Louis Badolato
Lieutenant General
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2005
- Messages
- 17,368
I will be presenting a Figarti "Dick Rossi" P40 to a real 51st Pursuit Squadron Pilot
As I was waiting to pull into a parking space at the local Pathmark at Wheatley Plaza two days ago, on a routine errand to purchase paper towels, I noticed that the car pulling into the space opposite mine had "FlyngTgr" as a license plate. The elderly gentleman who exited the vehicle, Lenny Glick, had on a red "Flying Tiger" baseball cap, with several service pins on it.
I introduced myself to Mr. Glick, and asked if he was a Flying Tiger. He said yes, but he served under Claire Chenault in the U.S. Army Air Corps. in China after the AVG had been re-absorbed into the U.S. Army Air Corps., 14th Air Force. Mr. Glick served in the 51st Pursuit Group, one of the 14th Air Force squadrons to bear the "Flying Tigers" name thereafter. I thanked him for his service, and told him about the "museum" in my home I keep commemorating the service of the Allied Forces, especially my own deceased Uncles Joe, John & Jack Amana, and Leo Badolato.
We had a great conversation, and I asked if he would like to see the "museum". He told me he would love to come by, and wanted me to have some Flying Tiger papers and memorabilia in his possession. I told him I would be incredibly honored if he visited, and to accept his keepsakes, but only if he would permit me to present him with a Figarti "Dick Rossi" autographed P40. He agreed, we exchanged information, and he will come by next week. I bought the P40, and it shipped to me from Matt Murphy at the Hobby Bunker today.
Any of you locals who would like to come and meet Mr. Glick, please PM me or call me, and I will fill you in once he gives me a day and time.
As I was waiting to pull into a parking space at the local Pathmark at Wheatley Plaza two days ago, on a routine errand to purchase paper towels, I noticed that the car pulling into the space opposite mine had "FlyngTgr" as a license plate. The elderly gentleman who exited the vehicle, Lenny Glick, had on a red "Flying Tiger" baseball cap, with several service pins on it.
I introduced myself to Mr. Glick, and asked if he was a Flying Tiger. He said yes, but he served under Claire Chenault in the U.S. Army Air Corps. in China after the AVG had been re-absorbed into the U.S. Army Air Corps., 14th Air Force. Mr. Glick served in the 51st Pursuit Group, one of the 14th Air Force squadrons to bear the "Flying Tigers" name thereafter. I thanked him for his service, and told him about the "museum" in my home I keep commemorating the service of the Allied Forces, especially my own deceased Uncles Joe, John & Jack Amana, and Leo Badolato.
We had a great conversation, and I asked if he would like to see the "museum". He told me he would love to come by, and wanted me to have some Flying Tiger papers and memorabilia in his possession. I told him I would be incredibly honored if he visited, and to accept his keepsakes, but only if he would permit me to present him with a Figarti "Dick Rossi" autographed P40. He agreed, we exchanged information, and he will come by next week. I bought the P40, and it shipped to me from Matt Murphy at the Hobby Bunker today.
Any of you locals who would like to come and meet Mr. Glick, please PM me or call me, and I will fill you in once he gives me a day and time.
And very honored to have been given several wonderful items for safe keeping just because they wanted someone to have them who would take care of them and appreciated them. I even have met veterans whose own grandchildren have stolen there items to pawn for drug money. It is really quite sad. But Great story and I look forward to hear how it unfolds thanks for sharing . And please tell him thanks for his service from the rest of us guys. All the best gebhard
