There is no rest, no slack, no time to celebrate when there’s a war on. And so it was for Frisky on Christmas Day, 1944, according to Yearling’s official history:
A 404th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt s/n 42-27376 , on the chilly pierced steel planking at Tantonville Airfield (Y-1), France, 12 January 1945.
“War Diary, 406th Fighter Sq, 371st Fighter Gp, Tantonville, France, December 1944
Christmas Day. Our squadron gave Jerry a Christmas present of three missions today. According to the Intelligence Section the number three mission this afternoon was the 300th of the squadron since beginning operations in this theatre. Some of the men saved their Christmas packages to open this morning. There were fresh eggs and dry cereal for breakfast and turkey for dinner…Movies were shown at the Enlisted Men’s Club tonight.”
On this Christmas Day, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas, in hope and joy brought to us in the imperfect world by the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – to Him be the Glory!
And remember the service and sacrifice of members of the 371st Fighter Group in World War II.
And as we enjoy this day, we should also remember those soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving on the ramparts of freedom today. Remember them, thank them, and pray them, for those on land, sea, and in the air, who are holding the barbarians of this world at bay, helping friends and allies, and guarding our liberty and safety.
