Spitfires, Thunderbolts, and Warm Beer: An American Fighter Pilot Over Europe by Philip D. Caine

Author:Philip D. Caine [Caine, Philip D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-02-13T01:30:00+00:00

The members of Lee's squadron had been going into London, two or three at a time, for several days to complete their transfer to the American forces. This had to he done by everyone before the transfer ceremony scheduled for September 29. So, after two more days on readiness but without flying, it was off to London and the big day for Gover. (Gover was among the last in the squadron to transfer because of the problems he had with his physical.)

Tbesday, September 22, 1942 On readiness again until 1:00 p.m. I caught the 5:00 p.m. bus into Bromley South. Jumped the train and came on into London and checked in at the Regent. Then went to the Crackers Club, where I saw Jackson, Baker, Miley and Lambert [all squadron mates].

Wednesday, September 23, 1942 Down to Pen House at 9:00 a.m. Was sworn into the U.S. Army Air Force by Colonel Ayling and then taken out to a U.S. Army camp and given a bunch of papers to sign.

Among the papers that Gover received, three stand out. The first was his appointment as a second lieutenant.

SUBJECT: Appointment

TO: Second Lieutenant LeRoy Gover, AUS.

1. The Secretary of War has directed the Theater Commander to inform you that the President has appointed and commissioned you a temporary Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States effective 23 September 1942. This appointment may he vacated at any time by the President and, unless sooner terminated, is for the duration of the present emergency and six months thereafter. Your serial number is 0885183 and you will rank from 23 September 1942.

2. This letter should he retained by you as evidence of your appointment as no commissions will be issued during the period of the war.

By command of Lieutenant General EISENHOWER

Also included were orders designating him a pilot and another set placing him on flying status. Everything about the move was not good, however. Lee and the other Americans got no credit for their service in the RAF for pay or time in the service. They also were not given official credit for enemy aircraft destroyed, although their combat time counted. One concession was that they could wear their RAF wings over the right breast pocket of their U.S. uniform.

"Well, I'm in the Army now for sure," wrote Lee on September 24. "Back out to sign more papers and get $150 for my uniform allowance. Then back into town, where Lambert and I bought our uniforms. Then to the tailors." On Friday, "l went hack out again and fixed up my $1(1,000 insurance papers. Jay Reed, Jack Manse and I went out on a spree." (The $10,000 free life insurance was very important to all of the Americans, and some of those who were not sure if they should transfer were convinced because of this factor. While in the RAF they had no insurance of any kind.) The next morning, Gover wrote his folks with the news.

Just a short note saving that I have transferred over and am now in the U.

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