03/04/55
Here's a cool front page from the March 4, 1955 edition of Pinecastle's local newspaper, "The Pine Needle,"
featuring a story on the entire 321st Bombardment Wing B-47 fleet's return from England where they underwent
90+ days of combat readiness training after flying out on December 7, 1954. The woman in the photograph is
McCoy's last of three wives, Rose Bernard-Mosner McCoy, whom he married in 1954. I cleaned up the periodical in
Photoshop and found an image of the photo featured in the paper. The first three paragraphs read:
"Fourteen hard-hitting B-47 Stratojet Bombers of the 321st Bombardment Winfg returned here late yesterday after
a grueling ninety days of tactical trainign in England. Thirty-one more of the global jets are due in today and
tomorrow.
Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, famed Commander of the 321st, led the armada of high-powered Stratojets into
Pinecastle and touched down at 3:45 pm, where he was greeted by Brigadier General Kevin K. Compton, 813th Air
Division Commander, Orlando's mayor, J. Rolfe Davis, and many other officials and dependents of servicemen who
crowded the B-47 parking area to get a glimpse of their loved ones for the first time in three months. One by one
the other six-engine jet bombers followed Colonel McCoy's plane down onto the two-mile long runway to end a
tiring 11-hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean."
The entire exercise was a huge step in galvanizing the effectiveness of the B-47 armada, in line with the SAC's
policy of rotating strike forces overseas to maintain combat efficiency. What an amazing time in aviation history!
Here's a cool front page from the March 4, 1955 edition of Pinecastle's local newspaper, "The Pine Needle,"
featuring a story on the entire 321st Bombardment Wing B-47 fleet's return from England where they underwent
90+ days of combat readiness training after flying out on December 7, 1954. The woman in the photograph is
McCoy's last of three wives, Rose Bernard-Mosner McCoy, whom he married in 1954. I cleaned up the periodical in
Photoshop and found an image of the photo featured in the paper. The first three paragraphs read:
"Fourteen hard-hitting B-47 Stratojet Bombers of the 321st Bombardment Winfg returned here late yesterday after
a grueling ninety days of tactical trainign in England. Thirty-one more of the global jets are due in today and
tomorrow.
Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, famed Commander of the 321st, led the armada of high-powered Stratojets into
Pinecastle and touched down at 3:45 pm, where he was greeted by Brigadier General Kevin K. Compton, 813th Air
Division Commander, Orlando's mayor, J. Rolfe Davis, and many other officials and dependents of servicemen who
crowded the B-47 parking area to get a glimpse of their loved ones for the first time in three months. One by one
the other six-engine jet bombers followed Colonel McCoy's plane down onto the two-mile long runway to end a
tiring 11-hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean."
The entire exercise was a huge step in galvanizing the effectiveness of the B-47 armada, in line with the SAC's
policy of rotating strike forces overseas to maintain combat efficiency. What an amazing time in aviation history!
07/19/54
McCoy's 3rd daughter Pamela (1st daughter with 2nd wife Alice L. Kimball), my Mom, giving her away on the day
she is to be married. Quite an amazing lady being a terrific Mom to three boys and working for the Justice
Department for over 40 years or so! So here's a shot showing her in all her glory...on her wedding day about to
be given away by her Dad, Colonel McCoy, to my Dad, Allyn A. Linquist.
McCoy's 3rd daughter Pamela (1st daughter with 2nd wife Alice L. Kimball), my Mom, giving her away on the day
she is to be married. Quite an amazing lady being a terrific Mom to three boys and working for the Justice
Department for over 40 years or so! So here's a shot showing her in all her glory...on her wedding day about to
be given away by her Dad, Colonel McCoy, to my Dad, Allyn A. Linquist.
Page 4 - The Rise and Fall - 1950-1957
1954
Took me a while to connect the first two separate McCoy-related photos. The year is 1954 and McCoy has been the Wing Commander since May 24
of that year. The young lady sitting in a place of honor at the long table (enjoying the attentions of Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy and one of his Air
Force contemporaries) happens to be none other than Miss Ann Gloria Daniel, Miss Florida 1954 and, later, first runner-up in the 1955 Miss
America Beauty Pageant (so close!). Given the nose art and moniker, “City of Orlando,” of the aircraft in the next photo, Miss Daniel was clearly
brought in for the christening dedication ceremony for a newly-named Boeing B-47 Bomber. I didn’t notice that connection until I realized Miss
Daniel’s hat, sash and blouse appear in both photographs. I researched and learned that the ceremony took place on November 19th, 1954, with
Brig Gen Keith K Compton making an announcement at a luncheon following the christening of McCoy’s B-47, the “City of Orlando,” and a parade
review by the men of the 321st BW, Medium. That announcement was that the 321st BW, led by Col. McCoy, would deploy to England for a 90-day
training mission.
