Saturday dedicated to him. While it is a shame the aircraft is lost for the time being, nothing matters as much as the pilot not being with us anymore. RIP Bill Gordon. Here is the airplane in happier times from a few past year appearances at Reading WWII Weekend. I know Bill was the pilot at least once in the past couple of appearances. 506th Fighter Group Historian Interested in all items relating to the 7th AAF, especially those of the VLR P-51 Pilots of the 15th, 21st, and 506th Fighter Groups. Link to post Share on other sites
Waltz41 Posted June 10, 2016 Share #17 Posted June 10, 2016 506th Fighter Group Historian Interested in all items relating to the 7th AAF, especially those of the VLR P-51 Pilots of the 15th, 21st, and 506th Fighter Groups. Link to post Share on other sites
Waltz41 Posted June 10, 2016 Share #18 Posted June 10, 2016 506th Fighter Group Historian Interested in all items relating to the 7th AAF, especially those of the VLR P-51 Pilots of the 15th, 21st, and 506th Fighter Groups. Link to post Share on other sites
Waltz41 Posted June 10, 2016 Share #19 Posted June 10, 2016 One of my personal favorites that I took of it.......Blue Skies Bill. 506th Fighter Group Historian Interested in all items relating to the 7th AAF, especially those of the VLR P-51 Pilots of the 15th, 21st, and 506th Fighter Groups. Link to post Share on other sites
Nic Posted June 10, 2016 Share #20 Posted June 10, 2016 One of my personal favorites that I took of it.......Blue Skies Bill. Outstanding photos Brian. Thanks for sharing them. "Sometimes the bravest meet death with their deeds known only to heaven." --S.L.A. Marshall Link to post Share on other sites
bobgee Posted June 10, 2016 Share #21 Posted June 10, 2016 Beautiful bird. I'm glad it survived intact owing to skillful piloting, Sounds corny but he died doing what he obviously loved. R.I.P. Bill **PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMMUNITY MEMBER HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY** https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/343375-remembering-bobgee/ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/211496624/robert-brendan-gill Link to post Share on other sites
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