WW2 Airman's VC up for sale-------------

<Salute>

I thank this man, and the brave others who fought in WW2, for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Thank you

 

Bravery and modesty beyond words.
Dave McGuire

 

Thanks for sharing this story. It does make one think, yes?

Take Care, Dale

 

Damn. Great story.

The Lancaster was wood and cloth, if I recall, wasn't it?

Ed

 

Lancasters are kind of like B-24's i think.

I've said before and i'll say it again- airmen in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam were smoe ofthe mose brave men. Nowadays you are pretty sure you'll make it bcak alive,. but back then you really had no idea.

 

Tim, one of the best stories about WWII, and there are many, many great stories, was the battle of Midway. There is no written record, but apparently the briefing went like this: "Men, Intel says that the Japanese fleet is 300 miles that-a-way. Your mission is to find them and drop torpedo bombs on them."

Not one of the Aviators in the room pointed out that their planes only had a 500 mile range. Not one of the Aviators pointed out that they had never practiced dropping torpedos from their planes. Indeed, not one of the Aviators mentioned that a year or two earlier that most of them had been in high school or college with dating the biggest thing on their minds.

Only one came back alive.

I sometimes wonder if, as a country, if we still have the right stuff. I sure hope so.

Take Care, Dale

 

Thanks Tonyh.

 

Dale, thats why i'm about 90% sure i want to join the marines after graduation. I feel as if serving our country should be mandatory. You leanr things you couldnt learn anywhere esle, like how to be a leader. This is why GE has a specail career track for officers coming out of the service. This way i will be able to but my ME degree to use also.

 

God speed, my friend and good luck

 

Thanks for sharing that.
It is amazing what "Average Joe's" are capable of when the call comes.

Not too long ago there was an obit in the New York Times of a Medal of Honor winner. I had just watched a PBS special featuring him and the other Americans who did incredible things and were awarded the medal. The obit was almost a mirror to this article. The man never really talked about the war and never really took the medal out of his dresser drawer.

The Heroic nature of the gesture is one thing but the character of "I didn't do anything special" seems to be the thing common among almost all the stories like this i have read.


Can you imagine yourself being able to do the same? Dark, 22,000 feet with anti aircraft fire and a german fighter and thinking "Hey I Bet I can climb out on that wing...."

 

BTW, don't know if I have told this story before, but my Dad was going through OCS in Jax when Pearl Harbor was bombed. They gave him a choice of Navy or Marines. He choose Navy cause he didn't like the blood stripe on the Marines uniform. He said that this choice saved his life because he ended up flying PBYs instead of the tail draggers that the Jarheads flew. Turns out that trying to land on a jungle airstrip with your nose up in the air is not good. Landing a plane on 3 foot chops was no easy thing, but it beat crashing into trees.

Anyrate, I'm proud of you and, even though I don't really know you, I'm betting that this is one decision that you will not regret.

Take Care, Dale

 

I agree about the pilots during the abovementioned wars. I served aboard a guided missile frigate during Viet Nam on air intercept control. I had the opportunity to speak with many of these guys while they were on their missions and it always amazed me at how calm they could stay in most situations. On our computerized monitors we could see their pulse repetition rates, blood pressure, amount of fuel left on board and status of ammo. I would watch their PRR go up dramatically during strikes and fights but their demeanor, for the most part, would remain focused and articulate.

The helicopter pilots who flew into heavy fire always amazed me. I spoke to many over the net that did not come back. To all these guys I continually lift a prayer for their families and thank them for their valor and courage. Until you are around it, you just cannot realize what these guys face.

I salute anyone who is going to serve this country in one of the branches of the service. It takes a lot of dedication to put part of your life on hold to go out for others sakes. Without this dedication, I fear this country would not be what it is today. While not always agreeing with our leaders actions,(LBJ in Viet Nam) I support our nation and would again serve to protect it if need be. If you are serving or going to serve, I take my hat off to you in honor. God speed and God bless................

 

Tim - I went to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation dinner last night. It was a wonderful event. The Marines are a good bunch of guys. Best of luck.

 

BTW it is illegal to sell the Congressional Medal of Honor.

 

Good stuff Tone, truly good stuff.

DL

 

That was the Mosquito.

 

Ensign George Gay.

 

I will take Military History for $500.00

 

God bless you Tim.

 

haha - very impressive

 

When you get a chance, watch this:

http://www.nathanadams.com/WeSupportU.htm

 

Also, for the people interested in military matters, you should buy this book, Portraits of Valor:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1579652409/qid=1081884614/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/002-3641770-8313655?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

It's a breathtaking volume, and some proceeds go to the Medal of Honor Society. Forwarded by George H.W. Bush, Senator McCain, and Tom Brokaw. Amazing photographs and great text.

 

It's not my place to say. But, trust me on this one, Zack knows what he is talking about here.

Dr "Beat Army" Tax