Sunday, April 19, 2015

Sentimental Sunday: "First Combat Mission" - 1952

Another photo from my dad Frederick Henry Pape's military scrapbook, this one from Korea:


On the back of this photo, Dad wrote, "My first combat ride.  Last minute briefing from my instructor navigator (far right), his gunner (my immediate right), and his pilot (on the left)."

Dad said his first three missions were what were called "dollar rides" - you went up with another crew (pilot, navigator/bombardier, and gunner) to learn what they do.  Dad said that gunners acted as co-pilots in Korea - they watched the engine instruments while the pilot flew the plane and kept an eye on the flight-related instruments.


© Amanda Pape - 2015 - click here to e-mail me.

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