Grand Opening and Dedication of

Capt. Fletcher E. Adams 357th Fighter Group Museum on July 24th 

A brand new museum focused on an important group of WWII fighter pilots will open for visitors on July 24, 2010 in Ida, Louisiana. In 1944, the United States sent a small group of pilots to Leiston Field in Great Britain as they sought to protect the bomber trains successfully wreaking havoc behind enemy lines, yet dogged by skilled German fighter groups. These men, all part of the 357th Fighter Group, trained in the new P-51 Mustangs, fighter planes designed to defend long-range bombers from aerial enemy attacks. During the next fifteen months, the 357th Fighter Group destroyed over 700 German airplanes and produced the most Aces of any fighter group in the European Theatre of Operations. One of these Aces, Capt. Fletcher E. Adams, perished in Germany in May of 1944. His death left his wife and infant son alone in the small village of Ida, Louisiana. Many of the Aces of the 357th went on to lead lives of adventure and accomplished feats of extraordinary significance, including Bud Anderson and Chuck Yeager. All American heroes, the veterans and families of the 357th Fighter Group continue to honor those who made profound sacrifices for the country and those they loved. In July, the first and only museum devoted to the memory of the 357th Fighter Group in North America will open in the hometown of Capt. Fletcher E. Adams. This event is supported by an Outreach grant from the National and Louisiana Endowments for the Humanities.

Festivities including food vendors, a silent auction, and a meet and greet with veterans of the 357th begin at 11:00 am July 24th at the Ida Park Grounds across the street from the new museum. The dedication, to be attended by Governor Bobby Jindal, commences at 2:00 pm. Weather-permitting, the audience will enjoy a special flyover by the P-51 Mustang Hurry Home Honey, flown and owned by Joe Richardson. This vintage fighter is restored to resemble the plane of 357th fighter group Ace Capt. Richard “Bud” Peterson. The museum itself will be dedicated by Dr. Michael Olmsted, the son of the Crew Chief and official historian of the 357th Fighter Group, and Mrs. Aline Adams, widow of the late Capt. Fletcher E. Adams for whom the museum is named.

The Capt. Fletcher E. Adams 357th Fighter Group Museum and the Ida Museum in Means Community Center are the result of collaborative efforts between Mayor Smokie Maddox, Jane Maddox, Ida area residents, the 357th family, author Joey Maddox, and Louisiana State University graduate students in the Geography and Anthropology Department, working with anthropologist Dr. Helen A. Regis. Don’t miss this chance to encounter heroes of American history in the small town, family friendly atmosphere found in Ida. This once-in-a-lifetime event promises to thrill and inspire future patriots and pilots, so bring your family and enjoy the grand opening of the Capt. Fletcher E. Adams 357th Fighter Group Museum!

For an up-to-date schedule, visit their website at www.357thFighterGroupMuseum.org

For questions and further information, please contact Ida Mayor Clyde “Smokie” Maddox at (318) 284-3496.