WWII P-51 Pilot Reunites With His “Aluminum Sweetheart” at the National Warplane Museum

“If you build it, they will come.” The beloved 1989 film Field Of Dreams coined this phrase. For years, both the movie’s title and also its famous quote have aligned with what the folks at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York, do each year, with their annual Geneseo Airshow. Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf,” the airshow has been making memories since the early 1980s. This past July was no exception, and one of the ones who came this year was a World War II veteran pilot ready for another mission with his beloved bird.

Elmer Pankratz had dreams of flying while he was growing up. A child of the Great Depression, Elmer was facing an uphill battle. However, as the U.S. entered World War II, he was soon given the opportunity to fly, and also fight for his country. Going in, Elmer had already fallen in love with the Allies’ newest weapon in the skies, the P-51 Mustang. He had nicknamed her his “aluminum sweetheart,” and would do anything for the chance to fly her in combat. By “anything,” Elmer was willing to fly the Mustang in one of its most dangerous roles, tactical reconnaissance. During the War, Major Elmer Pankratz flew a total of 43 tactical photo recon missions, all in his beloved P-51. He credits the Mustang’s exceptional speed and maneuverability for keeping him alive in the face of German artillery and anti-aircraft fire. Elmer considers himself lucky to have not encountered enemy aircraft during any of his sorties, but he was well aware that they were likely lurking. This kept him on his toes, and he never lost sight of the mission nor the risks associated. Now a resident of Rochester, New York, Elmer Pankratz has been involved with Honor Flight, having taken the trip to visit Washington D.C. and the World War II Memorial. He also belongs to the Rochester-based Geriatric Pilot’s Association, helping keep the dream of aviation alive for the advanced generations. For all his hard work and dedication to aviation, preserving freedom, and particularly for his love of the P-51 Mustang, Elmer deserved the heroes welcome he received during the 2024 Geneseo Airshow.

It was a hot weekend at D52, temperatures in the 90s with little to no breeze. The wide open airfield offers little shade to anyone, with the exception of under the wings of visiting aircraft. However, Elmer Pankratz had been through much worse. He flew dozens of missions in below freezing temperatures up at altitude, for hours that felt like days. He came through unscathed, not losing any digits to frostbite (unlike some of his comrades). He would not let a little warmth get in the way of his mission on Saturday, July 13th. That afternoon, Elmer would rise from his seat in the Warplane Museum Veteran’s Tent, hop a ride on a golf cart, and embark upon his next mission with his “aluminum sweetheart.” Awaiting Mr. Pankratz were two P-51 Mustangs, and their pilot/owners. Quicksilver with “Scooter” Scott Yoak, and Miss Kandy, with Western NY native Lou Horschel. The golf cart pulled up, and Elmer’s eyes lit up with joy. Like that 18 year old kid seeing a P-51 on the line for the first time, once again Elmer leapt from his seat, while his assistants (in awe) tried to keep up. He gravitated towards Quicksilver where Scooter and Lou were at the ready to load him into the cockpit, his office, once again. With a little effort, Elmer reclaimed his throne. He held court for around half an hour, Scooter and Lou listened with intent, while perhaps a bit starstruck. Many bystanders watched as well, with an equal amount of pride and joy for the reunion, the history they were witnessing.

After his trip back in time, Elmer Pankratz once again exited the cockpit of “his” aircraft, with a hearty round of applause from the audience that had by then amassed. However, his mission is not yet finished. Next year, at the 2025 Geneseo Airshow, Elmer plans to once again fly in his “aluminum sweetheart,” the P-51 Mustang. Both Scooter and Lou are eager to make this happen. With Elmer’s tenacity and spirit, there is no reason to believe that he will not complete his next mission.

Austin Hancock

Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.

• National Warplane Museum Receives D-Day Veteran Staggerwing
• National Warplane Museum's C-130 “Saigon Lady” Nearing Completion