Issue 3.12
Lawrence Volmer and I were B-17 crew-men in different Bomb Groups flying missions into Germany during World War 2. Lawrence died July 14, 2001.
Excuse me while I reminisce with Lawrence about times that were far better and far worse.
Lawrence you were a radio operator- gunner, one of a ten-man crew and flew 30 hard missions. Your crew was more like a family because your life depended on them and their lives depended on you. Sometimes the glue that held you together was stronger than blood.
Do you remember the wonderful English people in the tiny village just outside of your bomber base? When you took off in the pre-dawn darkness to fly, those people came out of their houses, lined up on the street and counted as 36, four-engined, B-I7’s took off at 30-second intervals. Later that day or perhaps after dark as you returned, those same people again stood in the street and counted you back in. Your losses were their losses and they let you know.
Well Lawrence you have now flown your 31st mission. I expect you didn’t encounter any flack nor any enemy fighters but just a host of friendly escorts to accompany you to your destination. I also expect that this one was a milk run.
Besides your family member to greet you upon your arrival at your destination, I’ll bet there were also some of your old crewmen to renew old.tiI11esand perhaps some English villagers to count you in and count you back home.
A poem was narrated by Joe Christopher December 7, 2000 at S1.George, Utah entitled “The Veteran” and I’d like to read the last few lines to you Lawrence.
He was just a common veteran and his ranks are growing thin.
But his presence should remind us we may need his likes again.
If we cannot give him honor, while he’s here for us to praise,
Then at least give him homage at the ending of his days.
What about a simple headline in the paper that might say,
Our country is in mourning for a Veteran died today.
Lawrence Volmer was responsible for organizing the Idaho Chapter of the 8thAir Force Historical Society.
Sam Wyrouck can be contacted at 801-707-2666.