I would love to see more shots of that dedication ceremony and learn if other dignitaries were there. Haven’t been able to identify any other
subjects in the photo yet, but it's not not for lack of trying! Hunted up a couple of unrelated photos of Miss Florida 1954, Ann Gloria Daniel.
Appears to have been a lovely event! Enjoy!
The year is 1954 and McCoy has been the Wing Commander since May 24 of that year. The young lady sitting in a place of honor at the long table
(enjoying the attentions of Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy and one of his Air Force contemporaries) happens to be none other than Miss Ann Gloria
Daniel, Miss Florida 1954 and, later, first runner-up in the 1955 Miss America Beauty Pageant (so close!). — in Pine Castle, Florida.
Took me a while to connect the first two separate McCoy-related photos. The year is 1954 and McCoy has been the Wing Commander since May 24
of that year. The young lady sitting in a place of honor at the long table (enjoying the attentions of Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy and one of his Air
Force contemporaries) happens to be none other than Miss Ann Gloria Daniel, Miss Florida 1954 and, later, first runner-up in the 1955 Miss
America Beauty Pageant (so close!). Given the nose art and moniker, “City of Orlando,” of the aircraft in the next photo, Miss Daniel was clearly
brought in for the christening dedication ceremony for a newly-named Boeing B-47 Bomber. I didn’t notice that connection until I realized Miss
Daniel’s hat, sash and blouse appear in both photographs. I researched and learned that the ceremony took place on November 19th, 1954, with
Brig Gen Keith K Compton making an announcement at a luncheon following the christening of McCoy’s B-47, the “City of Orlando,” and a parade
review by the men of the 321st BW, Medium. That announcement was that the 321st BW, led by Col. McCoy, would deploy to England for a 90-day
training mission.
I would love to see more shots of that dedication ceremony and learn if other dignitaries were there. Haven’t been able to identify any other
subjects in the photo yet, but it's not not for lack of trying! Hunted up a couple of unrelated photos of Miss Florida 1954, Ann Gloria Daniel.
Appears to have been a lovely event! Enjoy!
The year is 1954 and McCoy has been the Wing Commander since May 24 of that year. The young lady sitting in a place of honor at the long table
(enjoying the attentions of Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy and one of his Air Force contemporaries) happens to be none other than Miss Ann Gloria
Daniel, Miss Florida 1954 and, later, first runner-up in the 1955 Miss America Beauty Pageant (so close!). — in Pine Castle, Florida.
11/16/52
Colonel McCoy, as 306th Bomb Wing Commander, attends a change of command ceremony where Brig.
General Henry K. Mooney (front right) assumed command of the 6th from Major General Armstrong (front left)
who had been reassigned to command the 2nd Air Force at Barksdale AFB. Other attendees Colonel
Vandervanter, 305th Bomb Wing Commander, Colonel Merchant Base Commander, and Colonel John H.
Kunkel, Jr., Commander of the OTU.
Colonel McCoy, as 306th Bomb Wing Commander, attends a change of command ceremony where Brig.
General Henry K. Mooney (front right) assumed command of the 6th from Major General Armstrong (front left)
who had been reassigned to command the 2nd Air Force at Barksdale AFB. Other attendees Colonel
Vandervanter, 305th Bomb Wing Commander, Colonel Merchant Base Commander, and Colonel John H.
Kunkel, Jr., Commander of the OTU.
10/23/51
Committed to production in 1949, the B-47B medium bomber first made its appearance in the 306th Bomb
Wing on 23 October 1951. On that day. Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, Wing Commander, flew the first
operational (but not combat-ready) B-47 (Serial Number 50-008) from the Boeing Airplane Company plant at
Wichita, Kansas, to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. On 19 November, in a ceremony at MacDill, this B-47B was
year. The B-47B was a revolutionary aircraft. It was powered by six J47-GE-11 engines (until re-fitted with the
more powerful J47-GE-23) jet engines, strut-mounted under the wings, and was categorized as a 600 mph
bomber. The authorized complement was 45 for each wing.
Committed to production in 1949, the B-47B medium bomber first made its appearance in the 306th Bomb
Wing on 23 October 1951. On that day. Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, Wing Commander, flew the first
operational (but not combat-ready) B-47 (Serial Number 50-008) from the Boeing Airplane Company plant at
Wichita, Kansas, to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. On 19 November, in a ceremony at MacDill, this B-47B was
year. The B-47B was a revolutionary aircraft. It was powered by six J47-GE-11 engines (until re-fitted with the
more powerful J47-GE-23) jet engines, strut-mounted under the wings, and was categorized as a 600 mph
bomber. The authorized complement was 45 for each wing.
