Jason’s story about his World War II experience.
It was 1942, and Jason was a handsome twenty-two old and didn’t have his scar above his left eye.
He lived in Glen Burnie, Maryland with his parents Wilma, fifty-four years old, Hank, fifty-nine years old and sister Wendy, sixteen years old in a row home.
He just recently graduated from the University of Maryland in the spring of 1942 with a business degree.
Jason’s girlfriend was Peggy Moore, also twenty-two years old, and they had been dating since they were in tenth grade in high school.
They were inseparable during the summer of 1942 and spent numerous weekends at the shore at Ocean City, Maryland. They even started talking about plans on getting married the next year.
Peggy even got Jason a job at her father’s plant called Moore’s Industries during the summer. This was the same plant that Jason’s father, Hank, had worked for the past twenty-five years, and she wanted Jason to spend his career at the same plant.
Moore’s Industries assembled refrigerator and some other kitchen appliances, but there were rumors the plant might be assembling military equipment for the war effort.
But after the summer months passed, Jason was restless and bored and wanted some adventure. So Jason went down to the Army recruiting office and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He had dreams of becoming a pilot, and the Army offered him that opportunity. Plus he wanted to serve his country and fight in the war.
Of course, Peggy hated the idea of him joining the service and going to war but realized it was his civic duty.
Jason’s mom, Wilma, was upset, but Hank was proud that his son was going to serve his country.
Wendy was upset but also proud of Jason for joining the Army.
Then in September 1942, Hank, Wilma, Wendy, and Peggy took Jason to the Mount Royal train station in Baltimore.
After Hank, Wilma and Wendy said their good-byes to Jason, they walked away so Peggy and Jason could spend a few minutes alone.
Peggy’s eyes welled up while she placed her arm around Jason’s arm. “I’m going to miss you terribly,” she said while she wiped away some tears that ran down her cheek.
“I know, but this war will be over soon, and then we can move on with our lives,” Jason replied while he wiped away some of her tears.
“All aboard!” the conductor yelled from the train.
Peggy hugged Jason so tight that he wondered if he was going to have to take her with him.
“I have to go,” he said, then pulled away from her grip.
She planted one last kiss on his lips then watched while Jason boarded on the train.
Inside the train, Jason sat by a window and watched while Wilma, Hank, Wendy, and Peggy waved while the train pulled away from the station.
Jason completed his classification training and made it as a pilot.
He then went on to his pre-flight training at Maxwell Field in Alabama. This training taught him aeronautics, deflection shooting, and how to think in three dimensions.
His next step was primary pilot training where he was taught basic flight in a PT-17 Stearman Kaydet.
After that, he went onto basic pilot training where Jason was taught how to fly in formation, flying by instruments, aerial navigation, flying at night then flying for long distances.
Jason’s next step was advanced pilot training where he received multi-engine training in the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat.
After completion of his advanced pilot training, Jason attended transition training for the B-17 bomber in Florida.
Meanwhile, Peggy went off to Nursing School in Baltimore while Jason was off playing Army.
Jason was now a 2nd Lieutenant, also humorously known as butter bars, in the Army Air Corps and was a changed man. During all this training, he got a taste of the party life and loved his time away from Glen Burnie. He even earned the nickname Jay Jay, as what all his Army buddies called him.
During the thirty-eight weeks of training, Peggy wrote at least four letters a week where Jason initially wrote one a week then it drifted off to a letter once every two weeks.
It was now the middle of May 1943 and Jason took the train back to the Mount Royal station in Baltimore for some leave at home before heading off to England.
Wilma and Wendy watched while the train pulled into the station that morning.
Jason stepped off the train in his Army Air Corp tunic uniform and duffel bag in hand.
He saw his mom, and sister on the platform and waved at them.
Wendy ran over to Jason and immediately hugged him. “I missed my big brother,” she said while she hugged him tight then kissed his cheek.
Wilma walked up to Jason.
Wilma’s eyes welled so happy to see her son again. “Welcome home son,” she said then hugged him. “Peggy’s back from nursing school and is going crazy waiting to see you. She’ll be over later this afternoon,” she added.
Jason looked disinterested at the thought of seeing Peggy again while they walk away from the train.
Wendy noticed and looked concerned while they walked out of the station and headed to the parking lot.
The Jenkins home was a charming row home but in dire need of a coat of paint.
The living room window was open, and the radio played the Big Band song On The Sunny Side Of The Street. Wendy sat on the couch and did her homework while she listened to music.
On the front porch, Peggy cuddled with Jason, still in his uniform, on the porch swing. They listened to the radio. Jason sipped a bottle of Arrow beer while Peggy rested her head on his shoulder.
“But Jason, my darling, I’ve been waiting for our wedding since I was sixteen years old. After all, you proposed and I remembered how your mom had tears of joy,” she said with sadness in her eyes.
