One of our subscribers submitted today’s feature.  “This is a video of the first US jet way back in Oct 1942.  It is a classic piece of film I certainly never knew existed.  I wasn’t even aware that America HAD a jet that early in the war: 10 months after Pearl Harbor!  You will enjoy this great clip of history; I certainly did!”

His e-mail continues, “This is an incredible piece of aviation history. This is a very interesting little piece of historical film. It covers America ‘s entry into the Jet Age with the Bell P59A.

Note: They installed a $2 doorbell ringer to the dash of the P59A to provide vibration so the gauges wouldn’t stick.  Ya’ gotta’ love it…. [I do; my kind of maintenance! – Cpt. Otis]

Click here for the story and video.

Courtesy of Aircraft Owner Online.

Loyal Subscribers!  We need some help.  The purpose of our “Heart” section is to publish stories of the experiences, contributions and sacrifices of our military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard) and public service personnel (police officers, fire fighters, EMS, merchant marines and others in the public sector) as well as stories of their families.  Please search your memory and computer for a few and send them to Bill (CPT Otis) O’Quin at boquin@ix.netcom.com for possible publication.  Thanks!

Important links for updated military/defense information:
The Daily News Briefing: Today’s News for the U.S. Military, their families and friends.
The Military Trivia Challenge: Register and test your knowledge about military history.
U.S. Department of Defense: Military Defense News.