Another of the Greatest Generation has left us. Lt. Charles Manning, USAAF, of Beaumont, Texas passed away in his sleep Thursday night. Charlie was a P-38 combat veteran of the 429th sq., 474th FG, 9th AF. He was a veteran of Normandy, the actions in the St. Lo area and the debacle of Operation Market Garden. He lived with a couple in my church who were longtime close friends who cared for him. He was friendly, but the lights were on and nobody was home. Don told me of his combat record. The first time I met them, I spotted Charlie wearing his A-2 with "Lightning Jockey" embroidered on it.
respectfully, Doug Ratchford
_________________ "I love the smell of 100LL in the morning."
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