Local man and younger brother take Honor Flight to see World War II Memorial

In the spring of 1945, the 97th had fought its way to the Czechoslovakian border of Plzeli. The Army commanders, realizing that the war in Europe was coming to an end, redirected the 97th Infantry Division to the Pacific Theater.

The new objective for the 97th was to train in the Philippines and then become part of the invasion force of the Japanese mainland which was scheduled later than same year. Fortunately for Charles and his fellow soldiers, shortly before they were to leave the Philippines, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. A second bomb was delivered to Nagasaki three days later. After the Japanese surrendered on August 15, 1945, the 97th Infantry Division was disbanded, allowing those who had met their time commitment to return home. Charles Coburn, along with others, were re-assigned to the 5th Army Air Corp as part of the Japanese Occupation Force.

While being processed in Japan, Charles was assigned as a mess Sargent and placed in control of an Army Air Corp Headquarters mess hall. Charles remained in this assignment until his discharge in November of 1947. Charles has often remarked: “There was a world of difference between the Infantry and the Army Air Corp.” Such a difference he had to “think long and hard about not remaining” with the outfit that was to became the U.S. Air Force.

In Fresno, the group of aging World War II veterans boarded a chartered Allegiant airliner which flew the hearty band of former soldiers to see the World War II Memorial, the third such Honor Flight to do so departing from Fresno. In October, a fourth flight took off from the former Castle Air Force Base airport.

Upon arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Airport that afternoon, the group was greeted by a kissing bandit who left her mark on every veteran. After all were kissed they boarded buses for a short ride to American Legion Post #276 and a catered dinner. It was at the reception and dinner the Veterans were able to mingle and visit. It is interesting how comfortable these comrades felt with each other and begin to share stories of their military experiences.

As they got to know each other they boarded the buses again for the evening drive to Washington and accommodations in Crystal City.

The bugler sounded reveille at 5:30 Tuesday morning and the group was up and ready for a quick breakfast and orientation. The first visit was to the U.S. Marine Memorial. The Marine Memorial depicts the deadly fight for Iwo Jima and the raising of the American Flag on Mount Suribachi by three Marines and one Navy corpsman. The famous photographer Joe Rosenthal snapped the famous “Raising of the U.S. Flag” photograph that was used to sculpt the Memorial. You could tell this was a special moment for those veterans who served in the Marine Corps as they shared their stories in the shadow of the imposing depiction of U.S. Marines and our flag. 

The next visit was the one everyone was eager to see - and the main objective of the Honor Flight. The World War II Memorial is an imposing sight as the veterans disembarked. Because of the numerous Honor Flight attendees from other parts of our nation, the Valley group formed a military line that any drill sergeant could be proud of. There to meet and greet our Valley group were Congressman Jim Costa, Congressman David Valadao their staffs and the staff of Congressman Devin Nunes.

As the veterans entered military style, it was easy to tell this was the big moment they had been waiting for: The World War II Memorial.

A heap of stories and dozens of cameras snapped as they took in the sights and shared special personal moments with each other.

They lined up for a group panoramic picture with everyone on the flight, adding Congressmen and stands displaying pictures of three veterans who died before they could make the trip.

After almost three hours at the World War II Memorial it was off for lunch and a visit to the new Air Force Memorial near the Pentagon and a magnificent view of Washington D.C. On one side is a large marble wall commemorating the challenges the Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force. The impressive shinning spires, depicting jet streams reached into the blue sky, towered over the Memorial. It was quite a sight to see, Veterans and guardians took in the Memorial while sitting on grass and low walls with box lunches, sharing with each other their military experiences.

The next stop on the busy day was the Vietnam Memorial Wall, just as sobering as the World War II Memorial. The Veterans and Guardians solemnly walked or rode wheelchairs along the walkway. Many remarked about children, grandchildren, or a friend’s child who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Many stopped to talk to each other, point out names, or talk to individuals who were honoring a relative or friend.  As they crossed to the Korean Memorial, many of the veterans stopped and gazed at the imposing sight of the Lincoln Memorial. As they approached the front of the Korean Memorial there was a small group of South Korean Military soldiers posting flowers and holding an Honor Ceremony to commemorate those Americans who defended Korean rights. As the group stood in silence, many began to salute both the South Koreans for their heart-warming jester and those who fought or lost their lives in that struggle. 

