We had the chance to take Dad to Allegheny County Airport on Tuesday where two bombers, a B-17 and a B-24 were on display.
I think he was a bit apprehensive, knowing that the B-24 was Uncle Joe’s final home on earth. When we arrived he saw the plane from a distance and quietly said “Well, there it isâ€.
The visit started out on a very special note. When we approached the gate to pay the admission fee, the young lady in charge looked at Dad (In his WWII Memorial hat) and said “It looks like we have a World War Two veteran here.†She firmly shook his hand and continued with “Thank you for your service sir, you are my guest today.â€
Of course, Dad beamed and we went in. We had a quick tour of the B-17 (I did not know it, Dad said Uncle Joe had started out in a “17†and switched to the “24â€). We then went to the B-24. Dad was a good sport (And quite spry) he climbed through both planes which was not an easy task. We went from the flight deck clear through to the tail, sometimes walking on a very narrow tread that spanned the open bomb bays. We also had to climb up, down and around in spots.
Dad had an envelope with him. In it was a photocopy of a picture of a B-24 with notes on the back about Uncle Joe. (First photo) He also had the original Western Union Telegram sent to his parents stating that Uncle Joe was missing in action. Dad’s hope was to connect with anyone who had experience in the 24’s. He did get to talk to a fellow veteran who worked on the 24’s. He also chatted with other folks who were there.
We went to the back of the plane to see the tail gunner’s position and Dad asked that I take his picture there. This is the second photo. You’ll see him waving. I don’t he think he was waving at the camera but instead to someone up above. Someone who was fondly looking down on him. The circle is complete.
