Raymond E Beckley
MilitaryFrom the collection of Gerald Beckley, son of Col. Raymond E. Beckley.
From 34thprs.org: The personal mount of Maj. Ray Beckley (The Ma Petite Cherie II, Lockheed F-5E-2-LO), 43-28329 was finished in natural metal except for the camera hoods which were in PRU. Anti-glare panels also in PRU. (She had been originally finished in overall PRU-Blue). The tip of the nose is red while hint of former PRU is seen around the "S9" on the boom radiator. While returning to the field after a mission, Major Beckley buzzed low between two trees, unfortunately hitting a stump or underbrush between them. Reportedly the aircraft (his personal mount) was never quite right after that. Maj. Beckley was a gifted artist and painted several of the 34th nose art pinups (many of which are featured at 34thprs.org). His artistic traits can be seen in his sons...one of which happens to be Gerry Beckley -- lead singer of the band America! (Richard Kill)
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Reconnaissance
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Reconnaissance
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: F-5 Lightning
- Nicknames: Ma Petite Cherie II
Revisions
NARA files verified AM with five Oak Leaf Clusters. He continued service well after WWII and retired in 1970, receiving the Legion of Merit upon his retirement.
7th Photo Recon Group Master Directory, 6 June 1996 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia