People who walk by him in the street might not know it, but Jack Koser is a true hero.
Way back in 1940, Jack enlisted in the Army Air Corps, going on to fly 23 missions against Japan.
A stroke may have altered his speech, but he remembers it clearly enough. What’s more, the veteran celebrated his 100th birthday just last week!
Jack was based in Tinian, where the Enola Gay was being prepped to carry the atomic bomb. During the war, he flew a B-29 with the 6th Bomb Group, 39th Bombardment Group and the 313th Bombardment Wing of the 20th Air Force.
“Some of them were easy. Some of them were tough,” he recalls. Humble talk for a man who was the only known pilot to roll a B-29 Superfortress and survive.
“I loved the Air Force. I loved flying,” he explained.
Jack continued serving his country for 24 years after the war, acting as President Truman’s personal aide at the Post War Pentagon and later retiring at the rank of colonel.
Now, Jack has only one wish: “God willing, I’ll make 102,” he said.
We sure hope you make it to 102 Jack!
Happy Veterans day to all, and a big thank you to all those who serve.
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