OCR Text |
Show 10. Hilltop Times Aug. 5, 1993 Pimfl(Qgj)n) wsirexlhnbDtf Mghlighll's by TSgt. David P. Masko Force News Service Air WASHINGTON A new Air Force II exhibit opened at the Pentagon July 22 to the big band sound of Glenn Miller and the emotion and excitement that usually mark a homecoming. Miller's nostalgic 1940s music, a group of distinguished retired generals, and display cases filled with artifacts and model airplanes from the Second World War set the stage for what the Air Force chief of staff referred to as a fitting remembrance of one dramatic year in Air Force history. "This exhibit is proof of our resolve to remember those who gave then-live- s to secure our freedom so that their deeds, commitment and sacrifice will not be forgotten," said Gen. Merrill A. McPeak to people gathered near the exhibit in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. "To the veterans I see here and to your comrades this exhibit is for "; you." McPeak, a student of history, said the exhibit is also for Air Force people because it reminds them of their heritage and the lessons that can help guide them in the future. The exhibit was built through the cooperation of the Air Force history and museum staffs. It focuses on 1943 as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of World War II. The Department of Defense is sponsoring a series of World War II exhibits in the Pentagon, and this is the first Air Force display honoring its role as part World War of the Army Air Forces. . "I'm pleased the Air Force's first ex- hibit here covers the war effort in 1943," McPeak said. "This period has suffered from a sort of 'middle child overshadowed by the syndrome' enormous battles of '42 and the great Allied assaults of 1944." McPeak said 1943 marks the point where the Allies made the switch from defense to offense in every theater of the war. One example was Operation TIDAL WAVE: the Ploesti raid on Aug. 1, 1943, which is detailed in the new exhibit. For that mission, five heavy bomb Liberators took groups of 177 off from bases in Africa to strike important oil fields in Ploesti, Romania. The exhibit says the Ploesti raid cost the lives of 310 airmen another 130 were wounded and more than 100 fell prisoner. A total of 54 aircraft were lost and 55 others damaged. Summing up the mission, one 4 pilot said, : self-proclaim- B-24- D B-2- "We were dragged through the mouth of hell." Retired Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott Jr., a World War II Flying Tiger ace with 13 kills, told Air Force News Service that it was two years from the start of the war before Ah Force fighter squadrons had the "long-arm-" capability to protect bombers all the way to the target. "We could then send 1,000 planes to Berlin and not lose a single plane," said Scott, who wrote the famous wartime books "God is My Copilot" and "The Day I Owned the Sky." Eyeing the exhibit, Scott said he ' still remembers the days when he was one of the top guns of World War II. "The memories are there ... very vivid." Scott said he also feels a sense of chagrin because many young people today don't appreciate their military roots. Former Secretary of the Air Force f 43 11 John McLucas, who served from 1973 to 1975, said the exhibit helps spur people to think about the lessons of World War II. He said those lessons are important today because of the new global threats and the downsizing of the military "People really don't remember that much about World War II, and this (exhibit) certainly helps," said McLucas, a World War II veteran. He also described the exhibit as something akin to flipping through an old memory file. "For those of us who were there at the time ... boy, this really gets at our hearts when we see things like this." As for the Air Force today, the former secretary said he's very happy with the way the service has evolved. "I look around and see some of the things we did and they've stood up very well. It's great to see we have people like General McPeak and all these other good people who are taking us on to even better days." Retired Gen. David C. Jones, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Air Force chief of staff, echoed McLucas on the state of the Air Force, saying McPeak has done "a great job in bringing the Air Force along, in reorganization, and a lot of good people programs. "I'm supporting General McPeak and all he's doing." Reflecting on the exhibit, Jones said people should remember that "he who forgets history is destined to repeat it. "So, we ought to keep our memories warm and remember the great things that were done by a lot of heroes." 1 90 DAYS Sam as T- jSgbj ffiSH. - Driving Light p Z?fl j . 685 SO. MAIN LAYTON, UTAH r W'1 iWl'fcT ROCKER PANELS COUPON LOUVERED TAIL GATES i from $17095 if Exptr j l15li I 1 j PROTECTORS from $-a-A- I I j I I j I 99 I my (Expires Aug. 15, 1993) 'W'Jnm NERF BARS j from I J BED MATS . FLAT ifc QQ J MOST CARS Maa& Truck Add rut, twi uil. i rcauneni with every Bath and Comb II .. r GEICO has been saving good on their car insurance. Find out how D money Dgood zz rr iiiui.ii -vuu inn Jv savp i.9ii nc inHiv icirr oners ivyviajr. -- mmr 1 in a .IM lew - hdudes Nai Cutting Pad Shave fardeaning na Face and fed titn II I i I I drivers ! , f : I.I H5 Looking for Auto Insurance? l vciii vjeico at i 773-059- 5 AXP U I IS Most Small Dogs $13.00 PET COTTAGE 272 So. State CLEARFIELD 773-094- 1 mm D- lJTJH1. "HctL I ! Low countrywide claim service Offices near most military bases Free rate quote Special Sal 50 OFF 95 M.M W Cwip.ii l i i Call us Moatcara (Corner of Main J i wurvn I BEDUNERS today or stop by our local No. Main fiM tn Ml j nt 24-ho- ur '"hay aW down-payme- Easy payment plans COMPUTER SPW BALANCE ! you.. j ROTA HON I (Expires Aug. 15, 1993) Q 8 Q Since 1936, 95 I U 547-086- 0 J from I FROM 1 COUPON , i 'REPAIR AERODYNAMIC BUGSHIELOS $399 TU,J) from i TAILGATE J ROGER FLINDERS 1 OWNER Full A Sth Wheel I D 10:00-4:0- Layton' (Behind Bob's Oil, 6 (OLD7-1-H 546-321- 1384 No. Angel HOURS; Brush Guards J kv Special COMPLETE UNE OF CAR ALARMS FIMANONQ CaahOAC IPnetftj Pel " Sale Prices on Large Selection of Separates and Amps 773-059- from y j 95 i mi & office-198- IMPROVE WUR LOOKS, HEALTH AND POPULARITY. 1 Layton Antelope) 5 go with D a j QUIT SMOKING. Heart f American Associatton |