Aero-TV: Feature Preview - Pattillo Brothers P-51 Journey Home

Catch a Sneak Peek of Aero-TVs Coverage of Two Very Special P-51 Mustangs

Rarely do a group of Warbird restoration enthusiasts get a chance to honor the brave sacrifice of the veteran pilots for which their planes represent; yet, that is precisely the extraordinary opportunity that became a reality for Bob Baker and his hard-working crew when they brought two legendary WWII pilots, the Pattillo brothers, to EAA AirVenture 2009.

Major General Cuthbert Bill Pattillo, and his twin brother, Lieutenant General Charles Buck Pattillo both flew in the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group. Born on June 3, 1924, the inseparable brothers enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in November of 1942, eventually joining the renowned Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney. Lt. Gen. Buck Pattillo flew 37 combat missions in his P-51D Mustang, the Little Rebel, while his brother, Bill Pattillo, completed 35 combat missions in his Sweet and Lovely P-51D Mustang.

Baker completed Sweet and Lovely's restoration two years ago. This year, however, was the first time that the brothers were able to see both planes restored since flying the P-51s over 65 years ago. For Buck Pattillo, it was a moving reunion; the last time he saw Little Rebel was in 1945 while stationed in England. Join Aero-TV as we preview our exclusive feature profiling Bob Bakers P-51 Mustangs and the legendary pilots who made them soar.

Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

FMI: http://www.highironillustrations.com/rogues/bill_patillo.html, http://www.highironillustrations.com/rogues/buck_patillo.html, http://www.aero-tv.net, http://www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews

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• P-51 Twins
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• Oshkosh 2009
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• Mustang twins
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• Bob Baker
• P-51 restoration
• cleanest P-51
• AeroTV
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[blueflame53]

Ya know im 6'3 and weigh about 240 and i have wet cheeks now...amazing video, amazing aircraft and even more amazing men who fought in them which I want to thank you from the absolute bottom of heart for doing.

[nathancremisino]

this story is coming together so well, I can't wait to see the complete feature!

[flightwriterNG]

I look forward to seeing the whole feature! This one will be a tearjerker...

[pwyll39]

my father trained pilots on this type of plane, and his grandson, my nephew, shot the footage and edited this. I'm SO proud.

[mcjon77]

Awesome story!