A Citizen Soldier in the Air - a B-24 Liberator pilot's story.

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A Citizen Soldier in the Air.

Conclusions

Charlie always was interested in airplanes, and he was happy he got a chance to fly as much as he did. Like many 'citizen soldiers' in WWII, he did not much like the military life, with its regimentation and red tape, but he recognized there was a job that needed doing, and he did not hesitate to sign up and do that job.

Charlie with a B-24 that visited Keene, NH in 1996.

Though only 22 years old himself, he felt a powerful responsibility for the lives of his even younger crew, who depended on him to fly them safely through all the dangers the skies and the Japanese could throw at them.

It was a terrible and wonderful job all at the same time. He did the job, took care of his crew, and suffered badly from the stress, but never asked for any special thanks or credit.

We owe a lot to Charlie and the people like him who did so much at such a young age during World War II - we live in freedom and prosperity today thanks largely to the work of men like him. I want him to know that I and many others are very grateful for his service and for his sacrifices.

Copyright 2000 by Bruce Irving

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