44-63209 Sherman was Right!

A P-51 Mustang aircraft WZ-S, (serial number 44-63209), named “Sherman Was Right”. The phrase derives from a speech in which General William T. Sherman (commander of a Union Army in the American Civil War) said: “There is many a boy here who looks on war as all glory but, boys, war is all hell.” First Lieutenant Frank E. Oiler, pilot of the aircraft is stood alongside it. media-388368.jpg FRE 5612 A P-51 Mustang aircraft WZ-S, (serial number 44-63209), named “Sherman Was Right”. The phrase derives from a speech in which General William T. Sherman (commander of a Union Army in the American Civil War) said: “There is many a boy here who looks on war as all glory but, boys, war is all hell.” First Lieutenant Frank E. Oiler, pilot of the aircraft is stood alongside it. Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 5612 - A P-51 Mustang aircraft WZ-S, (serial number 44-63209), named “Sherman Was Right”. The phrase derives from a speech in which General William T....

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A P-51 mustang aircraft of the 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group - based at Duxford. The aircraft (serial number 44-63209) was named "Sherman Was Right" - originally piloted by First Lieutenant Frank E. Oiler. The phrase referenced remarks made by General William T. Sherman (who had commanded Union forces during the American Civil War) - "There is many a boy here today who thinks war is all glory but, boys, it is all hell." This aircraft was lost on an escort mission on 3rd March 1945, when being
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 84th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-831426
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
A P-51 mustang aircraft of the 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group - based at Duxford. The aircraft (serial number 44-63209) was named "Sherman Was Right" - originally piloted by First Lieutenant Frank E. Oiler. The phrase referenced remarks made by General William T. Sherman (who had commanded Union forces during the American Civil War) - "There is many a boy here today who thinks war is all glory but, boys, it is all hell." This aircraft was lost on an escort mission on 3rd March 1945, when being
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 357th Fighter Group 363rd Fighter Squadron 84th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-700317
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Line up of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, at Duxford air base. September 1944. Printed caption on reverse of print: '55432 AC - War Birds Home To Rest - Republic P-47 Thunderbolts lined up on an 8th Air Force field in England after a daylight sweep over Germany. Crews have finished inspections and refueling.'
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: "Duckpond"

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 4 March 1945

Revisions

Date
Contributorjrugman
Changes
Sources

Page 39, A Color Guide of the Mighty Eighth, Roger Freeman

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 13399 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

44-63209: Gallery (2 items)