Docents Corner

Winter, 2002-2003
by Robert Ginn

I’m at the Docent desk, tour #147. It’s New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day? What am I doing here? Everyone knows nothing happens during the Christmas holidays. People won’t tear themselves away from the TV football excess today. But Tom says last year was very busy and Don called to be sure I would be here. But on a Holiday? I’m a volunteer; “they can’t tell me what to do.” I make it a practice to be at home with my family on holidays, doesn’t every one? Oh, sure, once in 1960 I was stranded for several days in East Anglia, Mildenhall to be more specific, when my Military Air Transport Service C-133 was covered with snow from one of the worst storms to hit the UK and the continent in years. Roads were closed, the big party planned at RAF Mildenhall was attended by only those residents of the billets there, including me. Felt pretty much deprived being so far from home in such miserable circumstances. Just a few of us to welcome in a new year. Of course, I was a volunteer of sorts then, but had no choice.

I’m drawn to the Museum Mission Summary board. What did the 390th do for the holidays, say, in 1944? Oh. Oh. Uh huh. I see. Nothing much. Only put up a maximum effort on Christmas Eve! Christmas Eve! Three aircraft lost. Next day, Christmas, go again! Lose another great B-17. (were they volunteers, you think?) A day off, the 26th. Then go again on the 27th and an airplane goes in on take-off in lousy UK visibility. (When I flew out of the UK bases, I was limited to weather sufficient to get me back in should I air abort. Basically a 200 foot ceiling and ½ mile visibility for a precise radar approach. Bet these guys went in worse stuff than that.) And on it goes: the 28th, the 29th, the 30th the 31st. No break. Three more airplanes and crews disappear. Wonder if they weren’t all “volunteers” with nothing more attractive to do than sit freezing in a metal tube for hours high above people trying to kill you.

Back at the Docent desk, now. Priorities in better order, now.. Andy’s here, Larry too. Vernon also. (“How many missions did you have Vern?” “Had four take-offs, three landings you figure it out.”) Very good company here. Sometimes choices are made for “volunteers.” Good ones, too. Visitor count picking up in here now. Think I’ll go talk to that cute young lady over by the Berlin Diorama. And her parents too, of course.

From Walter Byrne collection
“Humor in Uniform”