A few years ago, Chris and I had the distinct honor of visiting the home of a WWII Marine Corps dive pilot who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. I was just in awe listening to the stories and looking at the memorabilia in his office.
I'd known this hero for a little over a year, but he had never once mentioned his service to our country. The clue should have been the Marine Corps flag flying outside his house. It was only when I noticed a plaque recognizing the Flying Cross, and specifically asked "who?", that he reluctantly said with some humility "I have to own up". That's when he pointed to various items adorning his office walls and bookshelves.
One item of memorabilia was a book entitled Baa Baa Black Sheep, signed by the author Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, a fellow squadron pilot in AVG (Flying Tigers), VMF 214 (The Black Sheep). In the book were other items of memorabilia, including a business card signed by a Japanese pilot with the boast "I shot down Pappy". Our host met this Japanese pilot some years later at the Reno Air Show and challenged his claim.
I had two uncles who flew in the R.A.F. during WWII, one of whom was shot down, so this day was especially meaningful to me.