09/XX/57
This shot of Col. McCoy was taken in September 1957, a month before he would perish. The other
fellow appears to be then-Captain James George Gallagher, who piloted the Lucky Lady II in the 1st
non-stop around the world flight using in-flight refueling, here pictured as another command pilot with
a two-star rank of Major General. McCoy holds a small toy-like item that was perhaps a gift? Did some
research and found a single picture of one amid the Reginald Luycx Collection. It is highly likely to be
the McCoy Nike cl prop car with 049 diesel, possibly made by his brother, Dick McCoy, a pioneer in
model engine building. Close ups reveal "McCoy" stamped on the propellor blade so, if it was a gift, it
was a pretty cool one!
This shot of Col. McCoy was taken in September 1957, a month before he would perish. The other
fellow appears to be then-Captain James George Gallagher, who piloted the Lucky Lady II in the 1st
non-stop around the world flight using in-flight refueling, here pictured as another command pilot with
a two-star rank of Major General. McCoy holds a small toy-like item that was perhaps a gift? Did some
research and found a single picture of one amid the Reginald Luycx Collection. It is highly likely to be
the McCoy Nike cl prop car with 049 diesel, possibly made by his brother, Dick McCoy, a pioneer in
model engine building. Close ups reveal "McCoy" stamped on the propellor blade so, if it was a gift, it
was a pretty cool one!
The McCoy Nike cl prop car with 049 diesel, possibly created by Mike's brother Dick
McCoy, a huge name in model engine building. This is the only picture I could find of one.
Here, about half-way down the page: Anyone know what the "cl" stands for?
http://www.reginaldluycx.be/collectie4.html
McCoy, a huge name in model engine building. This is the only picture I could find of one.
Here, about half-way down the page: Anyone know what the "cl" stands for?
http://www.reginaldluycx.be/collectie4.html
The fellow on the left is Major General James Edwin. Roberts, a contemporary of McCoy’s and a Colonel in this
picture. Roberts was born in Pettus, Texas in 1909, and began his military career in 1932 and graduated flying
school in 1933 as a Second Lieutenant. He left the service briefly in 1935, but re-entered in 1937. In 1939, Roberts
became the Director of Training for the B-26 Marauder School in Del Rio, Texas. Here he was awarded the Legion
Commander of the 39th Bomb Group’s 314th Wing, stationed on Guam, earning a Air Medal for missions against
the Japanese mainland. McCoy also served on Guam for the 315th around this time. The next few years were full
of command classes and subsequent command posts at Mather Field, California, Randolph Field, Texas,
Goodfellow AFB, Texas, where he eventually assumed command as a Colonel and, in October, 1950, Tyndall AFB
in Panama City, Florida.
Most significantly for McCoy was Roberts’ assignment as the Air Training Command’s project officer to rebuild
Pinecastle AFB, assuming command of it on January 10, 1952 and overseeing a $100 million military construction
program (MILICON) . On December 15th, 1953, the same day the 321st Bombardment Wing (Medium) was activated
at Pinecastle AFB (absorbing all B-47 bombers and KC-97 tankers at the base), Roberts was promoted temporarily
to Brigadier General . The B-47 combat crew training mission was also transferred from ATC to SAC. Fifteen days
later, Roberts was assigned as Wing Commander at Nellis AFB, Nevada and would later have various assignments
in Europe and the U.S., ultimately advancing to the rank of Major General on August 9, 1957.
So, this shot was taken one month before Roberts’ departure from newly reconstructed Pine Castle AFB.
Less than 5 months later, on May 24, 1954, Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy was appointed commander of the 321st
Bombardment Wing at Pinecastle, having earned the unofficial distinction of being the "dean" of the Strategic Air
Command’s B-47 "Stratojet" aircraft commanders.
picture. Roberts was born in Pettus, Texas in 1909, and began his military career in 1932 and graduated flying
school in 1933 as a Second Lieutenant. He left the service briefly in 1935, but re-entered in 1937. In 1939, Roberts
became the Director of Training for the B-26 Marauder School in Del Rio, Texas. Here he was awarded the Legion
Commander of the 39th Bomb Group’s 314th Wing, stationed on Guam, earning a Air Medal for missions against
the Japanese mainland. McCoy also served on Guam for the 315th around this time. The next few years were full
of command classes and subsequent command posts at Mather Field, California, Randolph Field, Texas,
Goodfellow AFB, Texas, where he eventually assumed command as a Colonel and, in October, 1950, Tyndall AFB
in Panama City, Florida.
Most significantly for McCoy was Roberts’ assignment as the Air Training Command’s project officer to rebuild
Pinecastle AFB, assuming command of it on January 10, 1952 and overseeing a $100 million military construction
program (MILICON) . On December 15th, 1953, the same day the 321st Bombardment Wing (Medium) was activated
at Pinecastle AFB (absorbing all B-47 bombers and KC-97 tankers at the base), Roberts was promoted temporarily
to Brigadier General . The B-47 combat crew training mission was also transferred from ATC to SAC. Fifteen days
later, Roberts was assigned as Wing Commander at Nellis AFB, Nevada and would later have various assignments
in Europe and the U.S., ultimately advancing to the rank of Major General on August 9, 1957.
