World War II Pilot Diary Donated to Southern Arizona VA
A World War II pilot's firsthand account of his wartime experiences was donated to the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS).
Linda Willmore, a longtime Tucson resident and former VA employee, donated the diary of her late father, Fred Arthur Williams, a B-24 bomber pilot.
Willmore hopes the diary will be of interest to other Veterans and history enthusiasts. "Sam and my brother Ken thought it might be interesting for other family members to read after we’re long gone," she said. "So, my brother, Ken Williams, put it on Amazon. Since it’s like a giant library."
The diary, titled "Flack & Flame Through the Eyes of a World War II Bomber Pilot," offers a glimpse into the challenges and sacrifices faced by American airmen during the war.
Vietnam Veteran Sam Logan shared the significance of Veterans recording their stories. "Reading the diary touched me," Logan said. "It's important for Veterans to share their experiences."
Willmore’s brother Ken Williams, a Vietnam War era Veteran, discussed the impact of his father's recently donated wartime diary.
"I got to know my father much better than I ever thought I could," Williams said. "Like many Veterans, he didn't speak much about his experiences. Reading the diary gave me a deeper appreciation for what he went through.”
Williams learning that his father flew over 35 combat missions over Germany and Europe, without losing a crewman despite having two planes shot to pieces.
Williams encourages other Veterans to share their stories, even if it's just for their families.
“Our family, we are not a military family per se but when called upon we're there,” Williams said. “Putting these experiences into words can be therapeutic and can also create a valuable legacy for future generations.”
The diary will be incorporated into SAVAHCS' historical collection once a dedicated space for Veterans, families, and staff to view historical artifacts is reopened. In the meantime, it will be securely stored.
Additionally, SAVAHCS is using this as the My Life, My Story kick-off to solicit more stories from Veterans. Checkout the SAVAHCS X page to learn how to submit your story.
This donation reflects the VA's growing focus on preserving the stories of Veterans. Veterans and family members interested in sharing their stories can also contact the SAVAHCS Public Affairs office. The VA recognizes the value of putting these experiences into words, while also acknowledging the importance of creating a lasting legacy for others to follow.