1917 President Woodrow Wilson declared war on Germany mobilizing millions of men and boys to fight a war in a far away place called Germany and France. Otis was 35 to old for most jobs in the Army, none the less he give Sis keys to the general store they owned in San Angelo, Texas, made out his will and joined the Army. San Angelo in 1917 was nothing more than a small cow town with a few dirt streets. Oil had been discovered near by but at that time was not a big or important industry. They lived in an apartment that they had constructed above the store.
He was sent off for 6 weeks training before being shipped to France. Upon his arrival in France he met an old friend that was able to get Otis a job working on airplanes, far from the front lines. Within a month or so Otis convinced one of the pilots to teach him to fly. By his third month in France Otis had become a pilot and was flying reconnaissance missions over enemy lines. Airplanes in those days could not carry bombs and few were fitted with machine guns. Otis managed to contribute to the battle effort by flying very low over the enemy lines and pitching hand grenades down on the battle field from the open cockpit of his airplane.
During the insuring 18 months, Otis and his flying partner were shot down several times, crash landed more than once and was recognized for their heroics in battle. When not flying much of his time was invested in patching bullet holes in his airplane. In November 1918 as suddenly as it started WWI came to an end and Otis along with millions of other Americas were shipped home.
Back home operating a general store could no longer keep Otis happy. He started a search and found an old Army surplus bi-wing airplane for sale. it was the same model he had flown in France so he knew how to repair and fly this piece of flying history. After a year or so of saving, finding repair parts and rebuild it was ready to take to the air once again. Otis assisted by Sis spent the next 30 years flying 3 days a week employed by Gulf oil company flying gas and oil lines looking for leaks.
Rewind to their arrival at my home, many pounds of fried chicken, potato salad and gallons of ice tea had been consumed. Women and girls were clearing tables washing and putting away dishes, men had gathered to visit and tell stories, boys were sent away to play and not be under the adults feet.
About 3PM Sis and Otis started saying their good bye’s, ( it took about 5 hours to fly back to San Angelo) quickly checking out their airplane began the task of getting it started and ready to fly. Sis made her way into the front seat, as Otis stood by it’s propeller ready to spin it to start this beast. Now I find it amazing the were able to manage this task they were both almost 70 years old. Sis yelled something out of the cockpit to Otis and within seconds the airplane came to life. Otis climbed into the back seat, as Sis gave it more gas, it began to bounce down our dirt road a was soon in air. I watched until it was out of site.
That was the last time I saw them, they were both killed in a plane crash in 1960 at age 78 still doing heroic things even to death. What a life, What an adventure they had!
TGIF - Why is Common Sense so Uncommon??
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