Monday, 19 July, 2010 6:54
by pat
Gov. Bobby Jindal and aviation legend Gen. Chuck Yeager honor WWII hero Capt. Fletcher E. Adams
Shreveport-Bossier, La. --- The 357th Fighter Group is legendary for its victorious air-to-air combat record – the most of any P-51 group in the Eighth Air Force. The town of Ida honors this group with the dedication on Saturday, July 24, of the 357th Fighter Group Museum. The museum will house a sizeable display of WWII 357th Fighter Group items donated by former members and their families.
Capt. Fletcher E. Adams, a member of the 357th, was an Ida resident. His plane was shot down by enemy aircraft, but Adams survived by bailing out of his disabled plane. He was later murdered by German civilians after his capture. Adams’ widow still lives in Ida and will participate in the dedication ceremonies.
Also participating are Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and retired US Air Force General Chuck Yeager. Yeager was the first pilot to travel faster than the speed of sound. He served with Capt. Adams in the 357th Fighter Group and is noted for being the first pilot in the 357th to make “ace in a day” by shooting down five enemy aircraft in one mission. He finished the war with 11.5 official victories.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be conducted by the guest of honor, Mrs. Aline Adams, the wife of Fletcher Adams who has never re-married and still lives in Ida. She will be accompanied by her son, Jerry Adams, who was born after the death of his father. Ida Mayor Smokie Maddox, Pastor George "Buddy" Blake, Dr. Michael Olmsted and the Barksdale Air Force Honor Guard are also on the agenda.
The schedule for the day's activities in Ida are as follows:
11:00 a.m. - 357th Meet & Greet, Means Community Center
12:00 p.m. - Lunch available from vendors, Ida Park Grounds
12:30 p.m. - Silent Auction, Means Community Center
1:30 p.m. - Air National Guard Band Music, Ida Park Grounds
2:00 p.m. - Museum Dedication, Ida Park Grounds
2:30 p.m. - P-51 Flyover, Ida Park Grounds
2:45 - 5:00 p.m. - Museum open
For more information call 318-284-3496 or email chmaddox@cs.com.
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