EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 22, 2025) — Warbirds in Review, an unparalleled presentation series during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that brings together historic airplanes with pilots and aircraft owners, returned in 2025 with guests who encompass 80 years of aviation and military history. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention was held July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The twice-daily series of “up close and personal” stories were held July 21-26 at the Warbirds in Review aircraft ramp, located within the EAA Warbirds of America area on the AirVenture grounds.
“Warbirds in Review features veterans, aviation legends, and aircraft that simply cannot be seen together in one place anywhere else in the world,” said Connie Bowlin, past president of the EAA Warbirds of America, who organizes the series. “Many of these veterans maintain that they were just doing their jobs and nothing heroic or extraordinary, but that could not be further from the truth. Their stories and unique perspectives on the aircraft showcased at Oshkosh are insightful, poignant, and important for the public to hear.”
The aircraft and personalities scheduled included the following:
North American B-25 “Panchito” – Larry Kelley and family members of the late Doolittle Raiders Richard Cole, David Thatcher, and Robert Hite.
Cessna L-19 Bird Dog – POW Col. (Ret.) Bill Reeder; and Col. (Ret.) Charlie Finch, Catkiller 19; plus, Gerry Asher (Fort Worth Aviation Museum); and John Carlton.
North American P-51 Mustang Air Racers (Thunderbird, Bardahl Special, and Plum Crazy) – Justin Zabel, Warren Pietsch, Vicky Benzing, Clay Lacy, and Steve Hinton Jr.
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk – Butch Schroeder, Craig Davidson, and David Burroughs.
Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe and North American P-51 Mustang – Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Peterburs (who shot down an Me 262 in combat during World War II); plus, Mike Spalding and Keegan Chetwynd, Military Aviation Museum.
Republic P-47 Razorback Bonnie and Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt – Bernie Vasquez and Maj. Nick “Rock” Sand.
Lockheed P-38 Lightning Jandina III – Jason Muszala and Robert “Robbie” Robbins.
Grumman F7F-3P Tigercat, F6F Hellcat, F4F-3 Wildcat, and F8F-2 Bearcat – Rod Lewis and Steve Hinton Sr.
Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver – Ron Fagen, Evan Fagen, and Ray Fowler.
75th anniversary of the Korean War with Vought F4U Corsair, Douglas AD-4 Skyraider, and Douglas A26 Invader – Jim Tobul, Kevin Sinibaldi (Military Aviation Museum), and Roger Woolsey.
Parade – Veterans Tribute.
Beech QU-22B – David Valaer.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention (www.EAA.org/airventure).