I met Major Oblinger today in the course of my business. Bob is currently fighting the good fight against the fight we all lose in the end.
Bob flew B17's in WWII and was in the 8th AF. He was shot down over holland in 1943 and spent a year and a half in a POW camp after a 109 caused his plane to explode, killing all but 4 aboard. After the war, he returned to active duty and flew B29's over southern Japan, scouting typhoons.
On the Germans: " They fought gallantly to the end. When I was shot down, I was taken to the nearest German HQ and was saluted and treated like one of their own until my internment. I was even introduced to the man that shot me down. They were honorable soldiers."
Bob was surprised and very pleased that there are people who still take interest in this facet of history. I told him about our community and he was very intrigued and happy to hear about it.
I'd like to print this thread and show it to him, I'll be seeing him again when he leaves the hospice inpatient unit.
Will you please join me in saluting a war hero and WWII aviator?
Maj. Oblinger.
Footnote: when he gets out of the inpatient unit, he is going to look up some of his old pictures, papers for me. He seemed genuinely interested in discussing his experiences.
Thank you,
Steve
