Sheldon entered the service 23 February 1943; Pre-flight at Maxwell Field, single engine training--primary at Orangeburg SC, basic at Shaw Field and advanced at Marianna FL. Then Instructors school at Randolph Field and then to Bainbridge Ga. where I taught basic for a year or so. Then B24 transition Smyrna Tennessee. Finally B29 training at MacDill Field --then picked up crew (but not a plane) and we were flown by ATC to Guam I think early in May 1945. Sat around awhile and then we were assigned to the 62nd squadron and given a plane.

As for family I have been extremely fortunate. Married for 50 years (as of March 2002) to a wonderful wife who has been everything one could ever ask for in a lifetime partner. Three children --all married and doing well and 8 terrific grandchildren.

Working career--I have a law degree--was house counsel for a small finance company for a while and then worked as Senior VP for General Acceptance Corp, Senior VP for Mercantile Financial Corp and as President of MCGraw Edison Credit Corp. None of these companies still exist, which will give you an idea of how much expertise I brought to those various positions.

I have been retired for twenty-five years (count em) and I must say that I have enjoyed my retirement much more than my working career.

My Hobbies include model ships, golf (I am terrible) running (I have finally quit that but I did complete 4 full marathons and dozens of 10K's --all after turning 60) and duplicate bridge--my wife and I are both life masters and we travel to regional tournaments from time to time.