Culpeper, VA & Washington D.C. — When attending airshows or aviation events, one gets to meet all sorts of people. Whenever engaged in conversation, these people all have something to say. They will either tell you which aircraft is their favorite or tell you about the previous airshow they were at. Eventually they will mention which airshow you should make a point not to miss.
This past week, Air Museum Network marked its presence at Press Day held in Culpeper Virginia for the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover of Washington DC. When it came to meeting people, this event would be no different. Well, so we thought.
Of all the wonderful people Air Museum Network met on this day, there was one in particular that we wish to acknowledge; The Commemorative Air Force’s special guest Captain Jerry Yellin. This Gentleman has the distinction of being the pilot who flew the final combat mission of World War II. Not wanting to take away the spot light on this distinction, this isn’t the reason we acknowledge Captain Yellin.
You see, after an early wake up and long drive, the day was beginning to catch up with us. That was hard to believe, since it was only lunch time. After the aircraft took off for their practice run, it was time for some much needed nourishment. We entered the hanger and grabbed our food (graciously provided by the Commemorative Air Force). We sat down, and were just happy that we could shed the pounds of camera gear we were lugging around. It was somewhere about this point that this distinguished Gentleman turned to us and asked “Air Museum Network?”. Before we knew it, the food laid cold as we listened attentively to Captain Yellin tell us about the last mission. We could sense the pride as he told us how Andrew McKenna, who normally flies a bare metal P-51D Mustang, had the name “Dorrie R” placed on the side of the Mustang in his honor.
As he spoke it became evident that, that day, that mission would not be the last. Captain Yellin is still on a mission. He is on a mission to educate all of us who were fortunate enough not to witness the horrors of 70 years ago. He educated us on healing and forgiveness as he told us about his son who married a Japanese woman and together they gave him wonderful grand children. He educated us as he mentioned the name of his wingman, Second Lieutenant Phillip Schlamberg, who perished that fateful day, ensuring that his brother in arms will never be forgotten. He educated us by pointing out that, although Tom Brokaw calls the World War II Veterans “The Greatest Generation”, the Greatest Generation were those who carried the ideals of democracy in countries like Germany and Japan after war’s end. He discarded the label hero by quickly stating that the heroes were all those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The aircraft began to return but we cared not. Nothing could possibly be happening outside that hanger that could be more interesting than listening to a true Gentleman share his thoughts and wisdom.
Capt. Yellin also shows no signs of slowing down as he is a national spokesman for the “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!” campaign. The goal of the group is to preserve the legacy of the men and women of the Greatest Generation so that their example of personal courage, shared sacrifice, “can-do” attitude and service to community can inspire Americans to come together to meet historic challenges of our era.
Capt. Yellin was quick to point out that there are many aviation related events slated for this August’s celebrations. Watch this site for more information.
Finally, the Air Museum Network, wishes to thank Captain Yellin, for allowing us to be a part of this Final Mission.