F-84F Thunderstreak Display Receives Facelift and Commemorative Marker

By Carmelo Turdo

The F-84F Thunderstreak on display at Wilson Park in Granite City, IL is looking good after being repainted by Granite City Park District employees last fall. Last October, the display received a commemorative marker as a result of an Eagle Scout project completed by Jonathan Kersten, 18, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1046 in Pontoon Beach. The F-84, manufactured by General Motors for Republic Aviation, was flown from Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio to nearby Scott AFB, and then airlifted to the site by a Skycrane helicopter. The aircraft was dedicated on October 30, 1971 and is sponsored by AMVETS Post 51. For more information on the restoration, please visit http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/illinois/news/article_adaf30c7-3244-50c1-b5e9-a239fb289864.html#.UCfSP9qO0Xk.email.

American Legion Post 253 F-84F Thunderstreak Display in Festus, MO

By Carmelo Turdo

American Legion Post 253 in Festus, MO maintains an F-84F Thunderstreak (51-9422) in Missouri Air National Guard markings on display. It is dedicated to all men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and the aircraft contains the name of Major Julius V. Santschi of Festus, MO. You can get photos at some angles over the fence. There are also other monuments to veterans around the building.