ODE TO RED TAILS (332 Fighter Group)

Silver wings and red tails into the dim unkown,

Swooping and soaring to some enemies’ zone,

A pawn of fate a messenger of need,

You answer the call with each valiant deed.

By your mere presence, we have gained a lot,

Through you, we are considered a part of the plot,

To restore equilibrium to this war-drunk world,

To rehabilitate nations, to keep freedom’s flag unfurled.

Oblivious of dange, indifferent to death and pain,

You plunge through the heavens like a thing gone insane.

Destroying the enemy-and hisevery threat-

Displaying your prowess ‘til the sun starts to set.

Then we add more names to your honor roll

After some star-a part of your toll.

To you who returned, toher thrills await;

To you, who went down, an unknown fate.

Another sunset, another day is done;

Another mission, another victory won.

                                    -LT. Bill Wheeler

                                    Printed in the Hawk’s Cry

                                    June 16, 1945