Awe inspiring...

[flynlion]

Originally Posted by FOZ_1983

I wish back then when i had that paper round, or even now if he's still alive, that i knew. The conversations, the stories he could of told me, i'd of been awe struck. I really do regret not talking to him more. Me not knowing that the nice old guy was a hero, a dambuster. The old guy not knowing the spotty little teenager delivering his daily paper was crazy about WW2 aircraft.

Shame really.

Maybe he didn't want ya to know, Foz. Seems to me that more often than not war veterans simply want "a return to normalcy" once the job is done, and would rather not talk about it with those who weren't there. Very few of the ex-military pilots I've flown with ever say much about the flying they did in the service, and my uncle still won't say much about his days in Vietnam.

Yesterday was Memorial Day here in the States, a day set aside for honoring our war veterans both living and dead. I like to think that it's also a day for honoring the average citizen standing next to you, he or she might have already saved your life without you ever knowing it.

[Hicks-81]

I have always felt great respect for the crews of bombers. A risky and dangerous profession. Thanks for sharing with us

[Gilly]

A few months ago, we took on a new sales manager. I havent really had much to do with him until last week when i was in his office and saw his screen saver (BBMF Lancaster). I asked him if he was into his WW2 aircraft and he replied his dad flew them. Turns out to be none other than JC Hutcheson who flew 'The Phantom of the Ruhr' on its 100th sortie!! I turned into the 8 year version of myself and begged him for anything he could show me related to his dad and 550 squadron. I can today say that I have held an actual DFC earned by someone who actual flew Lancasters in the war! the day can surely get no better....


JC Hutcheson DFC and crew in front of The Phantom of the Ruhr prior to its 100th sortie