After
undergoing written tests in Boston and being accepted in the Aviation
Cadet program, I was sworn in, in December of 1943 envisioning
feats of outdoing the "Red Baron". I had no sooner completed basic
training than the Cadet program was dissolved and some 25,000
men were reassigned to the infantry. Having enlisted, I was offered
the opportunity to continue as a Flight Engineer, Radio Operator
or Gunner. I chose gunnery, as had many others in the Cadet program.
I found out much later that the Aviation Cadet program had been
terminated in preparation for the invasion of Europe.
Born
March 3, 1926; enlisted December 6, 1943; called to active duty
March 16, 1944; assigned to Crew 15 at its inception - youngest
in squadron, was christened "Junior" which sticks to this day
- within the Squadron.
It
seems that everything that should or could be said about our visits
to Japan has been said, so I'll touch on my life after Armageddon.
I
met and married a Connecticut hometown gal, Lillian Willicka,
in 1950. Lillian pre-deceased me in 1978 (cancer). I was fortunate
to graduate from Marquette University with a degree in Electrical
Engineering. I was associated with General Electric for many years
in the design and development of industrial products that then
expanded into offshore design and manufacture of products indigenous
to the area.
Lillian
and I both valued education highly and while our six children
have been a source of pride, I am especially proud that they held
the same value: -
Benjamin
III |
Cornell
University |
Cynthia |
Université
de Rouen (France) |
Marcia |
University
of Illinois |
Mona |
University
of Pennsylvania
(Wharton School of Finance) |
Amy |
University
of Connecticut |
Michael |
Central
Connecticut State University |
At last count there were 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren
Forty-nine
years later, massive help from the Veteran's Administration, Department
of Defense, Postal Service, Internet etc., etc., etc. led to locating
all crew members living and dead, culminating in a 50th Anniversary
reunion in Bristol, CT. All but Geller and Ossian were alive and
well and with the exception of Andy (having lost his wife Tina,
a few weeks before), attended this first of several reunions.
Contrary
to movie versions of life in the service, the crew had gotten
much closer after 50 years that we were during our "hey days"
together. It is gratifying to find that, without exception, the
crew had lived lives as responsible citizens and family men. We
communicate frequently and are enjoying our "golden" reunions.
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