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Historic planes fly to Waupaca

Historic war planes visited the Waupaca Municipal Airport Thursday, July 29.

The World War II bombers and replica World War I fighter planes were being exhibited at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh. Many of the EAA aircraft are flown to Waupaca to be photographed in scenic surroundings, according to Peter Andersen, manager of the Waupaca Municipal Airport.

Many of the aircraft came from the Vintage Aero Flying Museum in Fort Lupton, Colo.

Among the visiting relics were a 1918 Fokker and a Mustang P-51. According to the pilots, this is the first time in history that a Fokker tri-plane and a P-51 Mustang ever flew together.

According to pilot Vlado Lenoch, of Burr Ridge, Ill., the Mustang he was flying was built at the end of World War II and was never used in the war effort. The Mustang model was used mostly in the European Theater.

Andrew King, of Vienna, Va., flew the replica 1918 Fokker D VIII, which bears the colors of Germany’s infamous Red Baron. The Red Baron was the nickname of Manfred von Richthofen, who shot down 80 enemy aircraft during World War I. He was killed April 21, 1918.

“He was probably shot down by an Australian infantryman,” stated Mark Holliday, of Lake Elmo, Minn. “It was a lucky shot.”

The pilots enjoyed the serenity and hospitality at the Waupaca airport. It was also a great day for Anderson. “This is really exciting,” the airport manager stated. “It brings out the little kid in me every time!”

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