(06-13-2011 12:06 PM)Bageleth Wrote: [ -> ]That is a bummer! My granddad used to teach pilots to fly bombers (I don't know if it was this particular model) during WW2 and I always thought that it would be nice to see those some day.
My Grandfather was a flight instructor in WWII as well! Toughest SOB on the planet but a huge heart for us Grandkids...I'll never forget his bear-hugs! He passed two years ago at age 86. He was a Lt. Colonel but I don't know where exactly he served (shame on me!) Who knows...maybe they crossed paths!?
(06-13-2011 06:41 PM)Mufasa Wrote: [ -> ]I was allowed to step up into the bay of a Mitchell B25 that took part in the Doolittle raid.
It was modified to take aerial photographs of other aircraft in flight, and the photographer crawled into the rear gunners position to "shoot".
As I popped up into the bay, I noticed black magic marker had been scrawled on the battery box now even with my face. It was the name of every crew member on the aircraft that flew the Doolittle raid. I had to stand there a moment and catch my breath.
An elderly friend was one of those photographers. He has shrapnel in his leg from when the plane was hit. He's famous around these parts for his photography, and for handing out harmonicas to little kids.
(06-13-2011 08:40 PM)debskis Wrote: [ -> ] (06-13-2011 12:06 PM)Bageleth Wrote: [ -> ]That is a bummer! My granddad used to teach pilots to fly bombers (I don't know if it was this particular model) during WW2 and I always thought that it would be nice to see those some day.
My Grandfather was a flight instructor in WWII as well! Toughest SOB on the planet but a huge heart for us Grandkids...I'll never forget his bear-hugs! He passed two years ago at age 86. He was a Lt. Colonel but I don't know where exactly he served (shame on me!) Who knows...maybe they crossed paths!?
Mine was stationed in Kansas or Oklahoma I think. He passed away 3 years ago, at age 86 also
(06-13-2011 08:40 PM)debskis Wrote: [ -> ]My Grandfather was a flight instructor in WWII as well! Toughest SOB on the planet but a huge heart for us Grandkids...I'll never forget his bear-hugs! He passed two years ago at age 86. He was a Lt. Colonel but I don't know where exactly he served (shame on me!) Who knows...maybe they crossed paths!?
My Dad was a flight instructor, but I'm not sure when. He was also a Lt. Colonel. Small world! My Dad was about as jovial as they come. I saw him irritated, but NEVER angry. Actually, he was kind of a doofus
My dad was in the Navy on a ship heading toward the South Pacific when the war ended. He doesn't talk much about it, which is a bummer because I am sure he has lots of stories in his head just dying to get out.
My mom's dad was stationed in a destroyer group during WWII as a Torpedoman. Built like a flippin GORILLA! Had no qualms about talking about what he did but was a bit reserved about talking about sinking submarines - especially after he found out I had volunteered for sub duty! OOPS! He did take me into the barn about a month before I reported for bootcamp showed off his uniform, his custom liberty cuffs (wish I had THOSE!) and then handed me a small 3x5 48 star flag that had flown over his ship. I just never found out what ship. I'll never forget the look he gave me after we closed the barn - told me to stand tall, do my best - and dont ever let anyone kick me around. And to serve HONORABLY......OR ELSE!
Thats all I needed.
Sounds like he was a hell of a guy.
Great man. I just hate that he got Alzheimers and had a stroke. His final days were not what I would call pleasant. He went from a strong viral man to skin and bones.