So, this shot was taken one month before Roberts’ departure from newly reconstructed Pine Castle AFB.
Less than 5 months later, on May 24, 1954, Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy was appointed commander of the 321st
Bombardment Wing at Pinecastle, having earned the unofficial distinction of being the "dean" of the Strategic Air
Command’s B-47 "Stratojet" aircraft commanders.
04/30/57
This photo was taken on or around April 30, 1957, a little more than 5 months before the crash that would
sadly take his life. I can't be sure of the depicted baseball game without assistance, but it appears ol' Mike
is warming up to maybe throw out the opening pitch for the game? The big Orlando ball field then was
Tinker Field, the spring training home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators and
Minnesota Twins, for which the background light posts seem to match up. Any ideas?
This photo was taken on or around April 30, 1957, a little more than 5 months before the crash that would
sadly take his life. I can't be sure of the depicted baseball game without assistance, but it appears ol' Mike
is warming up to maybe throw out the opening pitch for the game? The big Orlando ball field then was
Tinker Field, the spring training home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators and
Minnesota Twins, for which the background light posts seem to match up. Any ideas?
1953 - 1956
who served as Mayor of Orlando from 1953 to 1956. Col. McCoy died in a flight demonstration of a Boeing B-47
Stratojet. The bomber had a faulty wing and crashed north of Orlando. As a result, Pinecastle Air Force Base
became, McCoy Air Force Base to honor the memory of Col. McCoy. In 1974, McCoy AFB officially closed. What
used to be McCoy Air Force Base is now Orlando International Airport. Some of the base property went to
private companies for research purposes.
who served as Mayor of Orlando from 1953 to 1956. Col. McCoy died in a flight demonstration of a Boeing B-47
Stratojet. The bomber had a faulty wing and crashed north of Orlando. As a result, Pinecastle Air Force Base
became, McCoy Air Force Base to honor the memory of Col. McCoy. In 1974, McCoy AFB officially closed. What
used to be McCoy Air Force Base is now Orlando International Airport. Some of the base property went to
private companies for research purposes.
10/03/55
Hi, McCoy-philes! Found this brief little McCoy snippet that ran in a bunch of newspapers on and around October 3, 1955 entitled:
"Young Grandpa"
Orlando, FL - Two outfits in the Strategic Air Command here (Orlando) boast grandfathers—one as young as 34. He is M. Sgt. William II. Dye of the
30th Bomber Squadron who became a grandfather last year. The other is 49-year-old Col. Michael N. W. McCoy, commanding officer of the 321st
Bombardment Wing.
That would turn out to be quite an understatement!
Michael N. W. McCoy was married 3 times in his life resulting in 4 daughters, a stepdaughter and 9 grandchildren. At 49 years young, McCoy had
been a grandfather at least 4 times over already at the time that article was written!
1st wife – Helen Richmond – they were married for 6 years from 1924 to 1930.
Helen gives birth to two McCoy daughters – Barbara Jean (b. 1926) and Patricia Mae (b. 1929).
• Barbara Jean McCoy had two sons, Mike (b. 1946) and Jeffrey (b. 1947), but also adopted Patricia's daughter, Julie, born on 2/14/48 or later?).
Grandsons and granddaughter to McCoy.
• Patricia Mae McCoy (b. ? - d. 2011) had a daughter, Kathleen (b. 1948), a daughter, Julie born on Valentine's Day (Year?) and a son, Mitchell (b. ?).
Granddaughters and grandson to McCoy.
That's 5 grandchildren.
2nd wife – Alice Kimball – they were married for 23 years from 1931 to 1954.
Alice gives birth to two more McCoy daughters – Pamela Ann (b. 1934, d. 2012) and Penny Lee (b. 1948, d.2011).
• Pamela Ann McCoy had three sons, Mike (b. 1955), Eric (b. 1958) and Marc (b. 1970). Grandsons to McCoy.
• Penny Lee McCoy had a daughter (b. ?). Granddaughter to McCoy.
That's 4 more grandchildren.
3rd wife – Rose Frances Bernard – they were married for 3 years from 1954 until McCoy’s death in 1957.
• They had no children together, though Rose had a daughter, Gloria (b. 1926), from a prior husband. Stepdaughter to McCoy.
• Gloria had a son, Timothy Churcher (b. 1962, d. 20XX), and a daughter, Jennifer Churcher. Step grandson and step granddaughter to McCoy.
That's 2 more step-grandchildren.
In 1955, that actually put the grandchildren count at around 5! To the best of my knowledge, all but one of the grandchildren are still living today.
Hi, McCoy-philes! Found this brief little McCoy snippet that ran in a bunch of newspapers on and around October 3, 1955 entitled:
"Young Grandpa"
Orlando, FL - Two outfits in the Strategic Air Command here (Orlando) boast grandfathers—one as young as 34. He is M. Sgt. William II. Dye of the
30th Bomber Squadron who became a grandfather last year. The other is 49-year-old Col. Michael N. W. McCoy, commanding officer of the 321st
Bombardment Wing.
