My 'flight' trail (see January 16) continued when I found Lest We Forget: Aviation History of Whatcom County: 1941 - 1945: The War Years, by Neill D. Mullen. Here, the author- editor has gathered together the articles from the local newspaper about the men and women who fought in World War II. There were also chapters on the Civil Defense Neighborhood Wardens (mostly women) and training programs, and, two surprises (for me, at any rate) ... Boeing and Firestone had facilities here at that time.

The Women Who Wrote the War, by Nancy Caldwell Sorel is dense and detailed book. The research alone boggles the mind, but what a read! Wow! Here are the stories of the women who reported on the war (WWII). Not satisfied with working on fashion and parties, these women wanted to see the fighting when and where it happened. To do so they had to push the boundaries and prove themselves over and over again. They did so and sent back some of the best reporting and pictures ever.

Their mission was to evacuate sick and wounded troops. Instead they crash landed behind enemy lines. The Secret Rescue: an Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines, by Cate Lineberry is the harrowing story of escape and rescue.

A good friend of mine is putting together a record of what his Dad did in WWII. There are government/military sites where this information may be found and he is combining this with family memories and photos. In this case it is the History of the 4th Combat Cargo Group. The reports from the commanding officer were more fun that you might think! Since this was a cargo group who delivered supplies they practiced dropping these supplies (for those times when they could not land to do so) and one day they were told by the tower near the practice field that the drops seemed awfully far away. The next four landed within 10 feet of this tower! It was also fun to see photos ... since I met his mom when she was a grandmother to see her as a young woman was delightful! I hope many of you are doing something like this. Reading the many published books is interesting, but this adds a personal touch that connects us with the past. Thanks, Pete!

Reading Hermit With Dog