Chuck Childs was a flying instructor for the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII (September 1, 1939 to September 2, 1945) before he began flying B-17 bombers over Europe. He flew 37 combat missions against Germany and, miraculously, survived them all without serious injury.
After the war, Childs took part in the “Berlin Air Drop” (Berlin Air Lift - April 1, 1948 to May 12, 1949) ), flying 196 missions to bring daily necessities to German citizens living behind the newly created Russian Iron Curtain. Aircrews from the U.S. Air Force, British Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the South African Air Force flew over 200,000 flights to provide Berliners 8,893 tons of fuel and food.
Childs also participated in the Korean War, carrying paratroopers into combat.
Among other awards, Chuck Childs received 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
He recently took part in a special flight of the “Sentimental Journey” – a fully restored and fully operational B-17 bomber – over Rapid City. SDPB’s Jim Kent accompanied Chuck Childs on that flight, before which Childs shared memories of his career as a pilot.
Members of the “Sentimental Journey” crew also offered comments about their own flying experiences and that of family members who fought in WWII.
Related link:
Take To The Skies In A B-17 With WWII Pilot Chuck Childs - SDPB 6/18/15
http://listen.sdpb.org/post/take-skies-b-17-wwii-pilot-chuck-childs
For more information on Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona go to: www.azcaf.org