Community Corner

WWII Plane Replica Painted for Marion Native Turned into Camp Dodge Exhibit

The plane is a replica of the Tomahawk fighter planes flown by the "Flying Tigers" in a daring raid against Japanese forces in China in World War II. You can donate to help pay for the new exhibit.

The plane that came to represent the "Flying Tigers" attack on Japanese forces in China during World War II is now part of the collection at the Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge near Johnston.

On Wednesday a replica of a Curtis P-40B Tomahawk fighter plane was installed at the museum to honor some of the first Iowans who fought in World War II, according to Radio Iowa.

This plane is painted in the colors of Marion native Bill Reed, who was one of four Iowans to join the squadron.

Find out what's happening in Marionwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The plane was flown by the “Flying Tigers” — a squadron of men who volunteered to fly out of Burma and defend China from the Japanese months before the U.S. joined the war in 1941.

Reed’s nephews Edward and Porter were on hand as the plane was installed. Edward says Bill joined up in part for the adventure.

Find out what's happening in Marionwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I think a majority of the pilots as well as the ground crew were patriots who were looking for some excitement,” Reed told Radio Iowa. “Yet at the same time the pay was very good. They as pilots received $600 a month. In 1941, $600 was a pretty good chunk of change.”

Reed said the pilots also got $500 for each Japanese plane they shot down. The elder Reed shot down 11 planes during his year-long tour with the Tigers.

His uncle returned to China with U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. He died after returning from a mission under blackout conditions; Reed and two other pilots circled the air field until they ran out of fuel and then bailed out. Reed hit his head as he leapt from the plane.

Bill Reed’s uniform and other mementoes from his military service were givento Edward, who will donate them to the museum for a display to go along with the P-40.

Museum curator Mike Vogt told Radio Iowa the project has taken about three years to come together.

Vogt says the plane itself cost about $31,000 to build and they have raised some of the money through donations. He says they are still taking donations for this exhibit and others at the museum.

To help, send donations to: the Iowa Goldstar Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA 50131.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Marion