Happy Memorial Day

[Guest guest]

]

" Flying Hero "

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Butch O'Hare.

He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific.

One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he

looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off

his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get

back to his ship. His flight

leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly he dropped out of

formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his

blood cold. A squadron of Japanese Zeroes were speeding their way toward the

American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie and the fleet

was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back

in time to save the fleet. Nor, could he warn the fleet of the approaching

danger. There was only one thing to do.

He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of

personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes.

Wing mounted 50 calibers blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised

enemy plane and then another.

Butch weaved in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many

planes as possible until finally all his ammunition was spent. Undaunted, he

continued the assault. He dove at the Zeroes, trying to at least clip off a

wing or tail, in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and

rendering them unfit to fly. He was desperate to do anything he could to

keep them from reaching the American

ships.

Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the

carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the events surrounding his

return. The film from the camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It

showed the extent of Butch's daring

attempt to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of

the nation's highest military honors.

And today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of

this great man

[Guest guest]

:

Thank you. I served 33 1/2 years of service and appreciate this. iwas a combat

medic.Please don't forget the women who served too. Regards, " Doc " or rabbiems

Subject: Happy Memorial Day

To: texasems-l

Date: Monday, May 31, 2010, 11:29 AM

 

Just wanted to say thanks to all on the list who do or who have served in the

past you are not forgotten today thanks and God bless our boys!

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on tge tiny keyboard on my

iPhone