Foil: 3 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 66

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

I grew up during WWII and used to watch news reels of the WWII aircraft. At home, I would pour over magazines with pictures of Allied aircraft. I then started building models of these planes.
As I grew older, I tried to visit as many air museums as possible. Some of the local airports had WWII aircraft that were privately owned. This presented me with an opportunity to see some of them up close.
I obtained employment with an aerospace company that was developing navigation and flight control systems. They had four WWII aircraft that they used as test beds for the experimental equipment. The planes were a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Grumman F8 Bear Cat, Vought F4U Corsair, and a Douglas C47. Being able to see and touch these planes was one of the highlights of my job.
Through the years, I became aware of the loss of vast quantities of WWII aircraft through lack of preservation. Upon moving to California, I was fortunate enough to be located near six military air bases. Visiting their annual air shows and seeing the old aircraft was a dream come true. I was saddened to learn of the disappearance of most of the WWII aircraft. I gladly support any organization that is devoted to the preservation and restoration of these planes.
During my visit to the Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC, I was pleased to learn of the museum's many programs to restore these historic planes for future generations.
The many sacrifices made by the men who flew these historic aircraft should not be forgotten. By preserving and displaying these planes an important part of our history is kept alive.
If some time in the future my great grandson could hear the roar of a Warbird coming to life, he might understand what these planes meant to me and our country.