Apalachicola, FL: This past Sunday Kenneth Tucker was invited to take the flight by the pilot of the Liberty Belle, Ray Fowler. At first Ken declined, “I’ve done my 35.” But the pilot insisted, “If you won’t go up I’m not going up.”
Briefing: Pilot, Ray Fowler, goes over procedures with anxious participants. That’s Ken in the black WWII cap giving pilot Ray some last minute advice.
Flight: Ken reported that, upon take off, it felt like yesterday when he had flown his last mission out of Amendola, Italy with the 15th AF. For a brief moment his thoughts turned to his crew, all long gone but fondly remembered. As he took a seat in the radio room he recalled how all the gunners used to gather there and sit on the floor. He delighted in the reactions of his present day crew who all seemed thrilled to be on board one of the most admired and revered of all warbirds. They ran around, like a barrel of monkeys, peering out the windows of all the gunner’s positions. Most made it up to the nose for a clear view from the navigator’s and bombardier’s positions. Others stood in the flight engineer’s position and observed the pilots in action as well as enjoying a great view. What a thrill it was when the bomb-bay doors opened briefly and some members of the crew appeared horrified by the gapping opening leaving nothing between themselves and the ground.
Debriefing: Ken reported a smooth take off and landing. The success of the mission was obvious by the grins and comments from the crew such as “awesome” ,”unbelievable”, “unforgettable” and “I want to go again!”
Event: Dr. Cleve Randolph Jr. (on left) sponsored the event in honor of his father, Cleve Randolph Sr. who was a Navy pilot in WWII. Randolph Sr. was instrumental in the development of the Apalachicola Air Field during WWII when it functioned as a heavy bomber training site. He also worked all of his life to keep the small airport operational. Ken is in the middle with Al Mirabella, Jr. on right. Al helped spearhead the event. Ken got a lift in a WWII jeep from the Camp Gordon Johnson WWII Museum in Carrabelle. Driving is Tony Minichiello who was instrumental in arranging a book signing for Ken during the event.
Ken’s book: Last Roll Call – The Adventure of a B-17 Tailgunner: Published in November of 2009 the book is not about decorated heroes with tales of valor. Rather it is Ken’s tribute to his crew and their beloved B-17. The book is carried in several warbird museums and flies on the Yankee Lady circuit. It will by flying with the Liberty Belle circuit next season. Ken’s book is popular in history classes throughout Bay County and is being studied as a biography in an AP English class. The book is selling well on the internet and in local independent book stores. For more information visit www.lastrollcall.net.
Perfect!!!!!
Although Ken may have been reluctant to again go up in a B-17, I think that the Ken that I got to know through his book would have ended up enjoying it. Memories, both good and bad, were probably stirred up but maybe also a sense of pride and accomplishment. Perhaps Halsey watched over all their shoulders to assure proper navigation. I recently saw a video from another WW2 tailgunner who described how his navigator totally missed Iceland and the pilot had to turn around. Certainly wasn’t Halsey.
Wanda! Excellent!! Thanks for sharing.
Deb T
I read this book a few months ago, after ordering it online. Wanda Goodwin sent it to me after I paid for it online, if I remember correctly. It was a very good book, but at a good basic level. Wanda and her father did an excellent job, however, of providing a very good historical background on things that were happening, and how they related to Ken Tucker’s time in the 8th AF.
All in all, a nice historical perspective, on a nice personal level.
I would buy this book again.
Gordon Alton
editor/publisher of “Diary of the First Combat Wing”
(the “Diary” is now owned by the Tower Museum, Bassingbourn)
This is great, I know that Ken enjoyed the flight, I am so proud to say that I know him. Can’t wait to speak with him about the flight. The book is great, You guys did a good job.
Wanda,
This is such a wonderful way to start your blog! I know you and your dad will treasure it always.
It was a real pleasure to meet you two in Apalachicola last Sunday afternoon. I only wish my dad, Cleve Randolph, Sr. could have been there to enjoy this event with your dad, too. I really appreciate all you did to make this such a meaningful event for all of those present. I wish your dad had given a talk about his air travel, and war experiences, etc. We really feel proud to be born in the land of the free because of the brave!
