C-47 Pilot in Burma Shares his Story w/me!

Hey everyone,

I had the distinct pleasure last weekend to interview WWII veteran and C-47 pilot George Freson. Freson was stationed in Burma throughout '43 to the end of the war. He had some amazing stories to tell about the "Gooney Birds" including the time Chinese soldiers he was ferrying turned their guns on him when he was forced to divert the plane to an unintended airfield and the language barrier prevented him from explaining to the high-strung soldiers.

He told stories about delivering fuel to the P-40s and P-38s on the front lines while the main airfield was under constant sniper fire. He also told a hair raising tale about passing Japanese Zeros in the sky at night and the only reason they didn't swing back and shoot him down was because he quickly turned all the lights off on the plane.

Freson was even involved in a crash in which the number one engine's prop disconnected in flight and went into the fuselage! A truly amazing history. It's a shame we're losing them so fast - but I got all of his stories on DV. Freson went on to engineer jet engines for GE. He went from flying the DC-3 to designing the engines of the DC-10! What a legacy!

I have a photo of Freson from the war, but I can't get it uploaded... Drat.

Mike

French, if you wanna email me the pic I can host it on my photobucket site.
wickie7@earthlink.net

Sounds like a close shave in Burma!

MDFRENCH,

I know I am coming late to the ballgame on this one ... oh my, four years [huh]. If the Italian Front was the "Forgotten Front", the CBI simply didn't exist.

That's great you talked with a pilot from that period; good show.

I used to reenact 2nd King's Own Scottish Borderers [ KOSB ] several years ago - c.1944 Burma:

http://www.wingeddagger.info/Second_World_War_Historical_Reenacting.html

These CBI vets have incredible stories to tell.

Thanks for keeping the history alive, sir. < salute > :eusa_clap

You say you have the entire interview recorded? I'd sure like to get my paws on a copy.

Matt

C-47 Pilots

Hello Mike & all--my first post here, so I will try not to break any rules. I recently became interested in reenacting/living history and in particular Airborne Troop Carrier pilots. I have been fortunate like Mike to hear some tales from a former C-47 pilot (actually C-53) who was with the 62nd Squadron of the 52nd TCW in Europe. A fascinating guy with interesting stories and great humility. I came into this through an 82nd Airborne PIR group but am trying to advance my knowledge with those who have a greater interest in the AAF. I will be going to the Geneseo (NY) Airshow in July but would welcome any input or guidance from memebers who also have in interest in ATC. If a private message is better, let me know. As I have just activated, I can not send one but can send my e-mail if appropriate. Thanks Charlie

Charlie,

Your coming to Geneseo? GREAT! www.capitalwingaps.org will be there. We are an AAF living history group. We are dong 15th AF in Italy this time. But in years past we have portrayed the Burma Bridge Busters (490th Bomb Squadron) Look for me in our encampent with the Big AAF logo sign. I will be at the Chaplains tent (Officers small wall).

Matt