Glen Kessler - KA4VML

I am the sole remaining AFFC Plank Holder, dating from around 1982, and served as Commander for four years, from 1987 to 1991.

I joined the Army Air Corps 7 October 1941, graduated from Radio and gunnery schools and joined the 91’st Bomb Group at MacDill AFB in May 1942. We picked up a B-17F at Bangor, Maine and flew to Bassingbourne Air Base, England, arriving in September. We flew our first combat mission 7 November 42 and our 25’th combat mission on 28 June 1943. I had a three-year tour at Kempton, Germany where I flew in the Berlin Airlift.

Glen is pictured at left, seated next to the propeller. 

Photo courtesy of Debbie Gray.

I met the love of my life, Leona, in September 1944 while stationed at Scott AFB. We married a month later and brought three girls and two boys into the world.

I retired from active duty as a Master Sergeant, accepted a civil service position at Patrick AFB, and finally retired from the Air Force in 1978 with thirty-two years of service.

We found our forever home in Okeechobee, FL and have lived here fifty-five years.

Here's Glen in Korea, 1952.