On the 64th anniversary of the end of World War II, Conroe war veteran and retired U.S. Air Force 1st Lieutenant Joseph Smith, 89, presented a framed survival map, issued to bomber flight crews on combat missions in World War II, to Lone Star Honor Flight (LSHF) as thanks for their efforts in appreciating World War II veterans.

"I'm grateful to the Honor Flight folks for what they're doing," said Smith. "This is a fine thing they are doing for veterans."

This 32-inch silk survival map showed pilots details on major ocean currents in the East China Sea. Should the pilot have to eject or abandon their plane, the maps helped them know what conditions they should expect and how to direct rescuers.  "The silk maps could survive water, wind and being stuffed in a pocket," Smith said. "We hung onto them during missions. I hung onto them after the war."

As an experienced navigator, bombardier and radio operator, Smith flew 58 B-29s during World War II and the Korean War without ever being shot down or having to ditch his aircraft even once. Even with that, there were many close calls, and B-29s typically had no fighter escorts, leaving them to their own in the skies.

The flag will be framed and displayed at the LSHF offices, located at 13921 Texas 105 W., for as long as their organization is involved with transporting Conroe World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to tour military monuments and memorials, according to Brenda Beaven, founder of the LSHF.

The LSHF also received nearly $40,000 in donations from the Eastex Marine Corp League, the Rotary Club, Women’s Auxiliary for VFW Post 4709, Knights of Columbus, Yancey's Concrete of Conroe and McClanahan.  Their next LSHF 3 tour is scheduled for October 3rd, and is already 2/3rds full.

For more information on the Lone Star Honor Flight and donations and trip information please visitLoneStarHonorFlight.com.

Image courtesy of The Courier of Montgomery County

Source: The Courier of Montgomery County