That would turn out to be quite an understatement!
Michael N. W. McCoy was married 3 times in his life resulting in 4 daughters, a stepdaughter and 9 grandchildren. At 49 years young, McCoy had
been a grandfather at least 4 times over already at the time that article was written!
1st wife – Helen Richmond – they were married for 6 years from 1924 to 1930.
Helen gives birth to two McCoy daughters – Barbara Jean (b. 1926) and Patricia Mae (b. 1929).
• Barbara Jean McCoy had two sons, Mike (b. 1946) and Jeffrey (b. 1947), but also adopted Patricia's daughter, Julie, born on 2/14/48 or later?).
Grandsons and granddaughter to McCoy.
• Patricia Mae McCoy (b. ? - d. 2011) had a daughter, Kathleen (b. 1948), a daughter, Julie born on Valentine's Day (Year?) and a son, Mitchell (b. ?).
Granddaughters and grandson to McCoy.
That's 5 grandchildren.
2nd wife – Alice Kimball – they were married for 23 years from 1931 to 1954.
Alice gives birth to two more McCoy daughters – Pamela Ann (b. 1934, d. 2012) and Penny Lee (b. 1948, d.2011).
• Pamela Ann McCoy had three sons, Mike (b. 1955), Eric (b. 1958) and Marc (b. 1970). Grandsons to McCoy.
• Penny Lee McCoy had a daughter (b. ?). Granddaughter to McCoy.
That's 4 more grandchildren.
3rd wife – Rose Frances Bernard – they were married for 3 years from 1954 until McCoy’s death in 1957.
• They had no children together, though Rose had a daughter, Gloria (b. 1926), from a prior husband. Stepdaughter to McCoy.
• Gloria had a son, Timothy Churcher (b. 1962, d. 20XX), and a daughter, Jennifer Churcher. Step grandson and step granddaughter to McCoy.
That's 2 more step-grandchildren.
In 1955, that actually put the grandchildren count at around 5! To the best of my knowledge, all but one of the grandchildren are still living today.
06/04/53, Thursday
B-47 Wing Arrives - First unit to be equipped with the Boeing B-47B Stratojet. A medium bomber, the 306th
Medium Bombardment Wing is normally based at MacDill A.F.B., Florida. During the past eighteen months the
unit has been gradually working up to a fully operational standard, and now is in a "go-anywhere, do-anything"
condition. Accordingly, and in conformity with U.S.A.F. practice, the Wing is on detachment to this country for 90
days' continuous training. The aircraft have flown from MacDill by way of Limestone, Maine, where their crews
were given a few hours' rest. The total distance from Florida is in the region of 4,500 miles, and the first aircraft
made the 3,125-mile transatlantic crossing in 5 hr 53 min (rather over 530 m.p.h.). The U.S.A.F. are anxious that it
should be known that the bombers are fully operational, and were cruised at normal long distance thrust; had
they been after records, apparently, the figure could have been over 600 m.p.h. Flight refueling was not used.
The B-47S carried their normal crews of three "triple-head" personnel, each of whom can act as pilot, navigator
or bombardier. A dummy bomb-load was also carried, and mock attacks were made at selected points during the
Atlantic crossing.
The 306th Wing is commanded by Col. Michael McCoy, who —like many U.S.A.F. top-ranking bomber pilots—is in
his late forties. He piloted the first B-47 across, leaving Limestone on Thursday, June 4th, and arriving at the
great base at Fairford, Glos, early in the evening. Fourteen other B-47S arrived on that day, and fifteen more on
each of the following two days, thus bringing the Wing up to its full strength of 45 aircraft. The last machine made
the journey in 5 hr 26 min, giving an average speed of 575 m.p.h. The crossings were the first direct flights from
the U.S.A. to Great Britain by jet aircraft. The aircraft themselves, which are sure to excite considerable interest
in this country, are recent-production B-47BS, with flat-fronted engine-pods. Underwing tanks have not been
brought with them, but tail-braking parachutes are fitted and were, in fact, used on their first landings in this
country.
B-47 Wing Arrives - First unit to be equipped with the Boeing B-47B Stratojet. A medium bomber, the 306th
Medium Bombardment Wing is normally based at MacDill A.F.B., Florida. During the past eighteen months the
unit has been gradually working up to a fully operational standard, and now is in a "go-anywhere, do-anything"
condition. Accordingly, and in conformity with U.S.A.F. practice, the Wing is on detachment to this country for 90
days' continuous training. The aircraft have flown from MacDill by way of Limestone, Maine, where their crews
were given a few hours' rest. The total distance from Florida is in the region of 4,500 miles, and the first aircraft
made the 3,125-mile transatlantic crossing in 5 hr 53 min (rather over 530 m.p.h.). The U.S.A.F. are anxious that it
should be known that the bombers are fully operational, and were cruised at normal long distance thrust; had
they been after records, apparently, the figure could have been over 600 m.p.h. Flight refueling was not used.
