He is in his 90's, has a slight limp, we bought his groceries as a thank you

X post from GD.

You might remember my post about my riding in a B-17: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026991786

Marta and I were in the store this afternoon. I looked over at the elder gent and noticed he was wearing a B-17 hat. I had to go over and talk to him. It turned into one heck of a conversation. I started with I just rode in a B-17 a couple months ago. Marta knew by now to go shopping without me. Other people were listening in.

He was a tail gunner on a B-17. I got the feeling his limp was a war wound, but he didn't say so. He survived his required tour. Some of his friends didn't. I told him my Uncle Leo died as a navigator in the Pacific.

He volunteered after Pearl Harbor while he was in high school. He flew missions over Italy, France, and Germany.

I mentioned my mom rode the bus every day she worked at the Martin Bomber plant. from Florence. That meant a couple hours a day. It is just down the street from the Baker's store we were at. She worked on the Enola Gay. He has a friend that also worked on the Enola Gay. Wonder if he knew mom?

It was like Forest Gump sitting at the bus stop the way people were listening. Bellevue is an Air Force city afterall.

We talked like we were old friends for 15 minutes. Marta came over and said she had everything we needed. We shook hands and I thanked him for his service. A few other people did too.

We were in line to check out. He got in the line next to us. He didn't have much. I know his checker. I said I'm coming over to pay for his stuff. That smile he had at that point said much more than his thank you.

I hope to bump into him at the store again.

I think I'l buy me a new hat: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/shop/hats/b-17-embroidered-cap/



Omaha Steve Over & Out!