WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Warbirds of Liberty: The Fantastic Fighting 4th - The Eagle Squadrons (Part 1)
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Feb 10, 2026 Outrageous tales of American pilots who flew for Britain before the US entered the war. The formation and culture of the Eagle Squadrons and their love of Spitfires. The rise of Don Blakeslee and colorful fellow pilots with daring leadership and risky missions. A catastrophic 1942 escort mistake and the dramatic transfer into the USAAF Fourth Fighter Group.
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Choosing Spitfires Over Instructing
- Blakeslee initially preferred RAF Fighter Command life and Spitfires, resisting instructor roles and delaying joining an Eagle Squadron.
- He eventually joined 133 Squadron in July 1942 to keep flying operationally.
Duane Beeson: The Methodical Ace
- Duane Beeson, from Idaho, joined via the Clayton Knight route and brought 200 flying hours to 71 Squadron.
- He built a gunnery practice device and displayed a methodical, intellectual approach to air combat.
Don Gentile's Flying Obsession
- Don Gentile grew up flying cheaply purchased biplanes, later joining the RAF and serving with 133 Squadron.
- Hosts recount Gentile's youth, family support, and single‑minded obsession with flying.
