World War II Pilots Reunited On Veterans Day

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By Mark Bellinger

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - World War II pilots held a reunion in Bedford County. They met at nursing home in Shelbyville.

John Ross, Ivan Potts, John Jarrell, Bob Bomar and Ike Farar all flew planes for the U.S. during the war.

“We're lucky to be here,” said Potts.

The pilots are in their twilight years. They are in their 80's and 90's.

“It's the greatest fraternity in the world. Once you've been through war, you're bonded for life,” said Farar.

During the war they flew missions over places like Okinawa and Normandy. Some of the trips were top secret.

Ross flew classified reconnaissance missions over Germany. No one could catch his P-38 even German planes were looking for him.

“I'd do things the others wouldn't do,” said Ross. "I had the fastest airplane in the world at the time.”

Bomar attacked German submarines and escorted American ships in the Atlantic. He was never hit.

"I think the Good Lord was with me,” said Bomar.

A lot of time has passed, but they remember the war just like it was yesterday.

Farar brought along memorabilia he collected while flying hospital and transport planes. The collectibles included a Japanese sword and 30 caliber bullets.

During their reunion they laughed and cried.

They said Veterans Day is a reminder that other pilots did not make it home, and it's hard to understand why they're here and the others are not.

Potts flew B-29 missions in the South Pacific.

"The other pilot that I flew with in India was lost on the first mission, and it just touches me,” said Potts. “We're pleased that we survived."

World War II was the deadliest war in history. Estimates place the death toll at more than 60 million people. The number includes more than 400,000 American soldiers.

email: mbellinger@newschannel5.com