When I was working on the 747 derivative program we had some Japanese engineers near us who were also working on some new manufacturing methods. They were polite and maintained a working relationship. As I got to know their lead engineer he asked about my younger days and when I started working at Boeing and it segued back to the war. He asked if I served and in what branch. I told them Air Force and my occasionally riding around in B-17's and B-24's. Their demeanor changed from distant to closer and respectful when the lead engineer told them that I had been in B-24's. Then the greetings and many questions followed every day and even though I had done nothing worthy of talking about , they were very respectful and interested in my service. I had to take it as some kind of warrior respect and it made me feel uncomfortable because I wasn't even close to that. They were interesting people and I'm certain that they took home a lot of valuable info.
