His
training took him to Syracuse, NY, Greensboro, NC.,
Montgomery, AL., Lockhart, TX and finally to MacDill
Field (now MacDill, AFB), Tampa, FL. He served as
Navigator on a B-29 in the 62nd Squadron.
The
"Big One" had been dropped on Japan just
prior to his crew's departure, but his group was deployed
regardless and for months was kept in readiness on
Guam.
His
crew involved in the large show of force, flying over
the battleship Missouri as Armistice was being signed
in the Bay of Tokyo.
During
John's training I followed him to all his bases with
our young son who was only five weeks old when John
left. Having been married for six years before Jack's
birth, our first child, I wanted John to have as much
time as possible. It was a thrill with babe in arms
to see John received his "Wings".
Travel
was not easy for civilians. I'm the sure the Government
preferred us to stay home! Not one of my trips was
without interruption. Planes were emptied for serviceman.
Once on leave from Texas to Pennsylvania - even the
train on which we were traveling was taken over. These
changes could last as long as three days before we
were given our own transportation.
Upon
John's discharge in 1946 with rank of First Lieutenant,
he joined the family furniture business, eventually
owning and becoming the third generation to continue.
Our
second child, Pamela was born in 1947.
I
joined the business in Design Work in 1963. We enjoyed
a "Carriage Trade" reputation and loved
working together.
Following
John's heart attack in 1979, we sold the business
and building and spent three winters in Arizona, ultimately
retiring in Scottsdale in 1984. We appreciated and
enjoyed retirement.
We
traveled, played golf and entertained hoards of friends
of family from the east who came to escape the winter!
John
and I were married for 63½ great years. In
addition to our son, Jack, and daughter, Pam we have
four super grandchildren, all successful and now I
have two small great grandchildren. Families are scattered
in Colorado and Connecticut.
At
the Memorial Service for John, his son in-law, Tom said
"Pappie" was of the greatest generation"