proudly carrying the name of "The Hopedale Avenger," as it deals out death and destruction to the retreating Nazi hordes, according to word received by the Bell Aircraft Corp., manufacturer of the 'Cobra. This hard-hitting American fighter plane was named in honor of the home town of Maj. Robinson Billings, chief test pilot and assistant operations officer, in charge of P-39 deliveries at an airdrome where these speedy craft are turned over to the Russians to be flown to the eastern front. Maj. Billings often flies the 'Cobras in test hops himself and because of his sparkling disposition and untiring energy in getting the badly needed planes through, he has made many good friends among the Russian officers and pilots accepting delivery of the P-39s. When Col. A.N. Kotikov, Red Star Air Force representative learned that Maj. Billings came from Hopedale, he authorized one of the Russian planes to be christened "The Hopedale Avenger," in honor of Maj. Billings, the members of the armed forces from Hopedale who have given their lives to the cause, and to the people of Hopedale who are buying war bonds to help bring the efforts of the United Nations to a speedy conclusion. It is hoped that the battle deeds of "The Hopedale Avenger" will become known because the Russian combat pilot who eventually flies this 'Cobra against the enemy has been asked to write to Maj. Billings and inform him of the record of his home town's namesake. Maj. Billings is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Billings, 94 Dutcher Street, Hopedale. He served at Gore Field, Great Falls, Montana, and is attached to the 7th Ferrying Command. Milford Daily News Billings Bombing Flight Over Japan HOME |
this Boston Herald clipping. |