Stories, Humor and Other Articles from the 1930s, 40s & 50s
The following are stories, etc. from aviation pamphlets and other
publications from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, which I find interesting, funny or inspiring. They also give one an
insight into what it was like flying and learning to fly then. I did not write these and often, no
author is credited. The original publications are from my own or friends' collections or
from the American Airpower Heritage Museum library collection.
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Lessons That Live as told by A.A.F. Pilots,
was published by the Directorate of Flying Safety, U.S. Army Air Forces, undated
(1942-43 probable). Anonymous, drawings by Harvey Woolhiser. AAHM library collection. To the
seasoned pilots of the Army Air Forces, who lived these experiences that others might
learn and profit by them, this book is dedicated. |
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Humor from the U.S. Navy Air Group 31's Cruise
Book (former VC-17), consisting of VF-31 (F6F Hellcats) and VT-31 (TBM
Avengers). Editor's collection. |
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A Message to Aviation Cadets, is a
short pamphlet which gives an interesting view of what was expected of a new U.S. Naval
Aviation Cadet in 1943. Joe Mabee's collection. |
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Japan Is NOT an Air Power was
published in the January 1941 issue of FLYING and POPULAR AVIATION. It is a good example
of the American view of Japanese military aviaition, especially naval air power, less than
a year before Pearl Harbor. Joe Mabee's collection. |
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Is Aerial Warfare Doomed? was
published in the November 1934 issue of MODERN MECHANIX And
Inventions. While the cover shows a "crewless freight train" of
the future, the article explains why aerial bombardment and warfare will
play no real part in any future (post-1934) war. Editor's collection. |
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Where is Our Air Power? was
published in the June 1942 issue of FLYING and POPULAR AVIATION. It
is an attempt to answer this popular question of the times. Editor's
collection. |
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Dilbert, the U.S. Navy's most
fouled-up pilot was, fortunately, a cartoon character. Editor's collection. |
I want to be a Naval Aviator
when I grow up because ...
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A short composition titled A Naval Aviator,
supposedly written by a fifth-grade student. |
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One of the great books about aviation is Fate
Is The Hunter by Ernest K. Gann. Gann's final chapter is a
particular favorite of mine.
If you haven't read this book, you should. |
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