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Related: About this forumSeven decades melt away as World War II vet buckles himself into plane and the memories it carries
X post from GD.
My post last year about riding in a B-17 with the same preservation group: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026991786
OS
http://www.omaha.com/news/military/seven-decades-melt-away-as-world-war-ii-vet-buckles/article_8b8b2432-ad7c-5a6b-a4d9-bfad1833bb90.html
By Reece Ristau
As 95-year-old Willard Hunzeker fumbled with the planes seat belt, he thought back seven decades to the last time he was in a B-24.
At 95, its going to be a little different than 22, he said. I hope the body can stand it.
When Hunzeker last flew in a plane like this it was the summer of 1945. World War II would end in a matter of weeks, and Hunzeker, a navigator for the planes, was about to be relieved of duty after 33 missions.
Friday afternoon, more than 70 years after his last flight, the veteran got a sky-high surprise, getting to ride along on the worlds last fully restored, operational B-24J Liberator.
FULL story and video at link.
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Seven decades melt away as World War II vet buckles himself into plane and the memories it carries (Original Post)
Omaha Steve
Jul 2016
OP
juxtaposed
(2,778 posts)1. my father from a one parent home, dirt poor became a naval aviator during ww2. class didn't matter
back then. Just race.
DashOneBravo
(2,679 posts)2. Very cool story
I'm glad he got to do that.
Thanks for posting.
denbot
(9,901 posts)3. Excellent post OS
I remember when they taxied the "boat", but missed the actual flight thread.