Warhawk

I turned 43 this year, single for 15 years and have a 17-year old son that will graduate in 2002... what can I say. I think I have been blessed... :)

I started playing WB's right after Inn's Red Baron went under. This was back in the 2d days and you could land to capture a base. I flew bombers for many years because I like the base capture aspect of WB's. I was the XO of the original Red Raiders and CO of the 457th BG (H) until the game just plane got boring for me. Out of boredom I started flying fighters and took some classes under Daddy's supervision and before long I was hooked. My personal motto has become "Fly to Kill, Hate to Die".

There are several historical fighter squads in Warbirds that I admire but I joined the 352nd to be close to my buddies from the 457th and to learn from the many truly talented guys of the Blue Nose Bastards. Just by looking at the roster you will see that man for man the 352nd is truly "Second to None". I also admired the 352nd's dedication to the real veterans of the Blue Nose Bastards of Bodney and they're many contributions to these WWII veterans.

I have dedicated the name of my new P51D to "Birdie" When I first started out in squadron life I created an imaginary parrot named Pretty Bird or just Birdie for short. Pretty Bird has been with me on all missions and has been my assistant in briefing the troops for many years. Birdie has always had a mind of his/her own and often speaks her mind when Warhawk (or authority types) get out of line. Birdie calls BS when he sees it. I have warned Birdie to keep a low profile and to tone it down with this new squadron. We will just have to hope Birdie behaves...

-whwk-

P-51D-10-NA 44-13737"Pretty Bird" flown by 2nd Lt. Ray "Warhawk" Crossland
486th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, April 2004

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