THREE FINE MEN

Joel Bunch, Operations Officer, 335th Squadron
(Originally published in Courage, Honor, Victory)

There are those who disapprove of my candid, loose-lipped, and down-to-earth verbal designations and expressions but I classify everyone as son of a bitch. To my friends it is an expression of endearment; to those unfriendly souls, tough, but that's life. Everyone who worked with or who passed through the 95th Bombardment Group knew, appreciated, and greatly admired the sterling leadership of Dave McKnight, Harry G. "Grif' Mumford, A.A. "Aaron" Kessler, and others. But the three most unforgettable characters in my memory were Dr. Elvin D. Imes (flight surgeon), Leonard Herman (a bombardier and nose gunner), and Bill Lindley (a seemingly carefree, irresponsible, and "devil-may care" pilot). 

"Doc" Imes found no injury too small to merit his close attention, nor was he ever too busy to tend the lowest in rank as quickly as the brass. He risked his life to participate in several tough bombing missions to learn, and experience personally, the effects of high altitude, freezing temperatures, combat fatigue, strain, and other factors that the combat crews experienced. Doc Imes asked for nothing more than a chance to serve his God, his country, and his fellow man. A great S.O.B. 

Leonard W. Herman was the most visibly fearful of any crew member within the limits of my memory. I think being Jewish added to his fears, because I believe that fear of Nazi torture was much worse than death itself should he have to bail out over Germany and be captured. But Leonard never missed a briefing, and he never missed a tough assignment. In spite of his apparent and visible fear, Leonard truly had the courage that makes men great. In my opinion he was a heroic S.O.B., one that overcame fear to serve his country well. 

William C. Lindley, like most young Army Air Corps pilots, had been told that he was the finest pilot that ever strapped an airplane to his rear end and flew away. And, like most young pilots, Bill Lindley believed it. He subsequently made all the mistakes and violated all of the rules and regulations that young pilots make and violate; but Bill was one of those rare people who would volunteer for any assignment, regardless of the hazards and the dangers involved. His "let the hide go with the horns" attitude was only his expression of his faith and his confidence in his abilities. Many doubted that "Wild Bill" Lindley would advance to the rank of captain, but he became a major general as he continued to follow a productive military career and to do the jobs well that make American fighting men respected throughout the world. A brilliant S.O.B.