The B-47S carried their normal crews of three "triple-head" personnel, each of whom can act as pilot, navigator
or bombardier. A dummy bomb-load was also carried, and mock attacks were made at selected points during the
Atlantic crossing.
The 306th Wing is commanded by Col. Michael McCoy, who —like many U.S.A.F. top-ranking bomber pilots—is in
his late forties. He piloted the first B-47 across, leaving Limestone on Thursday, June 4th, and arriving at the
great base at Fairford, Glos, early in the evening. Fourteen other B-47S arrived on that day, and fifteen more on
each of the following two days, thus bringing the Wing up to its full strength of 45 aircraft. The last machine made
the journey in 5 hr 26 min, giving an average speed of 575 m.p.h. The crossings were the first direct flights from
the U.S.A. to Great Britain by jet aircraft. The aircraft themselves, which are sure to excite considerable interest
in this country, are recent-production B-47BS, with flat-fronted engine-pods. Underwing tanks have not been
brought with them, but tail-braking parachutes are fitted and were, in fact, used on their first landings in this
country.
December 1953
Dated around December, 1953, a rare glimpse into the off-hours of a bomber pilot who earlier on June 4th had
led 15 B-47 Stratobombers from Fairfield England to MacDill AFB. McCoy's 1,495-mile flight set a world aviation
flight speed record for that distance, even though that record would soon be broken by other competing B-47s
of the 45 aircraft wing also returning in the days that followed. Here McCoy is 48 years of age, in pretty good
shape for the time, posing for a shot during what appears to be a water skiing holiday. But look closer. That's a
single slalom ski beside which he is posing so he was likely a pretty skilled skier! And if he used that
scary-looking ski ramp in the background, then this is just one more edgy past time that McCoy mastered in his
lifetime, such as boxing professionally, barnstorming, running a flying school, becoming a master engraver and
reporting for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner! If he wasn't borrowing a boat, I wonder what kind of boat he
owned? Anyway, not bad, sir, not bad at all!
Can anyone identify the body of water where this shot may have been taken? Given 1953, could this have been
Lake Underhill? Or - ?
Dated around December, 1953, a rare glimpse into the off-hours of a bomber pilot who earlier on June 4th had
led 15 B-47 Stratobombers from Fairfield England to MacDill AFB. McCoy's 1,495-mile flight set a world aviation
flight speed record for that distance, even though that record would soon be broken by other competing B-47s
of the 45 aircraft wing also returning in the days that followed. Here McCoy is 48 years of age, in pretty good
shape for the time, posing for a shot during what appears to be a water skiing holiday. But look closer. That's a
single slalom ski beside which he is posing so he was likely a pretty skilled skier! And if he used that
scary-looking ski ramp in the background, then this is just one more edgy past time that McCoy mastered in his
lifetime, such as boxing professionally, barnstorming, running a flying school, becoming a master engraver and
reporting for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner! If he wasn't borrowing a boat, I wonder what kind of boat he
owned? Anyway, not bad, sir, not bad at all!
Can anyone identify the body of water where this shot may have been taken? Given 1953, could this have been
Lake Underhill? Or - ?
12/18/53
I did not understand the significance of this photo until I learned the date associated with it: December 18, 1953.
This was 3 days after the 321st Bombardment Wing (Medium) was first activated at Pine Castle Air Force Base
absorbing every B-47 Stratojet bomber and KC-97 tanker on the base!
Two weeks later, on 1 January 1954, the wing and the B-47 combat crew training mission were assigned to the
Strategic Air Command (SAC).
Just shy of six months later, on 24 May 1954, Colonel McCoy was appointed commander of the 321st
Bombardment Wing, having previously commanded the 306th Bombardment Wing at MacDill AFB, Florida. He
became considered the "dean" of Strategic Air Command’s B-47 Stratojet operational wing commanders.
The general sitting with McCoy on the right at the time was, Major General Charles Franklin Born, who was
temporarily promoted to Major General on (wait for it) December 15th, 1953, a very specifically timed promotion
that aligned exactly with the activation of the 321st Bombardment Wing. Born was a senior pilot in his own right
who also had an impressive military history (links below). So there were probably a lot of briefings following the
321st's activation and this was likely one of them. I have to say, McCoy looks either half-way bored or super
serious about the whole affair! Maybe a little of both!
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/107621/major-general-charles-f-born.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_F._Born
I did not understand the significance of this photo until I learned the date associated with it: December 18, 1953.
This was 3 days after the 321st Bombardment Wing (Medium) was first activated at Pine Castle Air Force Base
absorbing every B-47 Stratojet bomber and KC-97 tanker on the base!
