My great-uncle, Herschel A. Watson, Jr, passed away this morning.  He was a Marine aviator flying F4U Corsairs during World War 2, for which he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, and A1 Skyraiders during the Korean War.  I don't know how long after the wars he stayed in the Marine Corps Reserve, but he went on to work as an engineer, including on the heat-resistant tiles for the shuttle program.



My main memories of him were talking about the pictures we had found of him in 'his' Corsair during World War 2, he'd told his mother the holes in his wing were from some rivets popping loose, but agreed with me when I pointed out that they didn't match the pattern of rivet holes and instead matching Japanese machine guns, but said that he certainly couldn't have told his mother that.  I'm hoping to get at least copies of those pictures, his wish was that his body be donated to science, so there apparently won't be a family memorial service due to everybody being scattered across the country, but my mother is within driving distance and will be going to help her cousin clean up.

Would love to see some of them old pictures



Rest in peace soldier . You have served your country with honor , and we are indeed most grateful .

RIP Devil Dog

He may have flown air support for my dad in those wars.



RIP