A Bit of WWII History Soars Over S.D. for Air Show

More than 2,000 people gazed through hazy clouds as about a dozen vintage World War II aircraft thundered into Brown Field on Friday for the Confederate Air Force Aircraft Exhibit.

The show, which continues through Sunday, brought retired and current servicemen, their families and aircraft enthusiasts together. One admirer, 16-year-old Tory Winsbrook of Escondido, said it was his chance to see up close some of the earlier versions of what he hopes to fly in three or four years. “I’m trying to get into the Air Force once I graduate from high school, so being able to see the fighter planes used by the States during the earlier years has some significance for me,” he said.

While Winsbrook walked across the dirt field, looking over the fleet, which included a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, two B-25 Mitchell bombers and a P-51 Mustang, retired airmen such as John Asmussen of San Diego were making rounds, trading wartime stories with all who would listen.

For Asmussen, who served in the Army Air Corps as a staff sergeant and tail gunner in 1942 and 1943 during a tour of England and North Africa, and other members of the Confederate Air Force, the air show is one way to raise money so the organization can buy World War II aircraft. “We have to help maintain and service these airplanes because they are part of our history,” Asmussen said. The organization has about 130 flyable aircraft in the nationwide collection known as the Ghost Squadron.

Now in its fourth year, the air show had to adjust its agenda at various points because of weather delays in Los Angeles, where about 30 of the show’s exhibit aircraft are based. Also, the San Diego city attorney informed show officials Friday that no passengers other than the pilots will be allowed in the aircraft. Show officials customarily allowed members of the media to accompany pilots during one part of the show when the bombers, fighters, transports, trainers and other amphibious aircraft circle the city in different flight patterns for show attendees.

Bob Neumayer, leader of the San Diego Wing of the Confederate Air Force, which sponsors the show, said the city decided at the last minute to guard against liability for accidents similar to one during last year’s show. In the final day of the show, 48-year-old Joyce Matthews, the wife of a CAF member, and Marshall Moss, 40, were killed when the World War II-Era fighter Moss was piloting crashed into a grassy hillside near Lower Otay Reservoir.

The city and the CAF are still involved in litigation as a result of an $8-million lawsuit filed against them by Matthews’ husband, Guy Matthews, Neumayer said. The flight was a “reward” for Joyce Matthews arranged by her husband for her volunteer work in helping prepare the show, Neumayer said.

Flight demonstrations will highlight the show today and Sunday, according to Neumayer, and there will be an appearance by three members of the Tuskegee Airmen, an organization of veteran black fliers.