In 1949 the Air Force Association promoted an "AVIAbility" program to dramatize the
progress of aviation. To publicize this program, the Air Force selected Thomas G. Lanphier Jr
to make a promotional round-the-world trip on regularly scheduled US commercial aircraft. He
carried a letter from President Truman commemorating the 46th Anniversary of powered flight
which was stamped and post-marked in each of the twelve countries he visited.
Lanphier was in the air 3D 11H 43M over 4D 23H 47M on five different US commercial
aircraft. His round-the-world ticket cost $1,548.75.
He cut 27H 28M off the previous record made by Edward Eagan in 1948. Lanphier's RTW
record stood until 1953 when it was beaten by Horace Boren.
Itinerary:
Departed LaGuardia Airport, New York City NY 12/02/49
Pan American Constellation "Paul Jones"
Gander, Newfoundland
London, England
Brussels, Belgium
Basra, Iraq
Karachi, Pakistan
New Delhi, India
Bangkok, Thailand
Hong Kong
Pan American DC-4
Okinawa
Tokyo, Japan
Pan American Stratocruiser
Midway Island
Honolulu, HI
United DC-6
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
American DC-6
Arrived LaGuardia Airport, New York City NY 12/07/49
Question: Who really shot down the Japanese aircraft carrying Admiral Yamamoto?
Time: Sunday, April 18, 1943
Place: Near Bougainville Island 300 miles NW of Guadacanal.
Japan: 2 Mitsubishi Betty Bombers & 6 Mitsubishi Zero Fighters
United States: 16 Lockheed P-38 Lightnings
Note: Yamamoto was the mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Official Account: Thomas G. Lanphier Jr shot down Yamamoto.
Unofficial Account: Either Rex T. Barber or Thomas G. Lanphier Jr shot down Yamamoto.
Epilogue: The controversy has thrived for 60 years & may well continue forever.