Hey Dudley, How did the T-Birds get started?

Orvil

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There was a group called the "Acrojets," which flew F-80s in the late
40s/early '50s. I believe that there was also an F-86 team in the early
'50's, too.

I was stationed at Willie Field 1949-1953.

The AcroJets were a part of the Instructor group and gave performances
for graduations at Willie and at other Air Force Bases all over the
US.

Their initial birds were F-80A/B's. They then received F-80C's and
flew them well into Korean era. After the combat losses in Korea the
C's were pulled and sent to Korea and the Acrojets then started using
T-33's.

One of the Team Leaders was Sid Woods. Some of the wing men we

Bruce Carr. He was shot down in a P-51 in ETO and stole a
FW-190 and flew it back to England.
..

Smolen. He was Air attach' in Venezuela and was hijacked. He
talked his way out and took the authorities back to
where he was held and they caught the bad
guys. He was known as a big mouth at
Willie.

He also was leading a flight in Africa and
got lost in a sand storm and all bellied
in.

Think he flew #4?

Can't remember the others.

Jr Snyder flew a T-6 solo routine. There was one T-6 on field with
magnesium wings that flew like a charm. I touted Jr on it and his
routine improved a lot )

Last time I saw Bruce was at a reunion in San Antonio where he and I
knocked off a gallon of Vodka for lunch.

Oh to be young and invincible again.

Big John