A B-17 Gunner Series: Episode I

BY THE END OF APRIL, Edna's second eldest son, Edgar, aka "Red," had completed his basic training at Keesler Field, Missis­sippi, and was one of five trainees promoted to private first class. PFC Edgar L. Hall was transferred on to Lowery Field for Armament and Gunnery School. Red had grown up hunting deer and game birds, and he was already adept with firearms. Con­sequently, he excelled and was promoted to corporal.

His trainings had been so successful that he was granted the opportunity to choose his next schooling. He chose the 2nd Air Corps Radio School located at Washington State College in Pullman, Washington. He was back in Whitman County and had the oppor­tunity to visit and console his mother and youngest brother, Butch. Butch would have nothing to do with consolation. His eldest brother Adam had always told him, "Never, under any circum­stances, try to start a fight, but never back down from one." The youngest brother was always ready for a fight and this was a big one he didn't want to miss. He headed north to Spokane and attempted to join the U.S. Army. At age sixteen, he was told to go home.

On leave from the WSC Radio School, Red, along with Butch, visited family friend Buddy Rabbit. During that visit, Red noticed a beautiful, young woman he didn't recognize. He had unknowingly seen her before, many times, years earlier when she was in grade school and junior high school. It was Bud's sister Agnes. She had long, flowing, strawberry blond hair and bright red adorning her full lips. He was instantly attracted to this fully grown and recently graduated young lady. Red had only seen her previously in his peripheral vision, but now he stared into her eyes. During the past four years he'd played college football, worked at Boeing, and served in the Air Corps. Agnes was also attracted to Red, who was now taller, muscular, and slimmer and presented a striking figure in his military dress uniform. The couple dated and enjoyed their time together, and when apart they thought only of each other. Agnes agreed to wait for Red's return.

By June, Red finished his WSC schooling at the head of his class. He was promoted to sergeant and held the combined MOS (military occupational specialty) of gunner-radio operator. From there he was sent to Gowen Field near Boise, Idaho, for basic flight training. The air base had 6,000 trainees during World War II and boasted the nation's longest runway at 8,800 feet. At Gowen, Red completed his flight training on September 13, 1942. Finishing near the top of his class, he earned his wings and another promotion.

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