MOTHERSHIP MISSION

“This is Jim Drnek. I was the CFC gunner on then Maj. John Sanders crew (aircraft 42-24888, Smilin’ Jack). Our mission of July 10, 1945 is remembered because of what turned out to be a rather humorous incident. We had taken the fighters (P-51’s from Iwo) to Japan and were circling over water waiting for them to form up for the return trip. As the fighters joined the pattern, someone called out that a couple of Japs were also trying to join. As it turned out no harm was done, but that’s why I remember the trip.”