My Flying Tiger father praised the sacrifices made

My father was the second youngest of 11 children, and one of five family members who fought in World War II. He rarely spoke about his experiences in the war.

Three years ago, when I was home for Thanksgiving, he pulled out a briefcase that contained all his flight papers. I began to go through the briefcase with him, discussing each step in his selection and training for the air corp.

He was a math student at Texas A&M University when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was one of many Americans who decided to put their lives on hold and join the war. He was fortunate to be selected and he chose the air corp.