WIX Archives

Could someone please explain?

Posted by Karen on Tue Jan 01, 2002 12:12:40 PM

Hi All,

Please allow me to begin by stating, I have always supported the preservation of all things military. My interest began, with Civil War Battlefield preservation. I have been a student of Civil War History for as long as I can remember.

The level of passion and dedication I have read on these pages is what first attracted me to this board. I have found what I have read about the destruction of vintage aircraft very distressing!

O.K., that being said, allow me to also state that I in no way begrudge Jay Wisler the pieces of my uncle's P-51, he received. He was, after all, kind enough to positively identify it, first.

However, I have been bothered by something about this, for some time now.

I have read, several posts, discussing recovered aircraft being given to a museum, or to someone who would do something positive with it. It has been, both my, and my Dad's wish that some part of the plane be placed in a museum. We have not been aware of any way that this could be done. Are there any museum's that would be interested in the pieces? If it is feasable, my Dad and I would be willing to purchase some of the pieces from Mr. Wisler.

We have been told that it is possible, if a very wealthy investor could be found, that Dean's serial # could fly again. Granted, only a piece of it would actually be Dean's plane, but at least it is something. After all, the die cast P-51 models I have on my desk are not real, but they still give me great pleasure, and they serve as a reminder of something that once was.

So, after all that, my question is this: Is there anyone out there who would want the pieces of my Uncle's plane? Or am I terribly naive? Please be totally honest, I need to know. If the pitiful amount of remains that were recovered is of sentimental value only, then so be it. But it bothers me that the remains of a plane, with so much history, will lie in a warehouse for an untold amount of time.
As I am sure is quite obvious, my feelings for this plane, are mostly, sentimental! I first viewed the wreckage on the back of a flatbed truck, at the Citrus Tower, in Florida. I can not adequately describe, the powerful emotions seeing that twisted metal evoked. As I stated before, Dean died before I was born, but to see what was the very last thing he saw in this life, was intense. To hold one of the rudder pedals that I know his foot once touched,left me speechless.

My desire, is to see not only each and every plane preserved, but the story of her pilot's, when possible, preserved as well. I value each and every opinion on this, and I thank you for allowing me to voice my concerns! Thank you.
Karen

Follow Ups: