On one of our Southern Route missions, we were struck by lightning, near Okinawa. In checking over the aircraft at Kadena AFB, we discovered several burn holes in the wings, fuselage, and antenna masts. We continued on with the mission to Clark AFB, and points beyond. Upon return, we flew the acft. to Kisarazu for a corrosion test. Good old 1843 had failed the test (Lightning strikes and too much island hopping in the salty air). Capt. Hammerschmidt flew it back to Yokota and it was repainted . We continued flying missions for another year.

Our old bird was showing its age, and needing lots of maintenance. We assisted the ground crew in the fun chore of replacing de-icer boots. Engine changes seemed to occur frequently, and three engine landings were frequent. Upon return to base after an all night mission, our right main gear would not extend. I attempted to lower the gear using the emergency flap motor. For some reason, it would not fully engage. While wearing my cold water survival suit, I had to manually crank the gear down. That suit and liner was full of perspiration. Lost a few pounds that day.

In Summer of 1956, Dusty returned to “Stateside” duty, and was replaced by Maj. Donald Prytulak. The crew was renamed “Don’s Bold Iggles”. We continued to fly the same missions.

On 26 November 1956, our crew Flew 1843 to her glory at the China Lake NAS, California. We were “Mother Hen” for six B-26 Invaders from Johnson AFB. As the B-26 had a relatively short range, we had to island hop from Japan, to Iwo Jima, to Wake Island, and to Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Iwo Jima wasn’t a place that I would care to see again, but we enjoyed beach combing and deep sea fishing, at Wake Is. Four of us caught Barracuda. For some strange reason, the B-26 crews needed a lot of maintenance at Hickam. We had to wait around for several days, but no one seemed to mind. The last hop from Hickam to Califonia was quite a stretch for the B-26’s, but all made it safely.

Our crew insignia was the Al Capp cartoon character “Bald Iggle”. This was the nose art on 1843, when we left her at China Lake.

The Navy was using B-29's for some type of gunnery testing, so this was to be her fate.  Several crew members took leave to visit home. As some had families back at Yokota, we returned by MATS, a few days later.  Here is the crew formed to complete the delivery:

Back at Yokota, we were assigned a photo RB-50. On one of our missions, while heading for Korea, over the Sea of Japan, we felt a large “Bump”. Our Left Gunner reported that we were missing a portion of the left horizontal stabilizer. The mission was aborted, and we headed for home base. Circling the base at 10,000 ft., we practiced landings, to see how it would handle. With a lot of effort by the A/C and Pilot, we landed safely. Inspection determined that the six man raft, stowed over the right wing, inflated, went over the aircraft, and severed the stabilizer. 

We were then assigned an RB-50 configured for a different mission.  We carried a group of enlisted personnel, who talked very little about anything, and we didn't ask.  I now know that they were some of the original "Prop Wash Gang".  Our crew was still flying this mission, when I returned to The U.S. in mid-1958.

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Editor's Note: As we close out this transitional story relating to the 6091st RS, it is with the realization that their mission work continued, blending in with our Nation's worldwide efforts made to deal with evolving Cold War issues and the growing emphasis upon newer high altitude aircraft and satellite reconnaissance technologies. As we put these issues to rest, I believe it fitting to reproduce here the letter of farewell, written and distributed throughout the squadron by their commander, Lt. Col. “Hat” Gandy, as he was reassigned back stateside. It reads as follows:

4 August 1956

SUBJECT: Farewell

TO: Officers and Airmen
6091st Reconnaissance Squadron
APO 328

1. The size of the 6091st and the short notice to leave precludes my personal good-byes to a great many people. I would like to take this means of saying “Sayonara” for myself and my wife to the officers and men of the best Squadron in the USAF.

2. During my three years here I have seen this organization continually called upon for the difficult, the unusual and sometimes the seemingly impossible. Someway! somehow! you have always arranged to not only to deliver the required result, but to deliver it in an outstanding manner. The officers, airmen and wives of the 6091st have made a daily truth out of our pet saying “who the hell wants to be second.”

3. I have always considered it an honor and a privilege to have been the Commander of the 6091st. My initial liking for the members, has, over the years, developed into the deepest admiration and respect for each of you.

4. I want to thank each of you for the loyalty, devotion to duty and hard work that you have all continually displayed during my tour here. This “All together attitude” is what, in the past, has made this a great organization and will, in the future, keep it so.

5. It is with memories of “mission accomplished” and not with “regrets” that I say “Sayonara”.

Hat Gandy

I believe this is a good place to end this adventure into the 6091st Reconnaissance Squadron History and move back to our presentation of the history of the 91st SRS.

Our sincere thanks to Gene Nelson for sharing this information with us. His efforts have helped us fill a gap as we develop and follow the trail of the evolving 91st SRS.

Web Site Editor.