Art Kramer
ART KRAMER'S WWII STORIES
See Ya Later Padre
When we took off on a mission, Father Kinsella, the group chaplain, our Padre,
would always be
standing in his Jeep at the end of the runway. He gave us the sign of the cross
and a blessing as our wheels came up . For sort of good luck, I always said to
myself,. "Be right back Padre, don't go away, just wait there for me" I guess
it was sort of whistling in the dark and convincing myself that I would be
back. Anyway I guess it worked since I always came back.The Padre and I became
great friends as time went on. Not for any religious reasons, but because he
was a bridge fanatic, He taught me to play bridge because he needed a fourth
Today when I play bridge I can hear the Padre reminding me to lead fourth from
my longest and strongest suite. One day I aked him how he felt blessing a
mission that was out to kill. He turned very serious and answered, " Arthur. I
am not blessing your mission. I am blessing you and your safe return".
When the war ended and we said our goodbye's, we agreed that we would stay in
contact., but I never saw him again.
Back to Art's Picture Page
Send comments and questions to:
Art Kramer
Coastal Computers, Inc.
Copyright © 2001 Art Kramer and Coastal Computers, Inc.