[Sky Captain]

He was a Lamp Lighter pilot.
That's right a B24 Privateer pilot.
I learned all about the PB4Y on our flight.

I let him take the controls and it was like watching a old man transform back in time.
He straightened up and was fixed on the mission.
I commented "OK boys buckle up, the flacks gonna get thick enough to dance on, clear you guns and keep your eyes peeled for bogies!"
He laughed like I was closer to the truth than I thought.
We circled my uncle's farm then headed back to the airport, into the sunset.
I relieved him from the controls and brought us back in.
We buttoned up the Beech and said our farewells.
Oh, he tried to buy my fuel. I absolutely refused to take his money.
The bird needed to fly. It needed fresh fuel.
And it needed to be a part of living hstory
I watched him gaze off into the sky once more as I drove off. I hope he remembers our "mission" for a long time.

Maybe many here don't understand why this is important to me or many others.
But these old guys are your grandfathers and great grandfathers.
Sure they had to endure a terrible time in war. But some found a solice. In the air.
A little piece of serenity even if just for a moment. And believe me, the memories of combat never leave your thoughts or dreams. And to relive the peaceful part is a therapy that can't be prescribed by a "Doctor".

One day these old fellas will be making one last entry in their logbook.
Take offs - 1


Mr. Fred will make a great entry in my book I'm writing. "The Last Logbook".

[marden]

Originally Posted by Sky Captain 

He was a Lamp Lighter pilot.
That's right a B24 Privateer pilot.
I learned all about the PB4Y on our flight.

I let him take the controls and it was like watching a old man transform back in time.
He straightened up and was fixed on the mission.
I commented "OK boys buckle up, the flacks gonna get thick enough to dance on, clear you guns and keep your eyes peeled for bogies!"
He laughed like I was closer to the truth than I thought.
We circled my uncle's farm then headed back to the airport, into the sunset.
I relieved him from the controls and brought us back in.
We buttoned up the Beech and said our farewells.
Oh, he tried to buy my fuel. I absolutely refused to take his money.
The bird needed to fly. It needed fresh fuel.
And it needed to be a part of living hstory
I watched him gaze off into the sky once more as I drove off. I hope he remembers our "mission" for a long time.

Maybe many here don't understand why this is important to me or many others.
But these old guys are your grandfathers and great grandfathers.
Sure they had to endure a terrible time in war. But some found a solice. In the air.
A little piece of serenity even if just for a moment. And believe me, the memories of combat never leave your thoughts or dreams. And to relive the peaceful part is a therapy that can't be prescribed by a "Doctor".

One day these old fellas will be making one last entry in their logbook.
Take offs - 1


Mr. Fred will make a great entry in my book I'm writing. "The Last Logbook".

Great post. Great memory to be. Good for you! Good for us!

Thanks for sharing.

[Railroader]

Glad you could make a guy's day.

I have our local war hero over for dinner once a month or so. Always Filet Mignon, bake sweet potato, and then some ice cream for desert. Our kids love him and there's always damp eyes when he leaves.

[mitchell_pgh]

Very cool... sounds like he made your day as much as you made his.

[KeriVit]

It's a great feeling to do something like that isn't it?

[Sky Captain]

You know what's funny?
Fred stops by with his wife to watch the airplanes and to talk to us every now and then.
I never really knew anything about him. He never really flew airplanes again after Korea.
He said he used to rent a Taylorcraft until he had children.

Some of us leave the skies after our duty is over. I did.
Then it calls us back.

[Railroader]

This thread reminded me and I invited a widower from Church for dinner this week.

[Sky Captain]

All too often we forget to honor our elders.
They are a world of wisdom.
And a source of first person history.

[ghporter]

That's absolutely wonderful, Sky Captain. My dad was in the AF during Korea (in Europe), so whenever someone mentions a Korean War vet I think of my dad. And I think that some people are born to do some things, like fly. It sounds like Mr. Fred is one of those people, and giving him the yoke was a wonderful thing to do. Thank you.

[::maroma::]