From inside the living room, Wendy looked up from her homework, as their conservation was more interesting than geometry.
Jason felt a little bad while they swung on the porch. “I know Peggy, but since I’ll be in combat, I thought we should wait,” he replied but deep down inside, he had serious second thoughts.
Jason took a swig of beer while Peggy pouted with her arms crossed.
“Why would anybody want to fly an airplane? And your aviation business idea is also stupid,” she said with pouty lips.
From inside the living room, Wendy rolled her eyes, as she really didn’t care very much for Peggy.
“Are you kidding? There’s nothing like soaring in the sky like a bird,” he replied and sipped on his beer.
“Okay, but no more flying after we’re married,” she said with serious eyes.
Jason felt trapped while he took another swig of beer. Peggy snatched the beer out of his hand and placed it down on the porch. “I don’t want you becoming a drunk like Uncle Harvey.”
Jason looked irritated with Peggy controlling his life.
“Anyway, I have good news. Dad wants me to be the plant nurse, but I’ve decided that while you’re flapping your wings in England, I’m going to be in Army Nurses Corps.”
Jason looked surprised with her news, then he smiled.
“I think it’s great you’re serving our country.”
Peggy got a smirk, as she had something up her sleeve.
Hank Jenkins walked up to the walkway with his lunch pale in hand. He was dressed in dirty work coveralls and looked exhausted from a hard day’s work at the plant.
He walked down to the bus stop every morning and took the bus to work since he couldn’t afford a car.
Hank walked up on the porch, and his eyes lit up with joy the second he saw Jason on the porch swing. He immediately snapped to attention and saluted Jason to show he was proud. “Welcome home, son!”
Jason got off the swing, walked over to Hank, and they hugged.
Hank saw Peggy on the swing. “How’s my future daughter-in-law?”
“Fine, Mister Jenkins. How was work at the plant?” she replied while she got up off the swing.
“We’re busy making more engine parts for the airplanes that our brave pilots will fly,” he responded while he patted Jason on his shoulder.
Peggy walked over to them. “I better get home.”
Peggy gave Jason a kiss on his cheek. “I love you,” she said to him.
Peggy and Hank waited for a response.
“I love you,” he replied with a little reluctance.
Peggy smiled then she walked off the porch.
Hank and Jason watched while Peggy walked down their walkway and headed to the sidewalk.
Hank cringed in pain and placed a hand on his back for support.
Jason noticed and looked concerned. “Get some rest, dad.”
“I can’t. I’m working the graveyard shift,” he replied.
“Slow down. You’re killing yourself,” Jason responded and looked concerned.
“I can’t. I still have to pay back that loan for your college tuition,” he responded.
Jason looked guilty for his dad working so hard for his college. He placed an arm around his shoulder and walked him to the front screen door.
“Besides, mom wants to eat out at a restaurant to celebrate you coming home,” Hank responded while he opened the screen door.
Jason felt even guiltier while they went inside the living room.
Later that night, Jason walked arm in arm with Wendy while Hank and Wilma walked behind them.
They walked down a sidewalk and headed home from a nice dinner at the local diner.
“Dad, you didn’t have to spend your hard-earned money at the diner on my account,” Jason said.
“Don’t worry about it. I saved some of the money you’ve been sending us. So in reality, dinner’s on you,” Hank replied with a warm smile.
They walked by a lovely Victorian home with a wrap-around porch. A “For Sale” sign was out front, and Jason’s mom eyes lit up when she saw it. “The Whitson home is for sale,” Wilma said while she drooled over the thought of owning that home.
“Oh, before I forget Jason, Mister Moore wants to see you tomorrow,” Hank told Jason while they walked down the sidewalk.
Jason frowned at that thought of seeing Peggy’s father, and Wendy noticed.
They walked farther down the sidewalk with Wilma taking an occasional glance back at the Victorian home.
It was later that night, and Jason’s neighborhood was quiet.
Jason sat on the front porch swing, and he was in deep thought while he sipped on his a beer.
Hank was in bed, getting a few hours of sleep before he started the graveyard shift. Wilma was in the kitchen, making chocolate chip cookies for Jason’s coming home.
The front screen door opened and closed. Wendy walked over on the porch and sat down on the swing next to Jason. He placed his arm around Wendy.
“It’s hard to believe you’re graduating high school in three weeks,” Jason told her.
“I know, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” she replied.
“What are your plans?”
“I’m an average student, so college is out of the question. I’ll probably go to typing school then get a job as a secretary,” she replied.
She looked at Jason and noticed he looked troubled while he sipped his beer.
“What’s wrong, big brother?”
Jason hesitated, but he and Wendy were tight and always confided in each other. “I can’t marry her, Wendy. I don’t love her anymore.”
“I was starting to sense that earlier,” she replied with a little smile.
“I don’t know what to do. Mom and dad are dreaming of the day I marry Peggy.”
