Today I have the honor to interview Barbara Evans Kinnear, daughter of Richard Eager, a World War II veteran whose experiences
are documented in her recently released book: “Richard Eager” a Pilot’s Story
from Tennessee Eagle Scout to General Montgomery’s “Flying Fortress.”
I
think it is important to highlight that the origin of World War II is rooted in
the rise of fascist dictators like Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler
in Germany. These fascist dictators capitalized on the economic anxieties of
the time to abuse their power, and to scapegoat groups of people. These
dictators used racial hatred and national pride to gather support. One of their
strategies was to ban books. Banning books is a feature of dictators, so we
need to be aware of the implications of such behaviors to avoid falling for the
same past mistakes that led to persecution of dissidents, human rights violations and so much
human suffering. Their disregard for democratic principles escalated and expanded
beyond their borders to dominate other countries. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December
7 1941, The United States of America declared war on Japan. Italy and Germany
were allies of Japan and declared war on the United States.
Captain
Richard E. Evans was an American B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. He flew 55 combat
missions over North Africa, Italy and other German held territories. During
that time, he was chosen to fly British Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery to
wherever the General needed to be throughout North Africa and Italy. Evans and
“Monty” traveled together during a particularly dangerous phase of the war,
when the Allied forces were just beginning to turn back the brutal Axis armies
that had invaded North Africa and were closing in on Egypt in an effort to gain
control of the strategically vital Suez Canal. Over the deserts of Tunisia,
Libya, and Egypt, a rocky but honest and respectful friendship formed between
the young American pilot, Captain Evans, and his British commander, Field
Marshal Montgomery, later to become 1st Viscount of Alamein.
Captain
Evans retired to the Air Force Reserves months after the Japanese surrendered,
returning home to his wife and young daughter. He was asked to fly again when
the Korean War began. He continued in the Air Force flying the B-47, B-52, and
he became the B-58 Test Squadron Commander before retiring from the Air Force
in 1959 as a Command Pilot and full Colonel.
Julia: What inspired you to write this book?
What is it about?
With
humor, humility, and honesty, he shared personal lessons on perseverance,
loyalty, fairness, fear, and respect. He wrote with great detail, so one could
clearly imagine the scene as he described it.
As
the title implies, this book is both a coming-of-age
story with memories and lessons from home, as well as a WWII story with unique
adventures and experiences.
Colonel
Evans told his stories from his point of view. His “voice” is very clear. These
are the stories of those whose names are known in history books, but also those
who are not known by name or who did not survive the war.
He
gathered personal letters, photos and many notes and references to add context
to his stories. He also compiled a humorous glossary of pilot’s vernacular. To
provide greater perspective and color to Colonel Evans’ book, we have included more research and additional archival
materials, including: a chronology of his life’s milestones and Second World
War details; an appendix of original family letters, V-Mail, commendations and
interesting documents, all primary sources that shed light on his fears,
reflections, and important personal and professional relationships.
My
father passed away 2006, and I vowed to bring the book to the public,
especially given the broad interest in General Bernard L. Montgomery, whom my
father flew.
I
had saved my father’s best finished chapters, but in 2008, my family and I lost
everything in the disastrous Santa Barbara Tea Fire. We thought his work was
gone.
However,
within months of the fire, my stepmother asked me to take some boxes, belonging
to my father out of storage in Los Angeles. Within the retrieved boxes, were
drafts and drafts of the chapters, plus Air Force records, photographs and
more. There was enough to get started… but the paper drafts and floppy disks
were a mess. I remember asking myself, “How are we going to do this?” and then
thought, “Just one page at a time.” And
so, my family and I began.
Julia: Would you like to share something that
you learned from your father's personal experiences?
One
of the most important life lessons that I learned from my father was he was
grateful. He shared his stories with remarkable optimism for the future and
with gratitude for his family, his life, and the experiences from which he
benefited.
Julia: What did you enjoy the most about
co-authoring “Richard Eager” a Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scout to
General Montgomery’s “Flying fortress”?
What
did I enjoy about being the co-author… a promise to self was fulfilled, a
beautiful book has been published, and this book has become a way to honor and
remember Colonel Richard E. Evans and those he hoped to recognize in his
chapters
Julia: Is there anything that you would like
to add about the book?"
Julia: Can you tell me about the Air Force Aid
Society?
Barbara:
The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force founded
in 1942 by General Henry “Hap” Arnold and his wife, Bee. The Society is
dedicated to helping dependents of eligible Airmen and Guardians in three ways:
-Emergency assistance for families with financial needs
-Targeted community programs, such as
childcare, car upkeep, and spouse employment
-Education support with scholarships, grants
and loans made available to dependent children or spouses of Airmen and
Guardians, active or retired. Education grants are based on financial need. The
Endowed Colonel Richard Ernest Evans Memorial Fund, along with other donors,
financially support the General Arnold Education Grant Program. Since
launching in 1988 nearly $ 167 million dollars in Arnold education/ grants have
been awarded to 109,499 hopeful scholars.