Warbird Information Exchange

I was informed today that a friend of mine and a classmate of my fathers, (43K) died from complications of hip replacement surgery. John Dinou, author of "Fading Wings, Faded Glory" was the last of Dad's closest friends to make it to the final briefing.

I highly recommend the book, still available in used form on the market, that tells some great tales of four guys who met at basic and went on to fly and fight for us. It is a gas to read during the training times but then gives a glimpse into the soul of a pilot who flew B26's in the ETO.

God Bless you John and say hi to my Pop!

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

Dammit. John was a neat guy, sorry I never got to meet him in person.

<raises glass to another of the Greatest Generation>

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Regards,

Jase
www.b26marauder.com
"I'm having a BLAST!!" 2007 CAF Wing Staff Conference

RIP Gary Austin..always in our hearts

I'd spend my time in bed or wheel chair before I'd ever consider a hip surgery.

Just over 1 year ago my dad died for that same reason.

My advice to all don't do it. It is not worth it at any age.

I read John's book and it's one of the best accounts of a WWII aviator I've ever read--not a "how I won the war" story, but a deeply personal one of a kid and his buds coming of age and flying in the most harrowing, unbelievable conditions.

Rest in Peace John Dinou!!

Thanks Maj!

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

I'll third that... what a great book and great testimony...
it warrants a beer on the pier and a toast to the skies up above!

thanks for all their service.

henning

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"The best way to control the future is to create it".

I forgot to add.. as for the hip stuff.. well, I wouldn't be too harsh,
its a case by case kind of thing.. my mom's thankfully has had both
hips done and has done very well for the past 5 years and her life
had quite a bit of joint pain before, so I know she's glad she did it,
and my mother in law's done one as well with good results. Rehab
is key mind you and its not an easy thing to ask someone to go
through and we all react differently to the task.

anyway,.. about that beer and pier I had on my mind... ..

hh

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"The best way to control the future is to create it".

God speed to a hero.


"I'd spend my time in bed or wheel chair before I'd ever consider a hip surgery"

Unfortunately the 2 year survival of your alternate therapy is about the same at the surgery to get you back on you feet. Pressure sore, urinary tract infections, deep venous thrombosis, and pneumonia all set in if the human body becomes immobile.

Tip of the glass to you in tribute and a final salute, John. Thank you for your service to our country.

I'd like to keep this about John, Dad, Frank, Dick and all the others that went through the same ordeals. However, my Mom is 82, ornry as hell and had both done in one year at the age of 80. I should be such a pisser! So, I guess we each can offer orthopoedic opinons in both directions.

Again, this is to John. I found him through this tool we all use and when I told him I was "Chalmers' son" (read the book) he was the most open and gracious man I have met in a long time. He had a tough time once the war ended and after the war, even to the recent years when we chatted. Yet, there was nothing I could not ask nor would he not answer. A true hero in all aspects of the word. His pain was secondary to telling me his experiences both with my father and when he was in the ETO.

I can only hope that I have truly learned and possess and can pass on some of the fortitude, courage, drive and balls that these guys had. I have three sons and I hope that some has filtered through to them as well.

John is the last first tier connection I had to my Dad and I will always hold special the time I got.

Thanks to the Wixers who have posted that either knew John or read his book and have an opinion to add here.

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

Scott,

I am truly sorry to hear about this loss. Thank you for sharing.

Your pal,

Sounds like a great book. Does anyone have a copy they would sell, or at the very least the ISBN??
Thanks,
Chuck

Nevermind, I eventually found it on Amazon. I bought the one and only available copy.
Chuck

Thanks Paul. I hope all is well with you and your family. We need to hook up one of these days.

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."