CAF Co-Founder, Former Chief Check Pilot Was 87
Aero-News has received word of the passing of a legendary
aviator and Reno air racer. Lefty Gardner, whose P-38 "White
Lightnin" was a staple at Reno as well as at air shows throughout
the country, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 87.
According to his obituary in the Kerrville (TX) Daily Times,
Gardner began flying in the Army Air Corps at the age of 21, flying
B-17s and B-24s on a combined 34 bombing missions over Europe
during World War II. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and
the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters for those efforts... and
when his tour was over, Gardner returned to action flying nighttime
relief operations in support of POWs and the underground movement
Sweden.
Following the war, Gardner earned a degree in agriculture from
Texas A&M, and with his brother started an Ag flying business
in Crystal City. With a friend, he developed a method of
controlling mesquite and other brush weeds common in West
Texas.
Gardner retired from his business after 35 years... which gave
him more time to pursue his true calling in aviation, and in
particular aerial racing. Already widely recognized for his
stunning 1976 Unlimited Gold Race victory at Reno, at the controls
of his P-51 Mustang "Thunderbird," Gardner honed his flying skill
at the controls of "White Lightnin"... racing the modified P-38 at
Reno for over 25 years.
Lefty was also one of the founding members of the Confederate
(now Commemorative) Air Force, which grew from a ragtag group of
surplus warbirds into one of the leading aircraft preservationist
groups in the world. Gardner served as the first procurement
officer for CAF, as well as Chief Check Pilot.
"Lefty had many passions in life — his faith in God, his
family and flying," reads his obituary. "He was the happiest when
surrounded by his family and friends. There was never a dull moment
with him as he created fun and laughter with his mischief and
practical jokes. Lefty's patriotism was obvious in all that he did.
He was a loving husband, father and friend. We will miss him
forever."
Though we lament Lefty's passing, perhaps we may also rejoice in
knowing the aircraft most commonly associated with the man will
live on for years to come... and frankly, despite some monumental
odds.
As ANN reported in June, P-38
November-Two-Five-Yankee took to the skies once again this year.
Four years after the aircraft was damaged in a forced landing, in
2005 the Gardner family sold "White Lightnin" to energy drink
manufacturer Red Bull, and the plane was transported to Ezell
Aviation for an extensive restoration.
Technicians at the Breckenridge, TX facility completely
rehabilitated the aircraft, keeping the racing modifications that
gave the P-38 engine cowlings a distinctive look. The plane was
narrowly spared extensive damage when a tornado struck several
hangars at Stephens County Airport (BKD) this past April.