Two weeks later, on 1 January 1954, the wing and the B-47 combat crew training mission were assigned to the
Strategic Air Command (SAC).
Just shy of six months later, on 24 May 1954, Colonel McCoy was appointed commander of the 321st
Bombardment Wing, having previously commanded the 306th Bombardment Wing at MacDill AFB, Florida. He
became considered the "dean" of Strategic Air Command’s B-47 Stratojet operational wing commanders.
The general sitting with McCoy on the right at the time was, Major General Charles Franklin Born, who was
temporarily promoted to Major General on (wait for it) December 15th, 1953, a very specifically timed promotion
that aligned exactly with the activation of the 321st Bombardment Wing. Born was a senior pilot in his own right
who also had an impressive military history (links below). So there were probably a lot of briefings following the
321st's activation and this was likely one of them. I have to say, McCoy looks either half-way bored or super
serious about the whole affair! Maybe a little of both!
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/107621/major-general-charles-f-born.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_F._Born
This amazing footage has been available for a few years, segment 1 of 3. There's McCoy, doing what he does best:
flyin' those big ass birds!
Critical Past Clips of McCoy Flying the Stratofortress!
flyin' those big ass birds!
Critical Past Clips of McCoy Flying the Stratofortress!
| Here's a link to some stock McCoy climbing into a RATO (Rocket Assisted Take Off) Boeing B-47 Stratojet Bomber at Pine Castle Air Force Base, possibly the only existing footage of the pilot today. McCoy Flight Footage |
| Excellent article from airforcemag.com about the lethal and regrettably, crash-prone, B-47. McCoy is and is described as "perhaps the most qualified B-47 pilot in the Air Force," with "8,661 hours flying time." That many hours of flying time hours a day, 7 days a week, of being airborne and piloting aircraft! The B-47's Deadly Dominance |
Around 1951 or 1952
Fascinating excerpt from UFO testimonial of Mackinlay Kantor, co-author with SAC's General Curtis E. LeMay for "Mission with Lemay: My Story."
Kantor checks in with McCoy regarding his sighting during his tenure as Commander of the 306th at MacDill AFB in Tampa.
"Doctor! Doctor! Look!" I pointed as I ran. He stared, turned, gazed toward the sea. When I reached him he was looking a little too far to the west, and I put
my arm around his shoulders and turned him more toward the south.
"Above the trees! Don't you see it?"
"I see it," he said, "but I can't make out just what it is. Doesn't that look like-? Isn't it two airplanes refueling in midair?"
"If it's two airplanes refueling in midair, aren't they headed in opposite directions?"
The doctor chuckled. "Guess they are."
"But, Doctor, that thing's absolutely motionless. It doesn't move to right or left."
"I guess you're right."
At that moment the object took off. It started with unbelievable speed, moving on a diagonal line, ascending as it receded into the southwest.
I didn't take my eyes off the thing. It was really traveling. I had never seen anything hurtle so rapidly except a meteorite. I have messed around with the Air
Force for a good long generation and have poked my nose into two wars.
I know of no aircraft which might move with such terrific speed through our atmosphere. Then it was gone.
The time was 6:11 p.m.
Did anyone else on Siesta Key happen to see that thing?
Damned if I know.
Next morning I drove to MacDill Air Force base at Tampa to report the incident to Col. Michael McCoy, who was then commanding the bomb wing.
At MacDill, I found Mike McCoy in his office, and proceeded to sit down and tell him the whole story. I drew some sketches, too. When I was through, Mike
sat tugging at his red-gray moustache.
Well, what do we do, Mack? Send a report to Project Blue Book at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?"
"No," I said, "I guess not."
"You saw it, didn't you?"
"Yes. But if we send in this report some character will come along and tell me patiently that what I saw was the planet Venus or the planet Mars or the star
so-and-so, or a Navy balloon, or a conventional aircraft; or that maybe I was the victim of an illusion induced by hysteria."
"Exactly," said Colonel McCoy. "That's what they're always saying. Let's just forget it."
"I won't forget it," I told him. "I'll remember it."
Recently Curt LeMay and I were discussing UFOs while I worked with him on his autobiography (Mission with LeMay-My story, by General Curtis E. LeMay
with Mackinlay Kantor, Doubleday, 1965).
Let me quote a few lines from what General LeMay had to say about UFOs.
"Some natural phenomenon might usually account for those which had been seen and reported and thus explain them. However, we had a number of
reports from reputable individuals (well-educated, serious-minded folks-scientists and flyers) who surely saw something.
"Many of the mysteries might be explained away as weather balloons, stars, reflected lights, all sorts of odds and ends. I don't mean to say that, in the
unclosed and unexplained or unexplainable instances, those were actually flying objects. All I can say is that no natural phenomenon could be found to
account for them.
"Repeat again: There were some cases we could not explain. Never could."
It's 12 years since I saw my first UFO. Maybe it will be my only one. I've never seen the shine of one since. But I'm always watching.
