60th Anniversary of World War II celebrated

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON --  In honor of World War II veterans marking their 60th Anniversary, the World War II Airpower Committee hosted a commemoration ceremony at Arlington Cemetery June 30.

The Air Force chief of staff honored airpower contributions to World War II during the ceremony by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

"It's my pleasure to be here to recognize the veterans we honor through this ceremony," said Gen. John P. Jumper. "Back in 1941, there was no Air Force. And today we recognize all the contributions of the men and women who were associated with airpower."

Retired Lt. Col. William Czabaranek, who served as a bombardier, and Phyllis "Toby" Felker, who served as a Women’s Airforce Service Pilot, accompanied General Jumper in the wreath-laying event.

"I was very fortunate and loved being able to fly back then," said Ms. Felker. "Being a part of today's event, I was overcome with patriotism again, just like it was 60 years ago."

An Air Combat Command Heritage Flight team conducted a flyover. The four-ship formation included an F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II and a vintage World War II P-51 Mustang.

The event moved to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial where General Jumper presented the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Pin, referred to as the Ruptured Duck because of its design, to the following veterans: retired Brig. Gen. George Bartlett, a Marine who served as a navigator-bombardier on B-25 bombers; Lorraine Rodgers, a WASP; Chester Buck, a staff sergeant who served as a crew chief; and retired Lt. Col. Lee A. "Buddy" Archer, the only confirmed Tuskegee Airman ace.

The Ruptured Duck insignia was issued to any World War II veteran who was honorably discharged between Sep. 8, 1939 and Dec. 31, 1946.

"I did receive one in 1941," General Bartlett said. "This was a great honor for me to be here to represent marine aviation and all the aviators."

World War II veterans in attendance included members of the Air Force Association, 10th Fighter Squadron Association, 459th Airlift Association, 756th Tank Battalion Association, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Jewish War Veterans, Legion of Valor, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and Women's Army Corps.

General Jumper thanked all the veterans in attendance for their service and gave them a statement for the future of air power.

"All of you of World War II; you were indeed, and are indeed, the greatest generation," said General Jumper. "You saved the world from a future that we don't even dare contemplate because it would have been so terrible. But I want you to know that the current generation of young people is no less patriotic or dedicated than any generation that has ever served. We should all be very proud of that. I know I am."