Another of the greatest generation left us today. He was 98 years old and was someone I had tremendous respect and admiration for my entire life.

He was many things but was always proud of and loved to talk about his beloved B17. He was a flight engineer and top turret gunner in the 8th Air Force in 1943. His whole crew survived 25 missions and he then stayed in England for a time and taught aerial gunnery to fresh crews.

He was a great man and I will forever miss him.

quote:

Originally posted by Jus228:
Another of the greatest generation left us today. He was 98 years old and was someone I had tremendous respect and admiration for my entire life.

He was many things but was always proud of and loved to talk about his beloved B17. He was a flight engineer and top turret gunner in the 8th Air Force in 1943. His whole crew survived 25 missions and he then stayed in England for a time and taught aerial gunnery to fresh crews.

He was a great man and I will forever miss him.

Great respect for your grandfather.

quote:

Originally posted by Jus228:
Another of the greatest generation left us today. He was 98 years old and was someone I had tremendous respect and admiration for my entire life.

He was many things but was always proud of and loved to talk about his beloved B17. He was a flight engineer and top turret gunner in the 8th Air Force in 1943. His whole crew survived 25 missions and he then stayed in England for a time and taught aerial gunnery to fresh crews.

He was a great man and I will forever miss him.

God bless your grandfather and that generation. My dad was a B17 pilot in the 8th Air Force in England, but he didn't get there until near the end. He's 96.



.

My grandfather who was also a WW2 vet passed away 2 years ago this month. I know how hard it is to lose such a treasure.
You have my deepest sympathies my friend and will be in my thoughts.

I am sorry for your loss. He sounds like an incredible man. 25 missions!!! WOW!!!!!!

Cherish the memories of him. I had several uncles who fought in WWII, but they never told any stories about their service. They are all gone, now.

flashguy

sorry for your loss

Godspeed hero.

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
Cherish the memories of him. I had several uncles who fought in WWII, but they never told any stories about their service. They are all gone, now.

flashguy

He used to love to talk about it. He’d remember the most minute details like it was yesterday. Just incredible. I have a book about it somewhere but he told me about one of the missions they flew over Germany and then went on to North Africa where they refueled and then flew back to England.

I never asked directly, but all he didn’t talk much about was whether he ever shot down any German fighters. I do remember him once saying that he might have but wasn’t sure.

Only thing that frustrated him was that they didn’t have their own fighter escorts. He would always say how he wished they had P51s for cover at that time.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
Godspeed hero.

Amen, Godspeed.

And I appreciate all the kind words. He was liked by just about everyone that knew him. Loved to laugh and had a big heart. I don’t know that I deserved him. Just the absolute best grandfather anyone could ever ask for...

Sorry for your loss and God Bless Him

Sorry for your loss.

My paternal grandfather passed away in March of 2001. I think about him all the time.

He slogged his way through the Pacific Island campaigns. Of all the islands he fought across he talked about New Guinea the most and the worst.
He would never really go into detail but always talked about the terrain.

my condolences

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like an amazing man.

My condolences at his passing...My grandfather passed in 1962 when I was 9...WWI Navy vet...I remember him till this day...he had a positive impact on my early years. Your grandfather was indeed part of the Great Generation and those like him will be missed in today's world.

Sincere condolences to you and your family.

I am very sorry for your and your family’s loss.

Very sorry for your loss. Sounds like a great man.

Jim

That is such a great thing to have such a man (Grandpa) in your life. Sounds like he lived a great life.

One of my Grandpa's served in the Navy. He has been gone a long time ago.

They did great things for our country and the world.

God Bless them all and my he RIP.