U.S. General George S. Patton acknowledges the cheers of thousands during a parade through downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 9, 1945. Shortly thereafter, Patton returned to Germany and controversy, as he advocated the employment of ex-Nazis in administrative positions in Bavaria; he was relieved of command of the 3rd Army and died of injuries from a traffic accident in December, after his return home. Joe Rosenthal's famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph is visible on the war bonds billboard.

General George S. Patton

One of the last SM.79s, converted to transport aircraft with armament removed, of Italian Air Force, perhaps at Guidonia Airport, near Rome, 1950. Note in background one of the first P-51D Mustangs of Aeronautica Militare, new name of Italian Air Force after the birth of the Italian Republic (and still in use). The gentleman at the center of the photo is the Secretary for Defence of Italian Government, Randolfo Pacciardi, with, left on the photo, the Chief of Staff Italian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mario Ajmone Cat, and, right on the photo, the Deputy Chief of Staff Air Unit Command and future Aeronautica Militare’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Duilio Fanali. After some time the last SM.79s, were phased out and scrapped. Victor Sierra

Last days of a glorious airplane

Amidst an oasis of peace they lie,numerous as fallen leaves...
RIP


brummbar