lockheedf80shootingstar

A Lockheed F-80C, serial 49-771, of the 41st Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 35th FIG.

This pamphlet for the Army Air Forces Fair held at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio in October 1945 includes a map of the fairgrounds and a drawing of the new Army Air Forces P-80 "Shooting Star" jet aircraft. The fair commemorated the end of World War II and was a showplace for the United States' new airpower. Many military aircraft were displayed, including several captured German and Japanese airplanes. Three years after the war, the United States Air Force was created as an organization independent from the Army Air Forces. This could not have been as quickly realized without the immense public interest in aviation generated by exhibits such as these. The three-page brochure is 10" x 8" (25.4 x 20.32 cm). www.ohiomemory.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/p267401c...

This aircraft served with at least three different units - the 18th, 49th and 8th Fighter Bomber Groups. Is there any caption information on the back of this photo? It looks like it may have been taken during its time with the 49th...

Gerry Asher The only thing on the back is "Official Air Force Photo M.A.B" Mather Air Force Base?

It would have to be "AFB" for Mather - or March - or McClellan. This is most likely Misawa AB, Japan - 49th Fighter Bomber Wing, just prior to the outbreak of the Korean War. Thanks!