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Robert Powell

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His outfit was in London, but glider pilot Robert Powell wound up in North Africa after his crash landing. Since the war was winding down, no one cared about getting him back to them. He began a long waiting game and the prize was his wife waiting for him on a train platform. (This interview made possible with the support of ELAINE MATTHEWS.) (5:49)

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Bob Powell was finally sent to Officer Candidate School, thanks to a colonel he had known at the beginning of the war. He was there at the Berlin airlift and he had tours in Korea and Vietnam before he retired. It was a good career but it took a toll on his personal life. (This interview made possible with the support of ELAINE MATTHEWS.) (3:06)

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What did he learn from his experience in World War II? Bob Powell's answer is that of an old sergeant, even though he retired as an officer. He salutes his mentor Jess Guthrie, who was a sergeant when they met and a colonel when it was over. That sort of thing won't happen anymore with the requirements of the modern military. (This interview made possible with the support of ELAINE MATTHEWS.) (6:07)

Robert Purdy

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On the cusp of the Depression, Robert Purdy's father had a good job in the automobile industry in Michigan, but after the crash, employment became spotty and his family had to move several times to keep afloat. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 1 of 6. (5:14)

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Robert Purdy describes the intensely political climate during the Great Depression, which had many people embracing leftist ideals. He worked in a tool and die shop preparing for engineering school, and along with his brother Harry, an accomplished writer, began to put those ideals into action. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 2 of 6. (9:37)

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During a break from his college education, Robert Purdy and his two brothers became increasingly angry about the Nazi aggression in Europe. After Pearl Harbor, all three enlisted in the Air Corps together. He received his wings as a fighter pilot, but losses in the bomber groups required that he move into B-24's. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 3 of 6. (7:51)

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B-24 co-pilot Robert Purdy says he was scared on every mission he flew over Greece and Italy because every one drew heavy flak and German fighter attacks. During a bombing run over Vicenza, his plane was hit and the crew had to bail out. Captured almost immediately, he was transported into Germany where an uncertain fate awaited. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 4 of 6. (9:42)

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He was told he would be taken out and shot if he did not reveal information, but captured B-24 co-pilot Robert Purdy would only give his name, rank and serial number. Expecting that fate any minute, he was instead shipped by rail into Germany, where he was interred for the rest of the war. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 5 of 6. (9:19)

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News of the war filtered into the POW camp where B-24 co-pilot Robert Purdy was interred, and the news that VE Day had come was most welcome. The tunnel digging was abandoned as the war crept closer and closer. Finally, two Russian scouts appeared at the gate. Where were the guards? (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 6 of 6. (11:55)

Robert Ricks

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Robert Ricks could handle a gun ever since he was big enough to hold one, and he was mad about the attack on Pearl Harbor. As soon as they would let him in, he volunteered for WWII and became a gunner on a B-17. (6:42)