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Another WW2 Vet on his last flight

Tue May 20, 2008 1:28 am

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!

Tue May 20, 2008 2:33 am

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

Tue May 20, 2008 7:12 am

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

Tue May 20, 2008 7:32 am

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

Tue May 20, 2008 8:39 am

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

S!

Tue May 20, 2008 9:56 pm

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

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Tue May 20, 2008 10:16 pm

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

Tue May 20, 2008 10:42 pm

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.

Tue May 20, 2008 11:18 pm

So sorry to hear about your loss. :(

Wed May 21, 2008 12:22 am

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.

Wed May 21, 2008 9:11 am

My condolences on the loss.

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

Wed May 21, 2008 9:18 pm

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'

Thu May 22, 2008 2:27 am

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!

Thu May 22, 2008 9:08 am

I'm sorry for your loss.

Thu May 22, 2008 9:35 am

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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