HOUSTON — President Bush was the last commander-in-chief of his generation. It’s the so-called “greatest generation” who saw the country through World War Two. A fellow combat veteran from that period says Bush served his country well during war and beyond.
“My title was 'Armament Gunman,'” said Army Air Corps veteran Robert Paschal of Houston.
Paschal’s old photos from the 1940s are faded, but decades-old memories of his military service remain vividly clear. He dropped bombs from B-17s over Germany and still has a collection of pins pulled from the bombs before each mission.
“I was in the nose, the very nose of the airplane,” said Paschal. “Had a tin turret, two 50-caliber machine guns, and then I dropped the bombs.”
The now 94 year-old Paschal served in Europe as similarly-aged George H.W. Bush piloted planes in the South Pacific. The two never met during wartime, but they did a couple of years ago during an event at the Bush Library commemorating the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
“He loved his country and he tried his best to serve it, and did well serving it,” said Paschal. “He might not have got a second term, but he didn’t need one. He did his job the first time around, I think.”
In addition to any military or political service, Paschal believes Bush and fellow members of the so-called “greatest generation” also leave a legacy of civility and decency.
“I hate to say it, but you don’t see value in things we regard as valuable anymore,” said Paschal.
Paschal was saddened to hear of the former President’s death so soon after the former first lady’s, but he hopes future generations learn from his life and others who served with less notoriety.
“Bush was a model citizen, he was a model father, he was a model leader,” said Paschal. “You know, Bush was a model, period, for everything you want to name just about.”
Not only did President Bush and Mr. Paschal both serve in World War Two. Both entered the oil business after the war. Unlike the president, Mr. Paschal spent the rest of his career in it. Honor Flight Houston helped us set up his interview.
Learn more about the group here: www.honorflighthouston.org