Past Events

The 100th Bombardment Group earned a somber reputation among the other American B-17 and B-24 8th Air Force units based in WWII England. What contributed to their “Bloody Hundredth” nickname? Join us for a look beyond the rumors and myths that followed the 100th in 1943. Veteran B-17 pilot and operations officer John Luckadoo offers eyewitness insight while 100th Bomb Group Foundation director Chris Barrett reviews pivotal events in the stateside training and early overseas combat experiences of the 100th’s…

During World War II, the War Department realized the importance of not only keeping up the morale of America’s fighting forces abroad, but the morale of those at home. The result was an unprecedented push by Hollywood to contribute morale-building war dramas, troop entertainment, and training films to the war effort. These films told Americans at home that they too could serve in the defense of their country by purchasing war bonds, participating in scrap drives, planting Victory Gardens, and…

Friday, February 21, 2020 - Annual Gala - Joe Mantegna returns as Celebrity Guest Emcee.  Celebrity Headliner is Frankie Avalon. 5:30 pm cocktail reception, dinner and program. $395 individual ticket. Table sponsors range from $25,000 for a table of twelve down to $5,000 for one table of ten. Black tie or military uniform. SPECIAL TRIBUTE IN MEMORIAM FOR TUSKEGEE AIRMAN LT. COL. BOB FRIEND. For info, please call Carol at 760-482-1836.  

From its beginnings under the watchful eyes of  Clarence “Kelly” Johnson to its starring role in the Yamamoto shoot down, the P-38 Lighting served valiantly in all theatres of action during WWII.  Most distinctive because of its split tailed design the Lightning quickly became a favorite of American pilots around the globe. True to its name, the P-38 was akin to a force of nature: fast, unforeseen, and immensely powerful. Come hear the story of the plane and the pilots…

From its beginnings under the watchful eyes of  Clarence “Kelly” Johnson to its starring role in the Yamamoto shoot down, the P-38 Lighting served valiantly in all theatres of action during WWII.  Most distinctive because of its split tailed design the Lightning quickly became a favorite of American pilots around the globe. True to its name, the P-38 was akin to a force of nature: fast, unforeseen, and immensely powerful. Come hear the story of the plane and the pilots…

Sit inside the cockpit of a vintage warbird. Today's open cockpit is the P-40 Warhawk, inside an air conditioned hangar. Please remember to wear comfortable clothing and rubber soled shoes. Physical restrictions may apply.

This is a story of a Red Tail P-51 pilot shot down over Austria in a dogfight during the last days of WWII. The pilot was held for three days, awaiting transport to an interrogation center in Germany. On the third evening, two Luftwaffe officers showed up with false papers and the airman was released to their custody. He was found hanging from the lamp post later that morning. Jerry Whiting discusses the situation in Austria at that time and…