Wendy thought of a response for a few seconds. “You have to go with your heart. And I have to be honest. I was never fond of Peggy. She’s too spoiled and too bossy.”
Jason kissed the top of Wendy’s head. “I love you, sis.”
Wendy cuddled next to Jason. “I’m always here for you.”
They cuddled while they swung on the porch swing and enjoyed the quiet evening.
It was the next morning, and Kenny Moore, sixty years old, worked on reviewing some progress reports at his desk.
His office door opened and Peggy glowed while she entered with Jason, who wore his Army uniform.
Kenny saw them and looked proud. He got up from behind his desk and walked over to Peggy and Jason.
“Welcome home, Jason,” Kenny greeted Jason and stuck out his hand.
“Thank you, sir,” Jason replied while he shook Kenny’s hand.
Peggy smiled and straightened out Jason’s tie, which irritated him.
Peggy smiled at Kenny, who winked back.
“Listen, I’m going to get to the point, Jason. I’m an old college buddy with General Winston. Therefore, I can arrange for you to be transferred closer to home,” he said while he placed an arm around Peggy, who looked happy. “You can be stationed with Peggy after she gets her first nursing assignment. Maybe you can get married right away,” he added.
Jason looked at Peggy’s hopeful eyes. “I appreciate the offer, sir, but I have to go overseas. I can’t leave my buddies behind. It wouldn’t be right,” Jason replied.
Peggy crossed her arms, pouted and lightly stomped her feet.
“I can respect that. I remember never wanting to let my buddies down during World War one,” Kenny replied while he noticed that his little girl pouted. “There’s something else. I’m going to promote your father to a vice president’s job with a sweet raise. It was all Peggy’s idea,” he added then gave Jason a serious stare. “But if you don’t marry her, I’ll fire him in a heartbeat.”
Jason looked worried, and Kenny noticed. Then he chuckled and smacked Jason on his shoulder.
“I’m just messing with you, son. I know that’ll never happen,” Kenny replied.
Jason faked a chuckle.
“Jason has a hair-brained idea of having his own flying business. But after we’re married, he stays safe and sound on the ground,” Peggy told Kenny.
Jason looked trapped and hated this feeling.
“I can make him production manager when he comes home from the war,” Kenny responded and patted Jason on his shoulder.
“Well, I have tons of work, so take care Jason, and dodge those bullets,” Kenny said then stuck out his hand.
“Yes sir,” Jason replied while he shook his hand.
While Kenny walked back to his desk, Peggy walked Jason out of his office.
A little while later, Peggy and Jason walked to her 1939 Ford convertible in the parking lot of her father’s plant.
Jason got behind the wheel, and Peggy scooted over and sat by his side. She kissed Jason’s cheek while she unbuttoned his uniform shirt. She stuck her hand inside his shirt and started to rub his chest.
“We could sneak into old man Adam’s barn just like we did for our first kiss. We could make something else our first,” she said in a romantic tone.
He pulled her hand out of his shirt. “I’m not in the mood right now,” he told her.
Peggy got upset. “What the hell do you mean you’re not in the mood? How can our marriage survive with an attitude like that?” she said in a raised voice.
“I promised dad I would paint the house before I left for England,” he replied, then started up her car.
Peggy scooted across the seat to the passenger door and pouted with her arms crossed while Jason drove out of the plant parking lot.
Four days passed and after some tearful good-byes at the Mount Royal train station, Jason was on his way to England.
An hour later, Jason stood in his uniform with his duffel bag, on the rear platform of the last passenger car. He watched the countryside go by, then he removed and looked at a black and white photo taken two years ago of Jason and Peggy.
Rick Sanders, a twenty-five-year-old Captain, entered the platform from the passenger car. He stood next to Jason and fired up a cigarette then offered one to Jason.
“No thanks, Rick,” he said while he stared at his photo.
Rick looked over at Jason’s photo. “Girlfriend, Jay Jay?”
“Fiancé.”
“She’s beautiful, buddy. Why didn’t you marry her before leaving for England?”
“I fell out of love,” Jason replied while he stared at the photo.
Rick looked baffled while he glanced at the picture. “Fell out of love with a beautiful girl? Are you nuts?”
“Maybe. But she’s spoiled, too controlling and wants me to stop flying after we’re married,” Jason replied while he ran a hand through his frustrated with his life. “I’m in a pickle. Dad works for Peggy’s father, who gave him a loan to pay for my college. Dad will get promoted, and if I back out of the marriage, he might get fired. And he’s so in debt.”
“Sounds like you don’t have a choice. Marry Peggy,” Rick replied while smoked his cigarette.
Jason looked at his photo, and he let it slip out of his fingers, and they watched it fly away.
“Or not,” said Rick while he watched the photo fly away.
Jason and Rick went back inside the passenger car.
The photo landed in the grass.