VarkDriver Posted September 21, 2014 Share #1 Posted September 21, 2014 My dad passed away July 22, 2014. He was one of the "greatest generation." He was drafted during WW2 and was in the pipeline to go to pilot training when the AAC decided they had enough pilots to finish the war. His class of guys were then offered to train in other aviation fields so they could still slip the surly bonds. Dad chose aerial gunnery as he was always interested in firearms. He did so well in training they kept him in the States as a gunnery instructor. He eventually talked his way into the war and went to the 486BG/832BS as a tail gunner in B-17s. His crew worked their way up to lead crew and he had to give up his seat to the formation commander (good view of your group from the tail of the lead aircraft). He then was a waist gunner. He flew 25 missions before VE day. After the war he went to college on the GI Bill and also went thru ROTC. He got commissioned in the reserves. During the Korean War he was a Captain in charge of combat engineers. He built airfields and then when the Chicoms came across their border he blew up all the things they had built (to deny them to the enemy). After Korea dad got RIFed since he was a Reserve officer. He had the opportunity to stay in the Army at his enlisted rank. He liked the Army life enough that he did just that. Eventually he worked up to Sergeant Major and retired at that rank in 1975 after 28.5 years on active duty. Another 1.5 years in the inactive reserves and he reverted back to his highest rank of Captain. When I graduated from college and USAF ROTC he got to swear me into the service and he pinned his butter bars on me. (Still have the bars in case anyone in the family ever needs to be commissioned!) He retired out to the family farm and spent his time hunting, fishing, and traveling with mom (who preceeded him in death in 2001). His last years were good ones as he got to do whatever he wanted to, whenever he wanted to! He died quickly of a heart attack and thankfully was active up to the end. The one big "hiccup" to his happiness was in 2012 when he lost everything he had in a wildfire. He collected firearms, militaria, etc all his life and lost it all. All except the things he gave over the years. I have a small collection of WW2 rifles, pistols, gear, and patches that he gave me throughout the years. He'll be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rakkasan187 Posted September 21, 2014 Share #2 Posted September 21, 2014 Great story about your Father. May he Rest in Peace now. And Welcome to the Forum and thank you for your service Leigh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hirsca Posted September 21, 2014 Share #3 Posted September 21, 2014 Welcome to the Forum. Your Father will Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service. Al in Dallas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ka bar Posted September 21, 2014 Share #4 Posted September 21, 2014 VarkDriver... Wow!...you must be really proud of him... He must have been proud of you as he gave you all that cool stuff... He sounds like a brave character... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted September 21, 2014 Share #5 Posted September 21, 2014 Thanks for adding your Father's story. ..it will always be known. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 21, 2014 Share #6 Posted September 21, 2014 Sounds like a great guy. My best wishes and condolences for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McDermut99 Posted September 21, 2014 Share #7 Posted September 21, 2014 Thank you for your service and may your father rest in eternal peace with our Lord. Greetings from Amarillo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1ashooter Posted September 22, 2014 Share #8 Posted September 22, 2014 Thank you for sharing your dad with us. Welcome to the group. Did you make the Libya raid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted September 22, 2014 Share #9 Posted September 22, 2014 Sorry for your loss.He is not only a father but your best friend. Thanks for sharing his story and he is one of the silent generation.They served and continued to serve and did so with pride and honor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted September 22, 2014 Share #10 Posted September 22, 2014 Thanks for sharing his story. My condolences to you and yours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattsmilitary Posted September 22, 2014 Share #11 Posted September 22, 2014 Thanks for sharing this great story. He sounds like an amazing person. May he RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fstop61 Posted September 22, 2014 Share #12 Posted September 22, 2014 A fitting tribute to another member of the Greatest Generation. Thanks for sharing your (and his) wonderful story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly USMC Posted September 22, 2014 Share #13 Posted September 22, 2014 Sounds like an amazing Man. Semper Fly John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundance Posted September 22, 2014 Share #14 Posted September 22, 2014 I'll never know how the fliers did what they did - every time up they could find themselves plummeting to the ground. Well, he's with his buddies again. Thank you both for your service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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