Born in Waelder Gonzales County, Texas on 13 June 1923, Lieutenant Thomas P.Griffin was twenty years old when he flew his four-engine B-24 Liberator bomber, Little Lady Joyce to Italy and joined the Fifteenth Air Force's assault on Fortress Europe.
Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, he remained in the Air Force until his retirement with the rank of Colonel on 25 October 1969.
He and his wife, Florine, recently retired from Texas to Lake Ridge, Virginia. They have one daughter and two grandsons.
PROLOGUE
This is a story about the faith and conviction of one young man who believed, as did numerous others, that a country rich in natural resources with a dedicated population could defend their country and launch an offensive that would bring ultimate victory. It would involve joining the fighting forces of many nations and it would place a heavy burden upon our national treasure as well as our people. Personal sacrifice, suffering and casualties could be expected in the military and perhaps in the civilian population.
Slowly recovering from the great depression, the United States in late 1941, could be likened to a giant bear emerging from a long winter hibernation. The factories and mines were not fully utilized and a reservoir of skilled workmen did not exist. Also a large well trained and equipped armed forces did not exist.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Administration was probably working diligently to prepare the January 1942, State of the Union message that would address, in realistic terms, the crisis the United States and other freedom loving nations faced. The forces of isolation in the United States would have to be silenced and drastic measures initiated to bring the nation to a full "Wartime Readiness."
The events of 7 December 1941, pre-empted further political gridlock and debate from the isolationists. The American people also received a large dose of "shock treatment" that united the nation.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt began his speech to Congress the next morning with these words, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941, 'a date' which will live in infamy." This angry phrase was heard by every living American as a battle cry, "Remember Pearl Harbor!" The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a national disgrace. Even if it did not involve enemy troops landing ashore, the nation treated it like an invasion and an act that would be avenged.
The isolationists hid. Now there was no doubt as to America's point of view. Armed with determination and resolve, the United States would declare war against Japan, Germany and their allies. The recruiting stations were packed within hours of the national disaster. The volunteers were fulfilling their patriotic callings and desire for revenge.
I, like countless others, recognized the need to make a contribution to the war effort. Although already employed at Kelly Field, Texas, I felt the need to make a more direct contribution that could bring personal identity and satisfaction. Perhaps, it was simply answering the "call of the wild."
In early January 1942, the War Department recognized that the requirements for pilots, navigators and bombardiers could not be met following the current guidelines. Therefore, the Aviation Cadet's application requirement was changed, no longer needing to be twenty years of age and have completed two years of college. Effective immediately, the Aviation Cadet program would accept applicants as young as eighteen years of age and a high school graduate.
With enthusiasm, confidence and great expectations, I rushed to the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Recruiting Station in San Antonio and started what I would later in life learn to have been the beginning of my journey on the "FAST TRACK to Manhood." Here is that story...
