Dear Jim:

It's hard to believe but it's been 52 years since we flew the mission that ended WWII. It's amazing to me that the world still believes the atomic bombs closed out the war, even though as you pointed out in your book, it was our last mission August 14/15, 1945 that really ended the war. You explained that the last mission was not declassified until 1985. That document revealed that 779 B-29s bombed Japanese Empire targets beginning August 13, four days after the United States had dropped the last atomic bomb on Nagasaki. We of the 315th bomb Wing flew the last and longest mission from our base at Northwest Field, Guam to the Nippon Oil Refineries northwest of Tokyo. That would have been 6 days after Nagasaki.

Our airplane, The Boomerang, was the most faithful mechanical friend we could ever imagine—taking us safely through a dozen missions and then flying us on the last mission that covered nearly 4000 miles. The fact we flew at night and over water always pushed our normal anxieties ever higher. This unexpected last mission was particularly nerve wracking. We thought we had won the war, and then we were ordered back on the playing field to win it again. You tuned in President Truman's Announcement of the Japanese surrender just a couple of hours before we landed back on Northwest. We carried 6300 gallons of gas and 20,500 pounds of bombs. That load took a heavy toll on fuel. We were all praying that we could make it back with the gasoline on board. I leaned every engine back as far as I could and each one was backfiring as we flew back to Guam. We were all in ditching positions on final approach. It was touch and go and number 3 quit as we taxied back to the hard stand. I dipped all the tanks and couldn't find any gasoline at all. We survived by a wing and a prayer—literally!

As you know we thought the war was over after Nagasaki and we were in the middle of a going-home party when orders came down to fly one more mission. It would be the longest continuous bombing mission ever attempted. As you recall, no one wanted to fly, but we were eager to get the war over.

It was a long time ago Jim, but sometimes it feels like it was last night. I remember you coming up from your radio position and confiding in me that you were scared. I told you that I was scared too. We both smiled a little and you returned to your radio. We were only kids, but we loved our country and we loved our freedom. We ran to war—ready to sacrifice our very lives to keep our country together.

The fact that the command had secretly stripped us of all turrets except the tail turret was a serious concern. If the Japanese had discovered our secret we would have been annihilated. To have been shot down over the target meant we would have been Japanese POWs or worse. We survived all the fighter runs, the antiaircraft fire, and the many mechanical problems that were always plaguing our hot running 29s. By God's Grace we got through it all and we flew the last mission that ended the war once and for all.

All the anxieties lifted from our shoulders after peace was announced, and most of us rushed back to civilian life. Many of us wanted to share our experiences and many of us wanted to tuck away the trauma of it all.

We haven't seen one another since that last B-29 raid but you've been as close as my thoughts, and I hope I've been in your thoughts as well. I'm getting pretty old Jim and I can't get around like I did. My knees have pretty well given up on me, but I guess I shouldn't complain because God gave me the privilege of living to this old age. Many of our buddies didn't have that privilege and I'm ashamed when I complain.

North Dakota is so beautiful Jim, I wish you could see it especially in the spring. In the Spring North Dakota is the most beautiful place in the world.

I hope you're doing well. Our friendship was forged long ago when we shared life and death situations together, and our bond is eternal.

My wife Anne is a wonderful person. She and God have seen me through all the hard times. Our old dog just came over and licked my hand. He's given Anne and me his total love for 15 years—what a joy to have him. The old dog is beginning to move just like me—one limp at a time. None of us can escape the pruning knife of time I reckon.

Jim the world has changed a lot as we have all seen. It's different—sort of a free-for-all. When we were briefed for a tough but important target, the crews yelled like their home team had just made a touch down. We were all scared but God and country always came first. Sometimes I wonder how many would even show at the briefing today. Some would for sure. There are some great kids out there and we have some very gifted and dedicated military men. We must give those folks our support and never give up on them. No one knows how long America can last, but it's the duty of all of us to keep the faith, and try to keep this great ship of state on a good and true course.

I hope we aren't forgotten Jim. I don't mean you and me of course, but every soldier and every American who was a part of WWII. It was a time of tears; a time of tragedy—of sacrifice—yet it was the very best of times. It was a time of romance—a time of great music—and a time of great love for one another. We experienced the unspeakable magic that happens when men dip their oars in the water and row together. How dear to my heart were those dangerous days!

You and I are getting closer to the end of the trail Jim. I hope the others will take a look at our history once in a while and become inspired and uplifted as they review the sacrifices that were made for freedom.

I've heard people say that they were unlucky in life. With all our country's imperfections, how can any American see that flag wave, and not know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he or she is the luckiest person in the world?

God richly bless you my friend, and may we see one another again before we are called by Him who sent us here.

Long live freedom and this beloved land called America!! We did our best for our country Jim. My prayer is that those who follow will take care of it.

Salutes and blessings always,

Your buddy,

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