Transition

The photo was taken in early spring of 1938. Although the depression was at its worst, I was on cloud nine. My last two years of high-school were a blast! I played on the basketball varsity team and was co-captain. I had my own 1929 Model ‘A’ Ford roadster. A steady girl friend to take to school activities, on dates, to dances, movies and for joy rides. Plus, a paper route and a job as a grocery clerk on Saturdays to earn spending money.

Then, shortly after graduating from high-school, my girl friend moved away. I ran into a tree with the Model ‘A’, making it total junk. And, on top of that, I began thinking it was time to leave the family nest. But full-times jobs were a rarity. After a year of menial part time jobs and a short stint in a low paying job as service station attendant, despair began to set in. I could see no hope for the future. It was the darkest period of my life.

However, by 1940, Hitler was on a rampage in Europe. FDR began building up our military, both in arms and personnel. The draft was started. I did not wait to be called. I enlisted in the Army Air Corps because I preferred to be around airplanes, rather than wading mud or being on a boat.... At last, I had jumped out of the nest, and literally began spreading my wings. Being in the Air Corps hastened the transition from boy to manhood.. I soon found a beautiful lifetime girl friend. And shortly after Pearl Harbor Day, I was selected for pilot training; my big chance to earn a pair of real wings --- Silver Wings. . I was back on cloud nine!.