Hey Dudley, How did the T-Birds get started?

Dudley,

My father (http://geocities.com/viewptmd/Dad.html) was a member (squadron
leader?) of the west coast precision aerobatic team that was a (the?)
forerunner of the Air Force Thunderbirds (apparently there was also an east
coast team as well - see http://geocities.com/viewptmd/Dad5.html). If you
look up the history of the Thunderbirds, you find that they were organized
much later, with no mention of any wartime aerobatic teams. Dad's long gone
now, so I can't ask him. Any way to authenticate Dad's claim? Just
curious.

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)