Bench-Talk

De-planing a fully restored B-17G - the last model (throughout WWII, there were at least at least 6 versions, which were being continually improved) in which his Brother served a bombardier in the 15Th Air Force. By Dad's account, Uncle Lee flew in excess of fourty missions ("only" 25 missions were required),  receiving, among other accommodations, a dozen Oakleaf Clusters and a Distinguished Flying Cross - the latter for landing a pilotless and badly shot-up B-17 on Sicily, just two days following our Troops having taken over the Island (Yes, in my earlier account, on the general froum, I had some facts mixed up). During his time in the 15Th, Uncle Lee flew bombing missions over Czechloslovikia, Austria, Germany, Italy, etc.

Dad and Uncle Lee never talked much about their experiences during the GREAT WAR - Dad always held his brother's role in the highest regard . . . seeing and sharing the delight and joy my Father experienced on this brief flight - reconnecting him with his revered brother -  was, well, priceless! :) On this one day, I learned more about their individual experiences than I had known for my nearly 60 years . . . GOD Bless those who have served and who are serving now - thank you ALL for providing the time required for me to get to know my DAD, who, come September, will trun the first page on his 89Th campaign through time and space! RG

Here's Dad manning the "waist" gun, tracking an imaginary ME-109! ;) In reality, he showered a few ZEROS during his gig in the South Pacific - all the while dreaming of "flying" . . . He hates to admit it, but, I believe that Dad did his part. :) RG

One last pic of Dad, below the nose section  . . . A justifiably PROUD AMERICAN - and a decnt human being . . . I'd be proud to stand in his shadow  ! :) RG

Easily enamored of shiny "doo-dads", BIG MIKE couldn't resist crawling under the "belly-turret" to gaze into the spherical coffin , trying to imagine a millionth of the hell they must have endured, curled uncomfortably, while fighting for survival with the Luftwaffe ME-109 fighter pilots - especially prior to the arrival of the P-51 escorts, which were capable of providing LONG RANGE protection for the Fortress Missions over Germany ! Though He's always the show-off, since it was HIZ idea to get Dad the ticket, BIG MIKE was allowed to [respectfully] indulge his curiousity . . .  Dad always had a soft-spot for the down-trodden and the less fortunate . . .  RG

 Randy,

Thanks for the great pictures and high lights of your dad. He doesn't look a day over 60. He is the backbone of this country and represents the finest. His generation is the greatest yet. The sacrifice and determination of that ara will never be matched. I salute him and you can be proud to have him as DAD. The time you gave him will be remembered forever.  As for "Big Mike" well...... he does have a soft spot even tho sometimes ..... well thats another story !!!!

Stan 

Randy,

 There is not much that I can add to what Stan said.....he pretty much summed it up when he stated the sacrifice and determination of that era. Thanks for sharing the great story and accompanying pictures. I read with great interest your story about your Dad and uncle and their service experience and thought about my father, who , now 83 years young,is also a WWII vet....but instead of flying in aircraft he chose to join the 82nd and "jump" from them, C-47's in particular...;>) ....

Thanks again for your story and extend our "thanks" to your Dad for his service to our great country!

-H

 Randy,  I'm in awe everytime I hear about one of these wonderul and courageous Vets like your Dad, Uncle, Stan and Hope's Dad and all the other vets.  They are the real heroes of the world, please shake his hand for me and give him a "Thank you and well done".

Thanks also for the great pictures, your enjoyment on your Dad's face is worth a thousand words!!

 God Bless our Vets!!

   Randy, there's nothing I can say that would be a higher honor to your Dad than the love and respect you've shown him.  -Al