Memories of the 19th Log, Kelly AFB Texas

Kelly AFB, Texas

This C-124C is in a museum, but is the type flown by the 19th LSS

Memories of my 1st Permanent Duty

I guess about the first thing is the aircraft. As I remember, there were thirteen (13) C-124's, all "A" models in the 19th when I arrived fresh out of Technical Training School in Feburary 1956. If I remember correctly the numbers were as listed here.

51-108          51-109          51-110
51-115          51-148          51-150
51-151          51-152          51-153
51-154          51-155          51-156
51-157

To read about the crash of 51-156 click on the RED aircraft number.

I was assigned to aircraft 51-150.

Aircraft 51-156 crashed August 16th, 1956 when it contacted a seawall with the right main landing gear while landing in San Salvador.

One other thing I remember, is the story of the Bumble Bee. Supposedly the Bumble Bee was not supposed to be able to fly because of the size relation of the wings to the body and the lack of aerodynamic design. The C-124 I was told fit into that same catagory and it too, was never supposed to fly. Well, they did and did a pretty good job of it. I have flown all over the northern hemisphere in the C-124.

They were designed for a specific mission which they did well, and they flew until their mission was obsolete and then they were replaced by larger and faster aircraft. The Bumble Bee, well they still keep me from my roses and I would guess they will forever.

To read about the crash of 51-156 click on the RED aircraft number.

Memorable C-124 Stories

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