My Dad Was A Hero, WWII Options

[EdwardBlume]

I want to share a cool thing with you my friends on the 914 world site. As many of you know, I am restoring Dads car.. a '74 2.0.. my Dad bought it when I was 6. It was his midlife crisis car, and I was his midlife crisis kid.... as he had me at 53.

Today in the mail I received a book written by the historian of the 31st Bombardment Squadron of WWII. I'm grateful for her work and dedication, as so many heroes history have gone undocumented and are lost... but thanks to her some are not lost... particularly now.. my Dads.

My Dad never talked about the war, so little was said, I wasn't even sure he was there... let alone where, what, or when. However, when he died, we found the picture below.

Years later, in the middle of the night, I woke up thinking about my Dad. I walked out into our kitchen (Jeff Bowlsby's old house) and saw the picture of my Dad and his crew. Unexpectedly, an internet search led me to his exact same B24! but strangely it had a different crew. That's where it ended though, no one had heard of my Dad or his crew.... despite the picture.

I left my information hoping for anything. You see, I don't have my Dad's military record either, as a fire at the government storage facility where it was kept, was destroyed decades ago.

The book author / historian contacted me from seeing the website. She asked for rights to the picture and any details. I agreed, but I had no details.

More years later, out of nowhere, she called me excited wanting to introduce me to a man I had never heard of.. turns out, he was the pilot of my Dad's crew. Somehow she recognized my Dad's name from our brief exchange. I agreed to talk with him by phone. We chatted as best we could, and he outlined the story in the book I just read. He called my Dad "the best damn navigator in the whole war.." but I didn't really understand the full story.. until I read it just now tonight.

In the book, the pilot of my Dad's B24 tells the story their survival... an experience which rendered him unable to fly for 3 days after.... when faced with the end of their lives, they did their jobs, including my Dad.

After reading it, it all hit me, he WAS a hero... so many were and are, but now I know, and its in print, he was there and he barely made it through.

He was my hero too. Long before tonight. I hope as my days pass, I can live up to his example.

So when you see my Dad's car around, look past me, look past a car, and know that a hero, my hero "enjoyed it like a little go cart"... and live your life to the fullest too...

Thanks so much to all of you out there who have had a hand in helping me restore my 914 (you know who you are). Thanks to this site... and thanks to my family and friends for putting up with this pathetic addiction, so that I could preserve my Dads spirit. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Tom_T]

That's a GREAT story Rob!
Kudos to you for restoring your Dad's 914, & a salute to him for his service!

Maybe you could take his old B24 Captain/pilot out for a spin in Dad's car when your done, if he's anywhere you can get to him.

Would you mind posting the book, author, ISBN, etc., for those of us who like that stuff.

It will get on my "list" because I grew up with an interest in aviation & had wanted to be a Vietnam era jet jock myself (but for eyesight), & have always had a keen interest in WWII Aviation History for a similar reason as you - someone close involved in it.

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
///////

[Mary Shortridge]

Rob:
I am so pleased to read about your restored car being your dad's. I can relate a bit to the joy these cars can bring as we drive them in honor of a loved one.
I was involved for a few years with the b24/b29 squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. I would encourage you to look up their schedule, and if they are ever nearby check out 'Ol 927, formerly known as Diamond Lil. These guys would LOVE to hear about your dad. And take the car, and get that photo op of it parked next to the b24!
Their website: http://www.cafb29b24.org/a/B-24.htm

[Millerwelds]

I think you should duplicate the planes art and name on the car.

[ConeDodger]

From someone who spent 23 years in the military and knows why we don't talk about "that", my salute to your dad. Thanks for sharing Rob...

[PanelBilly]

It appears again that the world ties us all togeater. The photo, the author, the book, the car, your passion to share the story with your internet friends. They all link togeather in pattern that has reason.

[JeffBowlsby]

Thats a remarkable story Rob. Its great to see you honor your dad in this way, I am sure he would be very proud of you.

[McMark]

You have the best 914 Rob. Especially because of the story behind it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[rick 918-S]

I think you should duplicate the planes art and name on the car.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif) Thank you for sharing that story Rob.

[tradisrad]

Thanks for sharing. Your dad is a hero!

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

what a man! You are a lucky son. How did your dad pass away and when?

[Geezer914]

Great story. Keep that car in the family as a tribute to your Dad and his memories. My dad was in WWII also. He passed on his mechanical skills and his love of cars to me. Three years ago I completed a 64 Cobra replica and and now restoring my 914. I imagine he is looking down with a big grin on his face. My only regret is not spending more time with him. You get married, have kids and work you ass off trying to provide the best for your family, life is too short. Never save anything for a special occasion, treat every day like it is a special occastion as tomorrow is promised to no one.

[roadster fan]

Thanks for sharing Rob. Post the name of the book please. I had the privilege of knowing a pilot in a B24 squadron and always enjoyed "pulling" stories out of him about his experiences in WWII.

From the stories I have heard from him and others it is easy to understand why they call those that lived and fought then..."the greatest generation".

Kudos to you for appreciating your dad and his car.

Jim

[PeeGreen 914]

Awesome (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[914Sixer]

Cool! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Rob,
That's some wonderful family history that you can take great pride in.
A fantastic book titled "Wings of Morning", by Thomas Childers chronicles the journey of a B-24 crew in combat. That book was one of the most moving narratives of WWII aviation that I've read. If you've not read it, I highly recommend you add it to your reading list.

[championgt1]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) That book is amazing. IMO the B24 is one of the best looking planes ever made.

[EdwardBlume]

Thanks folks..

Here's a link I found to the book, COURAGE BEFORE EVERY DANGER, HONOR BEFORE ALL MEN by Joanne Emerick:

Book Order Form

[scotty b]

Cool story Rob. My grandfather "flew" gliders in WWII, flew and successfully walked away ( rare ) on 3 missions. Unlike your dad however, he ALWAYS talked about it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[Sleepin]

Yes, your father was a hero Rob! The thing with a lot of heroes is that they never thought they were.

The world is in some way a better place that your dad spent some time on it. Thanks to him and other veterans! This is not something to do once or twice a year, I like to remind people when they see a vet with a hat or a jacket on that says they are a Vet...just stop and tell them thanks.

My grandfathers story was pretty close to that. He never said anything, until a book (The Rock of Anzio) that covered part of his story came out.

Thank you for sharing Rob!!!