Thunder Over Michigan - Corsairs and More - 2019

Thunder Over Michigan – Corsairs and More – 2019

Saturday August 3, 2019. After a 7 ½ hour drive from Milwaukee to Mt. Morris, MI, a two night stay at a relative’s house and an early morning drive to Willow Run, I finally arrived at my destination: Thunder Over Michigan 2019.

As most of you know the highlight of the event was a gathering of Corsairs. Those of you who know me know this is my favorite WWII fighter and I’ve been chasing the bent-wing wonder for decades. The last Corsair gathering I attended was in 2002 at the Indianapolis airshow in September of that year. There were 11 planes on the schedule however due to a couple mechanical problems and weather only 8 showed.

This year at Thunder over Michigan I was not disappointed. There were 13 airplanes originally on the schedule and 11 were on the field when I arrived on Saturday morning.

The crowds seemed large when first walking through the gates, however the display area for the aircraft was so large that the crowds were pretty well thinned out as people made their way to the north ramp where the Corsairs were staged.

On the ramp moving toward the Corsairs were a blend of fighters and cargo military planes. One of the more unique aircraft was a German Airbus 400 Atlas. Looked similar to a Lockheed C-130, but much larger. It was interesting to see the German cross on the markings with Luftwaffe on the side.

I spent the middle of the morning through early afternoon wondering among the almost dozen Corsair aircraft on display. What an awesome site. I have posted many pictures on Instagram and my Facebook page – everythingairplanes for both. A quick side story you may find interesting.

I was standing on the port side of a Corsair taking pictures and I noticed an elderly gentlemen push up beside me in a walker type devise. He was sitting in it. I noticed he had a “RETIRED MARINE CORPS” hat on so I introduced myself to him. He told me that his name was Harry. He also told me that he was Polish. I laughed and told him that I wouldn’t hold that against him. He quickly responded, Well if you do I’ll just have to stand up and kick the s#&t of out you right here and now. I told him, “I’ll bet you could at that”. We both laughed and I started asking him questions. Apparently Harry was a crew chief on the F4U Corsair toward the end of 1945. He also crewed the airplane during the Korean conflict. What a wonderful soul. (See the video of Harry on my YouTube channel or Facebook site). I spent about a ½ hour with Harry and his friend Glen, I believe; who was also an Air Force veteran. I informed Harry about the National Honor Flight program and encouraged him to get signed up for one of the flights to Washington DC to see the monuments.

While I was with Harry a Corsair named Korean War Hero was flying a demonstration flight with a P-51 Mustang. The act is called Class of 1945. Harry followed the airplane across show center and watched it go vertical. I could see he was getting pretty emotional about seeing this aircraft again.

I’ve been a fan of Korean War Hero since 2002 at the Indianapolis airshow. It was there that I met Joe Tobul the co-owner of the airplane. I spoke for quite a long time with Joe about the airplane and he was such a gentleman. I had the opportunity to speak with Jim Tobul (Joe’s son) on this trip and told him how much I appreciated him honoring his dad by restoring and flying the airplane after his dad’s crash and death just shortly after the Indy meet. Jim was equally accommodating as his dad and I was able to get a photograph with him and he was gracious enough to sign my signature hat. One of the highlights of my day at Willow Run.

I did manage to take a few minutes to visit the US Army Aviation Heritage Foundation who were on the field with two UH-1 Huey and 1 AH-1S Cobra helicopter. I had previously contacted the “Sky Soldiers” to request an interview when visiting Georgia earlier this year, but they could not see me at that time so I went to the ticket window to see if Steve Wages was present. Steve introduced himself to me and invited me into the tent. Steve and I had talked a few times during my visit to Atlanta and he assured me that if our paths crossed he would take time to give me an interview. Click here to watch the interview. Steve was a great host and allowed me some unhindered access to the helicopters. This brought me back to being 20 years old all over again. During my service time I crewed an AH-1G and AH-1S Cobra helicopter for the 25th CAB in Hawaii. It was a real treat being that close to part of my past again. Thanks again to Steve Wages for the opportunity to show case the US Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. Please visit and support Steve and his efforts to keep our Army Aviation history alive at www.armyav.org.

Back to the stars of the weekend. By the time I returned to the Corsair area they had closed it off to the public and the 11 airplanes were parked two rows of 4 and a row of 3 all with their wings folded. When the F-16 demonstration ended the round engines started to turn and fire. What a sound. A few minutes after starting there must have been a radio call to lower the wings. All 11 Corsairs lowered their wings at the same time. I have a short video of that on YouTube. What an awesome sight. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ll ever have a chance to see that again in my lifetime.

The airplanes slowly rolled past, round engines pounding and proudly displaying their historic lineage for everyone to see. Unfortunately right after I saw the 11 aircraft pass by my camera informed me my SD card was completely full. Bummer! I was really hoping to get some inflight shots of these wonderful warbirds. So rather than being the videographer I watched the flybys, very content to just enjoy the sights and sounds of my favorite warbirds……….. All eleven of them.

Summary

No complaints. Approximately 15 hours of driving and 6 ½ hours of being on the field with the most Corsairs I’ve ever seen in one place, plus re-visiting with the US Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and seeing some helicopters directly from my past, I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable days of my adult life. A shout out to my wife for understanding my passion and giving me a kitchen pass to attend so many aviation events this year.

Lastly, if anyone reading this knows how I can get in contact with Harry the Marine Corsair crew chief please send me an email at everythingairplanes@yahoo.com. I would really like to get Harry signed up for an Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Jamie

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About Me

I have had a passion for all things aviation since my first airplane ride at Crites Field, and this website is my opportunity to share my passion of airplanes and aviation with those of similar interest. Blues Skies – Proverbs 3:5