Aero-TV: Behind the Journey - Bob Bakers P-51 Restorations

P-51 Mustang Owner Bob Baker Describes His Journey to the Pattillo Brothers

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 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

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Bob Baker
• P-51
• Sweet and Lovely
• Little Rebel
• Bill Pattillo
• Buck Pattillo
• 352nd Fighter Group
• AeroTV
• Aero-TV
• Aero-News Network
• aero
• news
• network
• tv
• pilot
• plane
• airplane
• aircraft
• aviation
• Mustang
• P-51 Mustang
• Mustang restoration
• Blue Nose Bastards
• Best Bluenose Mustang
• Merlin

[234quicksilver]

Incredible!! Thank you for keeping history alive!! and honoring our veterans, my grandfather flew a p-51 mustang in WWII it was always his favorite plane

[dittosox]

Had the distinct honor of introducing Bob to the Pattillos and providing him with the scheme documentation for both Mustangs. Bob is a very outstanding restorer and it is very evident how honored he feels to be presenting to the Aviation public not only his 2 prize winning Mustangs but also the twin Mustang Generals that flew like aircraft during WW II. Sam Sox, Jr

[FWDORA9]

Bob thanks for fixing up the Old War Birds to like new condition for all of us to enjoy at the Air Shows! Plus a nice way to Honor The Fighter Pilot's the Greatest Generation!!

[sonnysingh03]

incredible brilliant upload

[GogglesKittah]

Great job Sarah and James. Keep up the good work!

And that photo of Terry at the end is one of mine. I'm glad you found a good place to use it. Terry was a good mechanic and a great man who will be missed.