A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/600489
plane exploded in midair. Ziggy was killed and buried in Germany. His crew members were either killed or taken prisoner. Back home, Dora Mae was just finishing hig h school. She felt a lot of grief, and never knew the full story of Ziggy's death. She decided to join the Marines and was stationed here in Washington, DC. When she got out, she married and started a family. After her husband of 50 years died, and with to day's web and social media tools, she started searching for more answers about Ziggy. Tom pitched in to help. He connected her with some people he knew in the Pittsburgh regional area who were part of B - 17 commemoration events. They provided some websites where she could find information about B - 17 flight crews, along with photos. Tom also found Ziggy's squadron and group number. They found out the B - 17 plane that Ziggy was on was called the GI Jane, which was not the plane he normally flew on. First myster y solved. They learned that the pilot of that flight survived and was living in San Diego. The more than 90 - year old vet said he saw Ziggy parachute out of that plane – the last time he would ever see him. Then they found a news article about the incident, written in German, which they took to the local high school to have it translated. Turns out, Ziggy landed on the ground safely but broke his ankle. The local German police were going to take him to a prison where they kept Allied pilots. He had a chance to survive. But a Nazi SS officer showed up, took Ziggy away, and shot and killed him. Many years after the war's end, his remains were brought home. In her late 80's, Dora Mae finally had the closure of knowing what happened. Tom also arranged for Dora Ma e to take a flight on a rebuilt Memphis Belle B - 17 Bomber, something she had really wanted to do. When the person coordinating these rides heard Dora Mae's story, and that she was a veteran, he said there would be no charge. "She's already paid her price." This Veterans Day, let's take a moment to think about the price our military veterans and their loved ones have paid to defend our freedom. Let's express our appreciation to all those who served. We can all do something in our own way. Just like Tom. Tha nks everyone, Teri L. Bristol ATO Chief Operating Officer MEMBERSHIP AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT NATCA STORE ITEM OF THE WEEK: Two - Toned Hoodie Try our fitted zip - up hoodie with kang aroo pocket and drawstring hood, made from 80 percent cotton and 20 per cent polyester with two - tone design. Elastic ri bbed cuffs and waistband. Constructed from our extra soft and durable Flex Fleece. Available colors are by body/sleeve: Charcoal/Black , Black/Red or Grey/Navy. Price: $47.00 - $50.00. Made in USA. Click here to see the item and order it on the NATCA Store website. Select UPS or USPS as your shipp ing preference on your orders. Reminder: Apparel items take 3 - 4 weeks to deliver from da te of order, except for custom made appa rels, it takes 4 - 6 weeks. If you need it by a certain date, please contact NATCA Store Cust omer Service for arrangements. Expedite d shipping charges may apply. To check on stock availability or for further assistance , call 800.266.0895 or email natcastore@natcadc.org .