In this striking new collection of personal correspondence from a World War II fighter pilot, Toni Wunder uses the letters kept by the Wunder family to paint a portrait of her brother-in-law Frank "Buddy" Wunder. Buddy put his life on the line for his country during the bloody battles of the Pacific theater. His letters reveal the humor and heart behind the man and his courageous calling. Includes bibliographical references (pages 235-236).
Summary:
Buddy hadn't always been on this specific career path. He was an ordinary farm boy from Iowa when the Japanese bombing at Pearl Harbor devastated an entire nation. Buddy, like so many other young men, decided to fight for his country and his family. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. As Buddy adjusted to life in the military and trained to become a fighter pilot, each moment was faithfully recreated for his family back home. He wrote honestly about the challenges of the military and the conditions of training in California, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon. In addition to his including his observations, Buddy also indulged in small-town gossip and shared family in-jokes.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.