Letters Home: Memoirs of a Ww Ii Troop Carrier Pilot - Paperback

by Frank G. Hathaway (Author)

Frank Hathaway was 17 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Force and began his transformation from college student to pilot. Writing home during his years away, Hathaway detailed as much about his life in training and flying in the Southwest Pacific as censors would allow. Now quoting liberally from his correspondence, Hathaway tells the story of his service flying over jungle, mountains and long ocean passages in New Guinea, the Philippines and on to Japan. The book contains vivid descriptions of life in the cockpit as well as observations about native village life, plane crashes and Japanese reaction to Americans in their midst after the occupation. This is the chronicle of one soldier, a man who was part of what is now known as "The Greatest Generation."

Author Biography

Born in Los Angeles, Hathaway, the second of six children, was attending his first year at the University of Southern California, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. After becoming 19, he started his Army and pilot training, achieving the rank of First Lt. during his 3 1/2 years of service. At the end of the War, he flew for a time as an airline pilot for the fledgling airline FEATI in the Philippines, then returning home, reentered U.S.C to resume his college work. He joined the staff at the Los Angeles Athletic Club with its satellite clubs, upon the death of his father, became President and General Manager of that well known institution. Married in 1949 to JoEllen Robbins, the Hathaway's raised six children. He also found time to serve on the L. A. County Grand Jury, was a founding member of the National Club Association, a member of two Museum Boards and, for ten years was a member of the Los Angeles Police Commission. Following retirement, the Hathaway's have made their home in Big Sur, CA.