[Warhawk]

The path one takes has many curves and turns, up and downs, the place to be is in the USA. A Salute to Vladimir Ivanovich Palaniuk. RIP.

18 FEB 1919 to 10 NOV 2006.

Born in Pennsylvania, of Ukrainian descent and son of a coal miner, Palaniuk worked in the coal mines until the 1930's when he started a career as a professional boxer. Using the professional name Jack Brazzo, Vladimir Palaniuk won 15 consecutive matches -- 12 by knockout -- until losing his 16th by decision.

World War 2 came knocking about that time; Vladimir joined the Army Air Corp and began training as a B-24 pilot. During training, an engine failed on his bird, and he suffered severe facial injuries and burns either during the bail-out process or when the bomber crashed . He required extensive plastic surgery -- resulting in a distinctive gaunt look -- and was discharged from the US military in 1944. Wounded in combat, he received the purple heart, good conduct medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Not one to mope, Vladimir graduated from Stanford University in 1947 with a B.A. in drama and pretty much instantly wound up on Broadway.

Three years after his Broadway debut, Vladimir Palaniuk was discovered by Hollywood.

Not content with a commanding screen presence, Palaniuk painted and sold landscape art, wrote and published poetry, spoke Ukrainian, Russian, Italian, Spanish, French and English.

Most folks knew him as Jack Palance.

Author unkown

[STARMAN 352ND]

Yes good ol Jack was a good actor...I kinda liked him in city slickers as ol Charley..
Rest in Peace mate.
JP

[mustangdriver]

I loved him in City SLickers, and had no idea he was a B-24 pilot.

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

.....and had no idea he was a B-24 pilot.

I didn't either until just a couple weeks ago when I learned of his death....funny thing, I thought Jack Palance was already dead...

.....and check out mustangjockey's big 1,000!!!....

[Captain Eddie]

Thanks for sharing the short bio, Warhawk. Like the others, I had no idea he was a B 24 pilot either. Very interesting. Sorry about his passing.

[mustangdriver]

It is sad to hear of any of the WWII vets going, and this one is like no other. Thanks Kunky for the congrats on the 1000th post. I either love this place, am addicted to diecast, or have no life.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Thanks Kunky for the congrats on the 1000th post. I either love this place, am addicted to diecast, or have no life.

All three in my case!

[mustangdriver]

I think that is the case.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Geez guys come on you have a life.....Don't be so darn hard on yourselfs.
Just because you have the time to post here on forum means your making time to do for the love of diecast.
I have a full plate as it is with my life,work,kids,flying,friends and my wife and i still make time for you guys.
JP

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

Geez guys come on you have a life.....Don't be so darn hard on yourselfs.
Just because you have the time to post here on forum means your making time to do for the love of diecast.
I have a full plate as it is with my life,work,kids,flying,friends and my wife and i still make time for you guys.
JP

Yeah, and I bet your Moms think you're pretty cool!

Jack Palance would have thought we were a bunch of nerds though...