Tail Gunner
I did my part to add a little excitement to a mission one night. I was in the tail and we were over an extra hot firestorm. Guess I didn't have my belt on and was being tossed about pretty well. In the dark, I didn't know my mike cord had separated. The crew was calling to check on me and I was screaming at them. The Captain had decided to drop down and release pressure when I finally found the problem. So, I had to apologize and thank them all for their concern.
On 15 November 2003 - We were notified that "Bud" passed way from an apparent heart attack.
In a follow up email Bud's wife Irene shared the following:
We had a normal day on Friday Nov. 14 and no warning that anything was amiss. However, at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, Bud had a heart attack and died instantly. The paramedics were here within 5 minutes and worked on him for 20 minutes without success. He has suffered so much the past year that I am consoled by the thought that he is no longer in pain and is with Our Lord in Heaven. We had 56 years together and I will have trouble getting used to the idea that he is not with me.
Please let the members know via email that Bud has gone on to a better place and that I hope to see them at a future reunion. We have enjoyed seeing everyone in past reunions even though we couldn't make them all. A wonderful group of people. Thank you for your support.
