Remembering WWII

Mighty 8th Aircorps B-24 Liberators

On this the 70th anniversary of the "day that will live in infamy", I remember a few things.  First and foremost, the devastating surprise attack by Imperialistic Japan upon our nation, secondly, the determination our "greatest generation" made in fighting back for freedom against the Japanese Empire and Nazi Germany.  

Norden Bombsight (top secret)

It is also the day after I spent a week with my uncle Gerry in Naples, Florida.  A war hero who at age 87 today (who today can keep up with the best of them) was a mere 17-year old taking up the call to fight for his country.  My uncle Gerry was in the Mighty 8th Army Air-corps.  He flew with a crew of other brave men as a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator.  Our last night with him before we departed, after eating a wonderful home cooked meal of his special salmon dish, we fingered though pictures of him in his flight suite at age 18, pictures of him with his flight crew and seated between 50-calibers perched in the tail gunnery position of his plane.  He managed to make it through his 27-missions (since he was in the lead plane on bombing missions, the only ones equipped with a Norden bombsight they were allowed fewer missions (25 versus the usual 30) before being mustered out to go state-side.  However, as the war closed the push was on to bomb the Nazi's out of France so he had to fly 2 more missions than normal.  

B-24 Liberator Bomber Tail Gunner position

Gerry told us stories about his finding a German helmet while delivering fuel to Paton's tanks as they rolled toward Berlin and keeping it for a souvenir, his son finding a "red" tablet years later in the head band while playing soldier when he was only a couple of years old.  He told tale of a buddy who was the side gunner getting hit with shrapnel so hard it spun his flying cap around where the ear muffs covered his eyes, and the old boy figured he was blind (but only managed a scratch on his neck).  


Uncle Gerry came back whole from one of the most terrible wars in human history, to make it in college and the business world.  And have the luxury of retiring after a great career with fond memories of his life, family and friends.  Cheers Uncle Gerry.  My greatest respects to those still alive from WWII and those who gave their lives.

PS:  Goodbye to Harry Morgan's Col. Potter (M*A*S*H)