Scope and Contents

This group of 26 color photographs were taken by Frederick J. Poats. Aircraft and a few personnel (Poats, Lt. Leroy Price, and some Chinese) are seen in India at Panagar Air Base, and in China at Chengkung, Hangchow, Laohwangping, Luichow, Shanghai, and Suichwan. Two photos show Lockheed P-38 Lightnings of the 449th Fighter Squadron (449FS). Two photos show Poats' North American P-51D Mustang "Lady Marion" (named for his girlfriend, who became his wife after the war). One photo shows a Consolidated F-7A (s/n 42-64102) of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron. Other aircraft types depicted include: Lockheed F-5E Lightning, Douglas C-54 Skymaster, captured Japanese "Ida" (Tachikawa Ki-36) in Nationalist China markings, Curtiss C-46 Commando, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, and Republic P-47 (F-47) Thunderbolt.

Arrangement

No arrangement.

Biographical / Historical

Frederick J. Poats joined the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (118 TRS), 23rd Fighter Group (23 FG), in November 1944. He was stationed in Luliang, China, and assigned to temporary duty assignments with the 26th Fighter Squadron (26 FS) based in Chengkung until the 118 TRS had established themselves at a base in Suichwan, China. Poats was stationed with the 118 TRS from that point on. From World War II's end through mid-December 1945 Poats was involved with ferrying aircraft and materiel for the Chinese government as part of the "Diffenbaugh Project."