Next it was back on the buses and a guided tour of the Capital Mall, The Capital, Fords Theater, the White House and, of course, the Naval Memorial.  The group buses were able to double park so those Navy Veterans to could get a good look at all the features of the Naval Memorial. Many took pictures standing next to the bronze statue of the “lone sailor” in front of the large sculptures depicting all the branches of the Navy. Although it had been a long day these eighty and ninety-year-old veterans were reinvigorated and more talkative then ever.

Back at the hotel the group was given a couple of hours to rest before the evening meal and a program planned by Al Perry, the senior officer, and his excellent crew of volunteer assistants and medical staff.

After the dinner a veteran who was a professional square-dance caller and a group of volunteers did an excellent job trying to keep up with his dancing commands. Perry took some time to introduce three wonderful female World War II Veterans. They were then led in several patriotic songs by a veteran who was not only patient, but had a solid musical background. Perry shared orders for day three and then dismissed the group about 9:30 p.m. with orders to head for our bunks for rest and to recuperate for our last day in Washington.

Day three started just as early for mess and a trip to Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder. This visit provided more emotional reflection and somber discussions about the price American forces have paid to keep America free. There is nothing as awe inspiring like the meticulous, intricate, and precise movements of the young service members assigned the duty of guarding this cherished Memorial. Here again the entire group stood quietly as the lone guard made his rounds in front of the Tomb. Shortly, an officer and a relief guard appeared. The officer then proceeds with the intricate maneuvers required in recalling the guard from his assignment. The relief sentry is then called to duty in the same meticulous way, completing the ceremony as the officer then escorts the recalled sentry from the Memorial.

The veterans and service members giving a salute to honor and respect those conducting the ceremony as well as the “Unknown” was an impressive and emotional sight. We were treated to a short stop at the Women in The Armed Services Memorial at the entrance of Arlington Cemetery. The group found enough time to view the inspiring exhibits and visit the gift shop for those who wished mementos of the trip.

Our last stop before heading back to Baltimore/Washington International was the WWII Air exhibit at Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum and lunch hosted by Congressman Costa, Valadao, and Nunes. The Congressional staffs were extremely helpful in helping the Veterans maneuver the lunch lines and escorting them to the Air WW II exhibit. Once back at WBI the Veterans again were bush wacked by the kissing bandit, leaving her mark for the trip home.

Al Perry and his volunteers put together the most amazing feat as we approached the West Coast. Unbeknownst to the Veterans, Al’s crew assisted the guardians in creating an event that made sure there was not a dry eye on the plane. It was an amazing site to see as veterans revisit some of those special moments and pleasures while serving our country in WW II.

Opening the plane’s doors and moving to the lobby area of Fresno/Yosemite there was another big surprise for the returning soldiers. Standing on both sides of the exit doors were local military personnel saluting the Veterans as they passed. Many returned the salute as they were told “Thank you for your service.” Closer to the lobby the tearful vets were joined by a bagpipe escort in full regalia. One of the bagpipers happened to be Bill Jamison, a retired teacher from Lemoore High School.

When the doors were opened to the lobby there were hundreds of well-wishers and family members along with local high school ROTC cadets and American Legion members. What a deserving “welcome home” and show of appreciation for the sacrifices these men and women made so many years ago.

The non-profit Central Valley Honor Flight organization has done a miraculous job providing a lifetime opportunity for our local WW II veterans. Perry and his crew have raised enough funds to send four groups of WW II Veterans to Washington DC to view the World War II Memorial. Here is how you can help continue the legacy:

Fresno Regional Foundation

5250 N. Palm Ave. Suite 424

Fresno, CA 93704

559-226-5600

On the web site - cvhonorflights.org

 they list 2 ways:

1. make check payable to Fresno Regional Foundation and on the memo line write "Central Valley Honor Flight"

2. Go to Paypal and donate online 

The Fresno Regional Foundation is the organization with non-profit status that has adopted the Honor Flight Program in the Central Valley