Subject: Getting rid of turbines. (grin)
From: "Dudley Henriques"
Date: 12/5/03 9:05 AM Pacific Standard Time
Message-id:

You combat people have a special affinity for the machines that took you
into harm's way and returned you back home again. I can tell you that I
don't know one member of the combat aircrew community who, like yourself,
doesn't get that old "nostalgia look" in their eye when talking about the
planes that got them there and back again.
It's interesting to note along these lines that I know one pilot who went
through the entire war flying two different types; first a Jug, then a 51.
He was high enough in grade to have his own bird assigned, which he flew as
often as he could. Both airplanes got him there and back many....many times,
on several occasions, sustaining heavy damage. Every time we get together
with the guys and start talking favorite airplanes, he just sort of clams
up. We finally decided he just refuses to pick one over the other. He
verified this for me one night in a rare moment of shared reflection over
some Jack Daniels. He said picking one over the other made it feel almost
like a personal betrayal. I'm absolutely convinced he meant exactly what he
had said.
It's truly amazing how deep these things actually go. Some of it remains
personal with the people affected all their lives. It's an attachment and
affection that no one, including myself, although completely understanding
of it,could ever hope to fully appreciate.
Dudley Henriques


I'll take memories of "Willie"and those death defying R-2800's to my grave
and every man on my crew as well. (sigh)

Regards,



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