Veterans Day – a conversation with a World War 2 pilot at High Hampton Inn

November 10, 4:14 PMAtlanta Active Seniors Travel ExaminerRay Vick

Previous

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Active Seniors Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

WW 2 C-47
Airforce Image Gallery

One of the things that I particularly like about High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina is the friendly atmosphere and the interaction with the other guests.  The inn is patronized by people of all ages and from many backgrounds, but a substantial number of guests are at an age where they have accumulated rich experiences.  Many of these guests come to the inn annually (or more often) to relax and enjoy associating with other people from their generation.

 On a recent visit, I decided to sit in the lobby and read my flying magazine.  In just a few minutes, I was approached by an elderly gentleman who asked, “Are you a pilot?”  When I replied in the affirmative, he said that he was a pilot in World War II.  I started to ask some questions, but he said he didn’t like to talk about the war.  I respected his feelings, and we chatted for a few moments. Then he began to open up.  Before long, I had the distinct privilege of listening to very interesting first-hand accounts of World War II flying experiences including, among other things, stories of flights over the Himalayas to drop supplies and equipment to troops in China.  Perhaps “through the Himalayas” would be a more accurate description, since my new friend said that the C-47s he flew could not climb above the tallest peaks, and they had to thread their way through the mountains.

 After the end of the war, the young pilot stayed in China for a few months and had some association with Japanese prisoners of war.  He seemed to have a great deal of respect for the cleanliness and conduct of the prisoners.  Being a horseman, he was particularly impressed with the dedication shown by the prisoners in their care for horses that were entrusted to them.  While riding the horses in the countryside, my new friend could see that they were healthy and well fed.  Within two weeks after the Japanese were transferred from the camp, he said the condition of the horses began to deteriorate.

 The World War II veterans are a dying breed.  I felt honored to have had the opportunity to hear some of the exploits of this gentleman.

 The old raconteur excused himself by saying that he wanted to call his granddaughter.  I wonder if she appreciates the wealth of information contained in her grandfather’s memories.