A Reunion and an Air Show
Earlier this month I was was contacted by Mr. Jerry Swartz, the son of the late retired COL Swartz. The pilot who my Great Uncle Tommy saved in February 1952. Since my last entry I made on October 2nd, there has been massive email traffic between Mr. Swartz and my family. The outcome of those talks resulted in Mr Swartz confirming that he will be flying to San Antonio to meet my Great Uncle Tommy in person this weekend. I was excited by this alone, but it began to take a life of its own.
It seems that Mr. Jerry Swartz has a few friends at Randolph Air Force Base. During this up coming weekend, Mr. Jerry Swartz was able to invite my Great Uncle Tommy as a special guest on Air Show on October 30th. Which happens to be my Great Uncle Tommy’s 92nd birthday. Also there will be a static aircraft display of a T-33 Shooting Star, the two seat version of the P-80 Shooting Star. The same P-80 Shooting Star that was being used by both COL Swartz and Uncle Tommy. So I am liking a idea of using that as a chance for a photo op. But it gets even more interesting. It seems that the mission statement made by COL Swartz was found by Mr. Jerry Swartz.
We are hoping that this might be enough to restart his recommendation for the Distinguish Flying Cross. This has been one interesting month. I cannot wait to write the follow up this weekend. Going to be good.
Looking forward to reading it when you get it done.
They will both be proud of you.
Very awesome!
Sporkmaster thank you again for keeping us up to date on this. The reunion should be a once in a lifetime event for all. I wish the best for your Uncle Tommy and your family as well as the family of Colonel Swartz.
Awesome story….
Hoooooah ! ! ! !
Although I am a chick…THIS is the TITS!! How awesome is that? Enjoy yourself and shake your Uncle Tommy’s hand for me. Hoo-ahhh!!!
Given this description, there’s no doubt in my mind that we would have been short one aircraft and pilot but for Lt Temple’s calm professionalism. Well done.
What a great story, thanks for sharing!
That is some cool s__t. I served in Rescue for a few years up at Kef, and can promise, the Denmark Straits are not hospitable for swimmers.
What a wonderful story, with a great event to follow. Thanks for sharing it.