Posted by James Howell on May 22, 2008 at 23:35:06 from (71.158.165.33):
Memorial Day as we know it was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country.
Many of us have either family or friends that have served and died in military service.
Please remember these young men and women this coming Monday.
Below is a photo of my father's B17 bomber crew taken in May 1943.
The oldest crewman, Stan Austin of Burwell, Nebraska, known as 'Pop' was 26. He is standing in the 'star' on the fuselage.
The youngest crewman, Bill Guilfoil of Chicago, Illinois, known as 'The Kid' was 18. He is on the first row, far right wearing a T shirt.
Bill Guilfoil enlisted at 17 years old because his older brother, Jack, had been captured by the Japanese on Bataan and was a prisoner of war.
Most of us have heard of the Bataan Death march.
Bill was the smallest in stature and was the tail gunner on the B17. He celebrated his 19th birthday on August 24, 1943.
During his 28 combat missions, he shot down 5 enemy aircraft. The average number of 'kills' was 3 for every 50 missions.
The day he was KIA on October 5, 1943, the bomber was under attach by 10 enemy aircraft. He shot down 2 enemy aircraft.
Other crewman shot down 3 enemy aircraft.
Bill was hit by enemy fire and was unable to either see or move from his post at the rear of the bomber.
When the pilot gave the final order to bail out, Bill replied 'I will stay with my guns'.
Just one story of thousands of young men and women that need to be honored and remembered.
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