Page 3 - DFCS News Magazine Summer 2012

We are still putting the final touch- es on the convention, but I be- lieve it will be one to remember. The Pacific NW is spectacular in August, and the tours and events that have been scheduled are excellent. These conven- tions are always a lot of fun, so if you have not already made your reserva- tions, do so. I assure you that you will enjoy yourself and meet some outstand- ing people in the process.
Many of you have purchased the book, “On Heroic Wings” for which the DFCS is thankful; however, there
are many more of you who have not. This is a special book that goes into the history of the DFC and presents first person stories from recipients in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations. If you have not taken time to review the book materials that are available, please take a few minutes to do so. You will find them on our website, in this magazine, and on Amazon.
Here is what a few have said about the book:
“I want to thank you for the fine work your team did in pulling the book “On Heroic Wings” together...this is one that should be re- quired reading for all of us who are the children of these brave men and women. It will be required reading for my kids, as well.”
Randy S
“...The book is that good and that much a piece of military history. Just the fact that the forward and introduction are written by such renowned figures, who are DFC recipients, is worth the purchase price; but the chapter entries are all fascinating and awe inspiring for the courage and heroism shown by the recipients. The book itself is beautifully printed and bound. Even the jacket is impres- sive.”
Lisa I
“...This book on the DFC ... it is rich in personal testimonies and archival material, as the authors had access to oral interviews and other historical assets held by the group. The book is a gem regard- ing this highly decorated award. Moreover, it is well produced, with many never-before-published photographs of flight crew who were recipients of the award.”
Peter M
I answer all the DFCS phone calls. I have literally had hundreds of calls from family members of DFC recipients who have taken their final flight. A common statement is “He never mentioned that he had a DFC. What is the DFC? What does it take to be awarded the DFC?”
It is ok to be humble and laid back about your combat experiences and awards. On the other hand, every one of us who is a proud re- cipient of the DFC, should have this book to pass on our legacy to future generations. Buy a copy for your children or donate it to your local museum, school, library and ROTC unit.
, Chairman DFC Society
By Barry Lanman
From the “Greatest Generation” flying propeller-driven fighter planes during World War II, to the male and female pilots maneuvering sophisticated jet aircraft over the skies of Iraq and Afghanistan, military aviators have captured a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans. While the vast majority of these aviators has demonstrated extraordinary honor, only the best and most courageous are awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.
The Distinguished Flying Cross was created by an Act of Congress in 1926. Under the initial Act, along with military aviators and crew, a select group of civilians received the Distinguished Flying Cross for aerial achievement. Shortly thereaf- ter, Congress modified the medal criteria to focus specifically on ac- tions involving heroism or extraor- dinary achievement while partici- pating in aerial flight. DFCs have been awarded prior to and during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and
on to the present. The Distinguished Flying Cross has also been awarded to military aviators and/or their crew for civilian rescues during emergencies and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katri- na.
The Foreword for On Heroic Wings was written by President Bush (41) and the introduction was written by aviator and astronaut Jim Lovell; both are recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thirty-two major accounts and over 180 vignettes are included in the book along with 311 photographs.
While the authors frame each narrative using historical back- ground and context, the stories are predominately told in the first- person words of the hero. Thus, the humanity of their courageous acts is accurately heard and the reader is compelled to interact with the thought processes of the DFC recipient. A comprehensive effort was also made to include the five military services, a wide range of aircraft, and various aspects of diversity.
In concert with the publication, a documentary film is being devel- oped. Lanman and Wendling are working with the DFCS and pro- duction companies to develop a one-hour story for television. A fourteen-minute pilot has already been produced with actor Gary Sinise hosting the presentation. The documentary will contain oral history interviews, scene re-creations and state-of-the-art digital animation in order to dramatically tell the stories of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Educational components in digital format are also planned for the book and documentary. The cur- ricula will focus on issues of ethics, values, and the ways in which one person can make an impact on the course of history.
Throughout this issue of the DFC News we have placed ex- cerpts from your book ‘On Heroic Wings’. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the actual stories with photos and see the quality in the production. The vignettes will show you the diversity and the courage of our fellow recipients.
We hope this gives you a little perspective of what the book en- tails and motivates you to purchase copies and show the book to family and friends. This will help keep the DFC legacy alive for future generations.
Thank you for your support, the Board of Directors
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The Distinguished Flying Cross News