I wonder where Felix’ medals are now? This is very interesting. I did not know he was a radio operator mechanic. I knew he was something on a plane but did not know what. I remember him talking about “flying the hump” and I wish I’d listened more closely.
I want to say that there are separation papers here for 4 different people. brother Bud , brother Felix, brother Vernon, and brother Mahlon. I didn’t know this until today. You may have to scrounge a little to find them all, but they are all on here.
Dad never spoke of his Medals during his WWII “Army Air (Corps)Force” service. I remember him with a bunch of lapel pins and ribbons on his uniform most vets of that era were awarded, wore during special base events while he was in Tech School for Data Processing(Computers)at Bolling AFB in Washington DC during the last part of his active duty, just prior his 20 years US Govt Civil Service as Data Processor at USAF Systems Command at Andrews AFB [home of Air Force One jet airliner and Marine One helicopter for Presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford & Carter traveling aboard].
He told Carol, Scott & me about being the radio-operator & navigator aboard WWII “Flying Tigers”(his & my favorite patches of his) cargo planes that were shot full of holes from Japanese surface gunners. His scariest flight was in a converted B-17 bomber hauling cargo to support the Pacific Theater US troops fighting the Japanese who were fighting both the US and our Chinese Allies. He said it was “a bucket full of bolts, just about ready to come apart in mid air”. Back then most US War Planes had no pressurized cabins. High altitudes involved the wearing of oxygen masks. Crews’ ears took their toll between altitudes especially when the radio operator had to max the volume of his set up to deafening loudness just to hear or hear-above above other US planes radios. During his Flying Tigers Pacific Theater service Dad’s whole crew received orders to support North Africa by way of our Ally Iran and the whole crew was received to a state dinner at The Shah of Iran’s Palace after refueling and given ornate Islamic Robes, which he showed us at Scott’s Andrews AFB birth place of Terrace Drive, was last time I remember seeing them.
My birthplace was at Mitchell AFB, Long Island NY, a couple of years after he re-upped and then he received TDY (temp. duty) for Tatchikawa AFB, Missowa, Honshu Province, Japan. Mom Carol had a Japanese maid “Rosie” that came a few days a week there to take care of me and other Vets kids at the base housing, so her and Dad could get some peace from the rambunctious ball of bratty energy I was back then. We watched Japanese TV Cartoon versions of “Felix The Cat” and my favorite hero “Hakubadoji” was like an “Elvis in Hawaii” kind of ninja dude. Rosie taught us kids songs in Japanese that I sang to Mom Carol’s family when we got back to the States.
Thanks for the wonderful memories comments and post this Veterans Day 2013.
Dear, Dear, Scottie. These are the things and times I enjoy hearing about. You did a wonderful job telling this story. I am surprised you could remember all that. Thanks for the memories.
I just found your post, Mark. I sure injoyed reading all these memories. I remember Felix bringing home his Shaw of Iran outfit and putting it on for us. We were so impressed.
Naomi Vetter says
I wonder where Felix’ medals are now? This is very interesting. I did not know he was a radio operator mechanic. I knew he was something on a plane but did not know what. I remember him talking about “flying the hump” and I wish I’d listened more closely.
cleopha Howard says
I want to say that there are separation papers here for 4 different people. brother Bud , brother Felix, brother Vernon, and brother Mahlon. I didn’t know this until today. You may have to scrounge a little to find them all, but they are all on here.
Mark Sommerer says
Dad never spoke of his Medals during his WWII “Army Air (Corps)Force” service. I remember him with a bunch of lapel pins and ribbons on his uniform most vets of that era were awarded, wore during special base events while he was in Tech School for Data Processing(Computers)at Bolling AFB in Washington DC during the last part of his active duty, just prior his 20 years US Govt Civil Service as Data Processor at USAF Systems Command at Andrews AFB [home of Air Force One jet airliner and Marine One helicopter for Presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford & Carter traveling aboard].
He told Carol, Scott & me about being the radio-operator & navigator aboard WWII “Flying Tigers”(his & my favorite patches of his) cargo planes that were shot full of holes from Japanese surface gunners. His scariest flight was in a converted B-17 bomber hauling cargo to support the Pacific Theater US troops fighting the Japanese who were fighting both the US and our Chinese Allies. He said it was “a bucket full of bolts, just about ready to come apart in mid air”. Back then most US War Planes had no pressurized cabins. High altitudes involved the wearing of oxygen masks. Crews’ ears took their toll between altitudes especially when the radio operator had to max the volume of his set up to deafening loudness just to hear or hear-above above other US planes radios. During his Flying Tigers Pacific Theater service Dad’s whole crew received orders to support North Africa by way of our Ally Iran and the whole crew was received to a state dinner at The Shah of Iran’s Palace after refueling and given ornate Islamic Robes, which he showed us at Scott’s Andrews AFB birth place of Terrace Drive, was last time I remember seeing them.
My birthplace was at Mitchell AFB, Long Island NY, a couple of years after he re-upped and then he received TDY (temp. duty) for Tatchikawa AFB, Missowa, Honshu Province, Japan. Mom Carol had a Japanese maid “Rosie” that came a few days a week there to take care of me and other Vets kids at the base housing, so her and Dad could get some peace from the rambunctious ball of bratty energy I was back then. We watched Japanese TV Cartoon versions of “Felix The Cat” and my favorite hero “Hakubadoji” was like an “Elvis in Hawaii” kind of ninja dude. Rosie taught us kids songs in Japanese that I sang to Mom Carol’s family when we got back to the States.
Thanks for the wonderful memories comments and post this Veterans Day 2013.
cleopha Howard says
Dear, Dear, Scottie. These are the things and times I enjoy hearing about. You did a wonderful job telling this story. I am surprised you could remember all that. Thanks for the memories.
Naomi Vetter says
Wow! Ditto what Cleo said! I never knew these things and thanks so much for sharing them, Mark.
Aunt Lolly says
I just found your post, Mark. I sure injoyed reading all these memories. I remember Felix bringing home his Shaw of Iran outfit and putting it on for us. We were so impressed.