Thank you, Rhonda Randolph Hart
Wanda,
Thank you so much for your contribution to the event at Apalachicola airport on Sunday. It was a pleasure to meet your dad and talk to him. Immediately, I knew my dad would be proud to know your dad and they would have a lot in common. So glad your dad enjoyed the day and his plane ride. A lot of people helped to make this a truly wonderful experience for my sisters and my brother. Thanks again!
Reba Randolph Braswell (oldest child)
I have read several WW2 books in the past. The “Last Roll Call” is the best one I have read to date. Ken and Wanda did a great job of writing this great book.
A wonderful story of a young life on the edge during WWII. Thank you Wanda and Ken for all your hard work putting this together for us all to enjoy. God Bless you Ken and all the Vets on Veterans Day!!
I was just scrolling through all the comments and this time your name caught my attention. Now I know why – Michael Joyce was the right-waist gunner on my father’s crew. Was he your father or grandfather?
We love the book and are so proud for Mr. Tucker and his family!
An engaging personal story of the air war and homecoming that was probably typical of the thousands of combat air crews of the time. My father was in the 384th BG and some of the veterans of the group have told me similar stories of their experiences in the war. Congratulations on your book and continued success. Your engagement of the public at the B-17 events allows people to learn at these events about the hard work and sacrifice of the air crew veterans as Ken did during WWII, so worthy of your efforts.
Love this! Mr. Tucker is such a special man.
Hi Wanda…I met you yesterday. I was on the WW2 Harley motorcycle…..As promised, Your book is on sale now on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0975474952
I must say, I hope it does not sell before I finish it!!!
You can now also sell all you books from that link…When it sells, i will donate the funds to your charity…Thanks for the book and the history lesson…Robert
Wanda,
My grandfather is Louis Dunigan, the pilot of your father’s B17. I believe my aunt contacted you a few days ago about ordering books for our family. I just wanted to thank you for writing this book and for including my grandfather’s name on your website, otherwise, we might not have ever learned about this book.
Just three days ago, I watched “Twelve O’Clock High” for one of my graduate school courses. Since this 1949 film contains actual footage of WWII combat, I started searching online and in the film to see if my grandfather’s plane was in any of the shots, or if any of the film was based on his crew. At the same time that I was searching online, I received an email from my aunt with the link to your website, which she had only just found. It was such a crazy coincidence that I shared the story with my professor, who asked me to share with the entire class. Several of my fellow MBA classmates were so inpsired by the story that they requested the link to your website with the intention of ordering the book.
Thank you again and I am eager to read the book!
Shelli (Dunigan) Cassel
Shelli, I had always intended to search for Lt. Dunigan’s family. My father’s admiration and respect for him is expressed throughout the book and I knew that one day I would share that with his family. The shocker was to find out that he is still alive!!! My father was certain that he was the last one, hince the name of the book. I mailed 7 books to your Aunt Betty yesterday, one personally dedicated to you. I’ve received two orders from TX from the website which I will get in the mail tomorrow. This is so exciting. I’m new at marketing and struggled with getting the website up and running but has it ever payed off!!!! Please keep in touch. Wanda
A great personal story. I really enjoyed the book.
Thanks to Ken for his gallant service, sharing his story and
to Wanda for putting it into words.
Reggie Bradley
I enjoyed your book very much. It is kind of funny of how I came to read your book , as I would not normally be interested in a “war” book. I happened to be subbing at Bay Haven one day when the class had been reading the book. I found it unusual for an entire class of 7th graders to be engrossed in a reading assignment. So out of curiosity, I picked up a copy of “Last Roll Call” from the teacher’s desk and began reading. I couldn’t wait to finish it, and read it during planning and lunch that day, ended up borrowing it and returning it to Ms. Pickard later. Your Dad is such a special man, I hope to meet him next time he visits Bay Haven.
I just ordered the book and will be sending it to my Dad. He is probably the oldest living B-17 pilot at age 96. He was in the 97th bomb group stationed in Foggia, Italy. He is still quite active and sharp and loves talking about his missions…33 total!!!!!