Wondering if any Russian or US sources have pictures of the 325th FG at Piryatin?
 

Basically that is the question.

The 325th Fighter Group (Checkertail Clan), were the first US Fighter group to take part in the Shuttle Missions to Russia, where they landed at Piryatin. The Bombers they escorted landed at Poltava and Mirgorod.

I have seen about 15 pictures of the Bomber Groups during Operation Frantic, but so-far, only 5 of the 325th at Piryatin.

Now, unfortunately, most of the images taken were lost as the only B-17 shot down as the group returned from Operation Frantic on June 11th, was the one containing their Photographs and films!

There have been the occasional image here and there but that is it.

Also I understand that US News Groups were allowed out (including the New York Times) but have not had a chance to see if they have any archive images of the 325th at Piryatin.

However.......

the Russians also took lots of photos but I have no-idea where to beging contacting and asking to see if there are any pictures available in their military archives of the 325th at Piryatin.

So my question is/are;

Does anyone have any pictures of the 325th FG at Piryatin and also who or where would be a good place to start trying to find a Photo archive in Russia that may contain images of this?

Many thanks for any help, cheers, MP

I take it you found these already?

http://crimso.msk.ru/Images6/AV/AV97-1/40-1.jpg

http://crimso.msk.ru/Images6/AV/AV97-1/41-1.jpg

Sadly, yes those are already in my 'collection'.

Thanks for the response so-far though.

Cheers, MP

Maybe trying to figure out which Russian units used to be stationed there might turn up some hints?

There is a fair amount of film footage out there from this event (some of which I have on DVD), so you may want to search for it on YouTube.