Subject: Fly Boy ?????
From: "Keith Willshaw"
Date: 10/21/03 8:39 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Now I have no axe to grind one way or the other but this seems
a little harsh. As best I recall Bush did get the job done, he was
no politician at the time, just another carrier pilot and he left a few
of his friends behind too. Including his rear gunner and radioman
neither of whom was rescued after they were shot down.

This guy flew 58 combat missions Art, I'd say he did his share.

Keith



Let me tell you a story about a long forgotten incident in WW II. It is one of
those things that have never been discussed on this NG. There was a famous
footblall player, a famous All American who became a B-17 pilot. His plane was
severely damaged by flack and he bailed out and survived. But not a single one
of hsd crew did. There were accusations that he lost his nerve and bailed
before his crew could get out. And they all died because of his cowardice.
Noithing was ever proven and he was not prosecuted. But there was always that
lingering doubt. And this haunted him all his life. Whenever I hear of a pilot
that made it out, but the crew were all lost, it brings back the memory of
that WW II incident.
And there many of us who will never forget it.


Arthur Kramer
344th BG 494th BS
England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany
Visit my WW II B-26 website at:
http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer