europeantheater

From a George Retelas February, 2022 Facebook post (Found by my Google search for Keith Diz Laird): Dean S. "Diz" Laird (born February 7, 1921) is the only U.S. Navy ace to have combat victories in both the Pacific and European theaters of World War II. In this new short film I produced for the USS Hornet Museum, Diz recalls his first combat flight in a F4F Wildcat with VF-4 "The Red Rippers" against the German Luftwaffe (a Junkers Ju-88 and a Heinkel He-115) on October 4, 1943 near Norway. He later added three more strikes against Japanese aircraft in the Pacific theater in a F6F Hellcat to become an "Ace". Diz Laird currently volunteers as a docent aboard the USS Hornet Museum where the ship has restored an FM-2 Wildcat that was recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan. "Two Down, Three to Go" (5min): youtu.be/CtVOnYvv4Uw USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum American Fighter Aces Association & Friends The Tailhook Association Naval History & Heritage Command U.S. Naval Air Forces The Red Rippers

"Keith Diz Laird" pilot fighter Ace WW2 "World War II" "Diz Laird" "USS Hornet Museum" "F4F Wildcat" "VF-4 Red Rippers" "F6F Wildcat" "Pacific Theater" "European Theater" "German Luftwaffe" "Japanese" docent "FM-2 Wildcat" "USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum American Fighter Aces Association & Friends"

Col Lyle Bernard was my dad's bn cmdr from Fedala up through Anzio. Absolutely wonderful man and outstanding field officer. He was a wonderful friend and genuine leader. How I miss him today. Alexander Nalle - son of Charles C.Nalle, 2nd Bn, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division.

He is my grand father.

Sadly, in the recently released book, Killing Patton, the above photo is incorrectly identified. it is entitle someing like, "General Patton talking to some Lt.Col. on the way to Sicily". Yikes, what nonsense. The "Messina" sign on the wall behind Patton clearly points to Messina. They are ON Sicily. Lt. Col Lyle Bernard is the officer talking to Patton. Bernard had earlier lead the Brolo end run around the German north/right flank. Get it togather, editors. A.Nalle

I just read the comment by Lisakay German. He grandmother's name was Kay. We knew the Bernards during and after the war. As noted above, Lyle Bernard was my father's commanding officer in the 2nd Bn, 30th Infantry Regiment. Later, during the last year of the war, both Col. Bernard and my father were at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA. It was Col. Bernard who arranged for us to have a neat old Army house on Austin Loop. Now, Lisakay, who is your mother?? Alexander "Sandy" Nalle

lisakaygerman Lisakay German I'm hoping that this reaches you. My father seved under your grandfather during much of the war. Lt. Col Lyle W Bernard was the Battalion commander of the Second Bn.of the 30th Infantry Regiment, Third Division. Captain Charles Crawford Nalle was a company commander. Lyle Bernard was an outstanding field officer. Please let me know who your mother is. We knew the Bernards at Fort Benning and afterwards. Lyle came to see us in California not too long before his final departure. I'm trying to remember. There was Bitsy and, I think, Sidney. How am I doing?? Sandy Nalle

Congratulations!
This is a wonderful shot!
You are invited to post it to:


artland

Great Shot!