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Patty Ann II unveiled

In the words of Kathleen Thornell Bowlings:

My conversation with Gary began on 11/10/2019 with “Hi my name is Gary Peters and I live in Lewiston Idaho. I am part of a small flying aircraft museum…” From there he went on to tell me what the mission of hangar 180 was. A new P 51D had just been acquired from Patty Petrick, and they had researched to find out who this plane could represent.

My father flew a P-51B during WWII, for 6 months. However he had an amazed 17.5 kills and Gary thought he was worthy of the honor of having his plane, the Patty Ann II, be recognized.

Throughout the months that followed we communicated on a regular basis as we got to know one another and the idea of his plane taking to the air once again became a reality. Through the wonders of facebook, I was able to receive regular updates on the progress of the airplane. I heard the roar of the Merlin engine spring to life. I saw the attention to detail as the kill emblems were applied and saw his name for the first time under the pilots canopy.

It was at this time that I realized that my dad was not just my dad, but a part of American history. Because of Gary’s interest in my dad, my own was tapped. Growing up with him, he was quiet about how the war impacted him. I then joined many of the P-51 websites to get a better perspective of the man I called my dad and who others called “Smiling Jack”. Thanks to Gary and Hangar180, I was determined to make the trip to Lewiston to see the plane fly.

We arrived in Lewiston on June 26, 2020 for the July 4th festivities and the unveiling of the plane. My husband was with me. After getting the tour of Hillcrest Aviation, and visiting with Bryce for some picture taking, we headed to the hangar. The doors were down and patriotic music was playing. I kept thinking I had driven so far to see this and how much longer do I have to wait?! Then I heard the sound of the engine and the door slowly rose up to reveal the Patty Ann II as she was taxiing on the apron. Ray Fowler was at the controls. My heart literally burst at that moment and had Gary not been holding on to me, I would have crumples. I was in tears as the thought of me being transported back in time when Jack Thornell flew that plane. It was so emotional. Even today, it fills me with emotion and tears.

I have framed the newspaper article with the plane and Gary and I. I look at it everyday and I am so thankful, a man with a vision and a mission reached out to me and gave me another opportunity to know my father, but in a different way.

About John Thornell

In the words of Kathleen Thornell Bowlings:

Patty Ann was born August 4, 1940 to Louise Thornell McDavitt and Thomas J McDavitt of Walpole, MA. Her grandparents were John F. Thornell, Sr. and Anne McDonald Thornell of Walpole, MA. John Thornell Sr. served in WWI as an Army ground troop in France. He was exposed to mustard gas. It was at this time that Jack Thornell, his son, was determined to be a pilot and fly "over" the next war.

Jack Thornell graduated from Norwood Agricultural High School in 1939 and joined the Army Air Corps. After learning to fly, he was assigned to Bodney Airfield north of London, England at the outbreak of WWII. In December, 1943 he was assigned to the 328th Fighter Sqd., of the 352nd Fighter Group flying P-47 Thunderbolts. He named his plane after his niece, Patty Ann as he was not married and had no children of his own. He and Patty Ann were very close. It was in the Patty Ann I that he had his first 5 aerial kills making him one of the first aces. His squadron was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newer P-51s adding longer range for escorting of bombers into and over Germany. He received one of the first P-51s and promptly named her the Patty Ann II.

Jack Thornell was only in theater 6 months but during this time, he participated in D-Day operations and many B-24 escort missions. He had a total of 17.25 aerial victories and was credited with 2 victories on the ground. He rotated back to the United States assigned to a new mission. He was to train new P-51 pilots in the intricacies of flying the plane before the pilots left for the European Theater. He arrived in his hometown of Walpole, MA amid much fanfare. When Jack left the 352nd he was, and is, ranked as the 3rd highest scoring Ace. The Patty Ann II was assigned to another pilot, Lt. Broadmoor, who was KIA in September, 1944 and the Patty Ann II was destroyed on impact.

Patty Ann was so happy to have her Uncle Jack home and she became his constant companion as he was feted from one event to another. Until her death in 1989, she and Jack had a very strong bond. Jack was able to visit her before she passed away. She passed in Plano, TX in close proximity to Jack's daughter, Kathleen. She passed away from MS and the ravages of cancer. She never got to see either of the planes named for her, but from her perch in Heaven, she is now seeing the current Patty Ann fly.

As for me, Jack's daughter? I have come to know and appreciate so much about my dad. I credit Gary Peters for contacting me and allowing me to share in the excitement and joy of seeing the plane come to life. He has dedicated so much of his time to making a P-51 come to fruition in the livery of Jack Thornell. I have been very fortunate to have been able to see the newest Patty Ann II up close and personal and my hope is that one day I can actually fly in her. I have donated all of my memorabilia to Hangar180 in hopes it will stay with the airplane and one day be displayed for all who visit Hangar180 to see. Thank you Gary Peters, Bill Strange, Tyler Peters and all who work tirelessly to see these planes fly and to keep the Mission of these pilots alive.