Growing up I always loved the B-17 Flying Fortress. Nothing would excite me more than to have the opportunity to meet one of these brave heroes who flew in the B-17 during WWII. While celebrating my mothers birthday one year at a Cracker Barrel restaurant there was an elderly gentleman sitting a few tables away from me that caught my eye. What caught my eye was the old flight jacket he had on. I noticed that he had a B-17 painted on the back of his jacket and that the he was proudly wearing a hat that said he was a World War II Flyboy. As my family finished there meal and were preparing to leave a got up and walked over to his table. I thanked him for his service and shook his hand. I also asked him about the B-17 on his jacket and that was when he told me that during World War II he flew combat missions in a B-17, B-24, and B-29. He then began to tell me his stories of how he was a ball turret and tail gunner on a B-17. I heard so many great stories! He told me of how the tail gunners seat was only a bicycle seat. Eventually after talking for a while he offered for me to sit down. He told me more of his war experience. My family began to leave so I had to say goodbye to him and as I was walking away he gave me his phone number and address and told me to pay him a visit, he said he would love to tell me more about his war experience in the B-17. So as time went on a paid him a visit and me and him became best friends. I learned so much from him! When it came time for my 12th birthday there was nobody I wanted to be there more than him. This is a picture of me and him on my 12th birthday. I had no idea what was to come. As my birthday party ended and I walked him to his car, he turned around and said You are my best friend, Im so blessed that I met you. I was going to be buried in this when I pass away but instead I would like for you to have it because I know you will cherish it and take good care of it. He then reached in his car and pulled out his ike jacket from the war and handed it to me. I have never been more honored before in my life. This heroes name was George White and he will forever have a special place in my heart!
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 06:21:53 +0000
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