Warbird Information Exchange

On Saturday May17, my grandfather who was 88 years old, died of cancer in a hospital north of Seattle. He flew B-24s and then C-47s in the CBI over the hump on bombing and cargo missions, came home ferried (for Boeing) B-17s to fields where the arnament was stripped off, then flew for Continental Airlines where he retired as DC-10 Capt in 1979. I will miss him dearly, as he, his brother, and my father inspired me to become a pilot. Only one of the 3 is left. Very sad day for me. It's aweful that the WW2 are slowely dissapering. I'm a bit intoxicated, while writing this, as I went out celebrating his life. Cheers Grandpa, have good winds, and a smooth flight!

THese men really are the greatest generation. I am sorry for your loss, and stand in awe of his service.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Here's to him!!!!!!!!!! (I dont drink (and its 7 am) so I raise my Coke).

Very sorry for your loss. Godspeed to him. We would not have the country we have if men like him had not existed. Be proud. My heart is out to you & yours.
With Best Regards
Robbie

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Fly Fast Make Noise!

Bravest of the brave. CBI was the most dangerous of them all.

S!

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Do-17z fact and history site, setting it straight.
There is something deeply wrong with a society more offended by breasts than by entrails.

Sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. And many thanks for his service!

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"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

I can fell how proud you are of him!
I'm very sorry for your loss

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Don't touch my junk!!

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I must have been a real pleasure just to be in the presence of. I bet you heard some great stories and learned many things that aren't recorded in text books or documentaries.

I raise my glass to your grandfather.

Cheers,

David M.

So sorry to hear about your loss.

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"Keep 'em Flying!"

Thanks for all the kind words. I always enjoyed his stories, and photos. Such as the pics he had of him self and Jimmy Stewart in New Mexico during B-24 training taking a crap over a hole together, and how the Chinese would always come with a bucket after he landed se he could relieve him self so they had "food" for their crops. I feel bad though, I was going to go up there this summer and see if I could interview about his whole experience, but it never happened. I will always wonder what he went through and what other stories. For those of you with family members or friends that are veterans, get their stories before it's too late.

My condolences on the loss.

Which unit did he fly for in the CBI? My Great Uncle was 10CCS.

PbyCat Guy,
Please accept my condolences to you and your family. I'm with you on recording their generation's stories. My dad is a PBY veteran.

Doug Ratchford 'Canso42'

Sorry also to hear of your loss, but look on the bright side, think of the group he's flying in formation with-every one a true hero that we are all indebted to!

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

I'm sorry for your loss.

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David
1953 M38A1 jeep owner
& Student Pilot soloed 09/09/06
USAF 1984-1986

My sincerest condolences for your family's loss. Your grandfather has, "slipped the surly bonds of Earth...and put out his hand and touched the face of God." May he rest in peace.

Zack

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Curator - EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, WI
"Let No Story Go Untold!"
http://www.timelessvoices.org