The grandest
day of my life finally arrived -- Graduation day, March 12, 1944.
It was celebrated with squadrons of marching soldiers proudly hoisting
flags, a marching band, a general to deliver the ceremonial speech, and
a group of happy cadets wearing brand new officer uniforms. For the
first time, we were permitted to wear officer uniforms without insignia
during the graduation ceremony. My mother and Dorothy were present
to complete the final rite of the ceremony by attaching my lieutenant bars
and pilots wings to my uniform. It seemed unreal that I had completed
all the requirements to become a pilot for I believed that I was incapable
at one time. As the graduation ceremony progressed, I could only
revel in the contemplation that I had exceeded all that I believed I was
capable of achieving and in addition, had met and concurred the rigid requirements
set by the Air Force. It was for me a grand day indeed, and
on this fine day, 12 March 1944, two months after my twentieth birthday,
I took the oath of an United States Air Force Officer.
I really enjoyed reading about this young boy's life in east
Texas during the Depression. Gives one a good idea of what life was really like
back then. The small town boy then grows up to go fight in a world war as a
bomber pilot. Interesting accounts of each mission he flew over Europe. A
well-written book.
By
Hughes J Glantzberg
With a special interest in World War II and the 461st
Bombardment Group in particular, I found this book excellent. Most of the men
who fought during WWII were in their late teens and early 20s. It's amazing to
be able to read about their activities.
By
Joseph Donnelly
I highly recommend this book for readers of any age. However
it was particularly interesting to me as a fellow member of the same squadron
and group. We were both on many of the same missions and his recollections
matched my own. An excellent contrast of what bomb raids were like in those days
with 700-800 bombers compared to more precision bombing done today with far, far
fewer planes. The first half of the book describes life in the 20's, 30's and
40's in Texas. Although my experiences were in NJ many were similar and for
those not living in those times a glimpse of what it was like.
B-24
Liberator Balsa Wood Kit Balsa Wood Model Kit "Jerk's Natural," a Ploesti survivor,
is the subject of this incredible balsa wood display kit.
1/28 scale construction results in a 48½" wingspan...
that's more than four feet! Assembly required. ....#0008916
Y-I-BET On the Youth of America click here to
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