Fascinating excerpt from UFO testimonial of Mackinlay Kantor, co-author with SAC's General Curtis E. LeMay for "Mission with Lemay: My Story."
Kantor checks in with McCoy regarding his sighting during his tenure as Commander of the 306th at MacDill AFB in Tampa.
"Doctor! Doctor! Look!" I pointed as I ran. He stared, turned, gazed toward the sea. When I reached him he was looking a little too far to the west, and I put
my arm around his shoulders and turned him more toward the south.
"Above the trees! Don't you see it?"
"I see it," he said, "but I can't make out just what it is. Doesn't that look like-? Isn't it two airplanes refueling in midair?"
"If it's two airplanes refueling in midair, aren't they headed in opposite directions?"
The doctor chuckled. "Guess they are."
"But, Doctor, that thing's absolutely motionless. It doesn't move to right or left."
"I guess you're right."
At that moment the object took off. It started with unbelievable speed, moving on a diagonal line, ascending as it receded into the southwest.
I didn't take my eyes off the thing. It was really traveling. I had never seen anything hurtle so rapidly except a meteorite. I have messed around with the Air
Force for a good long generation and have poked my nose into two wars.
I know of no aircraft which might move with such terrific speed through our atmosphere. Then it was gone.
The time was 6:11 p.m.
Did anyone else on Siesta Key happen to see that thing?
Damned if I know.
Next morning I drove to MacDill Air Force base at Tampa to report the incident to Col. Michael McCoy, who was then commanding the bomb wing.
At MacDill, I found Mike McCoy in his office, and proceeded to sit down and tell him the whole story. I drew some sketches, too. When I was through, Mike
sat tugging at his red-gray moustache.
Well, what do we do, Mack? Send a report to Project Blue Book at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?"
"No," I said, "I guess not."
"You saw it, didn't you?"
"Yes. But if we send in this report some character will come along and tell me patiently that what I saw was the planet Venus or the planet Mars or the star
so-and-so, or a Navy balloon, or a conventional aircraft; or that maybe I was the victim of an illusion induced by hysteria."
"Exactly," said Colonel McCoy. "That's what they're always saying. Let's just forget it."
"I won't forget it," I told him. "I'll remember it."
Recently Curt LeMay and I were discussing UFOs while I worked with him on his autobiography (Mission with LeMay-My story, by General Curtis E. LeMay
with Mackinlay Kantor, Doubleday, 1965).
Let me quote a few lines from what General LeMay had to say about UFOs.
"Some natural phenomenon might usually account for those which had been seen and reported and thus explain them. However, we had a number of
reports from reputable individuals (well-educated, serious-minded folks-scientists and flyers) who surely saw something.
"Many of the mysteries might be explained away as weather balloons, stars, reflected lights, all sorts of odds and ends. I don't mean to say that, in the
unclosed and unexplained or unexplainable instances, those were actually flying objects. All I can say is that no natural phenomenon could be found to
account for them.
"Repeat again: There were some cases we could not explain. Never could."
It's 12 years since I saw my first UFO. Maybe it will be my only one. I've never seen the shine of one since. But I'm always watching.
About 1951 or 1952
Managed to find this cool shot of McCoy in his pilot gear during his tenure at MacDill as Commander of the
306th Bombardment Wing, Medium. This man lived and breathed aviation for the better part of his life.
Managed to find this cool shot of McCoy in his pilot gear during his tenure at MacDill as Commander of the
306th Bombardment Wing, Medium. This man lived and breathed aviation for the better part of his life.
Rare pic of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy taking care of more administrative duties. Life as a SAC
Bombardment Wing Commander encompassed a lot more than flying from time to time!
Note the RCAF Wings over the right breast pocket of his tunic. Colonel McCoy was one of the 8, 860 Americans
who served part or all of their careers in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW II. After World War II broke,
Colonel McCoy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served as a ferry pilot and instructor. He
trained Canadian pilots in the old Hudson Bomber until 1942 at which time he transferred as a captain to the
U.S. Army Air Corps. At that time, McCoy arguably had logged more flight hours than any pilot in the world.
In June of 1945 while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam, Colonel McCoy flew or was otherwise
involved with 22 missions in B29 "Stratofortresses" over Japan.
Bombardment Wing Commander encompassed a lot more than flying from time to time!
Note the RCAF Wings over the right breast pocket of his tunic. Colonel McCoy was one of the 8, 860 Americans
who served part or all of their careers in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW II. After World War II broke,
Colonel McCoy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served as a ferry pilot and instructor. He
trained Canadian pilots in the old Hudson Bomber until 1942 at which time he transferred as a captain to the
U.S. Army Air Corps. At that time, McCoy arguably had logged more flight hours than any pilot in the world.
In June of 1945 while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam, Colonel McCoy flew or was otherwise
involved with 22 missions in B29 "Stratofortresses" over Japan.
