[DADoser]

This past weekend (Labor Day ’07) I went back to southern IL for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary reception/dinner.

Attending was Jim (Jimmy) Rue and his wife Kathy. Jim was the first preacher I remember from the church of Christ I grew up in. He was also the principal of my elementary school as well as my mother’s boss (as principal; she was the school secretary). When I had open heart surgery – in 1972 at 8 years of age – Jim was at my hospital bed in Chicago. He currently still serves as a minister in a small rural central IL church.

Jim was also a tail gunner in a B-17G in the 8th Air force from August – December 31st, 1944.

When Jim and Kathy arrived, I greeted them and they came over and sat with my wife and I. I told him my hobby; explained that I had three 1:72 scale B-17’s in my collection; and wished I had talked to him much more about his WWII experience when I was younger. His eyes lit up and for awhile – between greeting other guests – I asked a couple questions, but mostly just listened.

Last October (2006), Jim finally received a Purple Heart for a shrapnel wound he took to the back of the neck in Aug 1944. On a bombing mission a piece of metal shrapnel went through the plane, cutting through his headgear; and slicing the back of his head open. He felt the back of his head and was bleeding a lot – radioed to the pilot that he had been hit. The pilot told him to “come up,” but Jim did not want to leave his post. By the time they landed the bleeding had stopped and Jim was told to go to the infirmary. He knew that if he did, he would be grounded for awhile – so he didn’t go. No hospital report – no purple heart. [ Jim’s son and daughter-in-law attend church in another city with a retired Air Force General – I don’t remember the name, but this general traveled with President Reagan often – and after being told about Jim, was instrumental in getting him his purple heart….62 years later.]

Jim’s B-17 was named “Can’t See It.” One of the crew members was from Alabama and he would always say the phrase (read with heavy American southern accent) “I just can’t see it.” – i.e. “Its 5am and we will be doing physical training.” “Sir, I just can’t see it.” When they were trying to decide what to name their plane – this phrase came up, and the pilot said “That’s it. That’s the name – Can’t See It.” It had meaning for the crew as well as the double meaning connected with the hope that the enemy just “Can’t See It” ("it" obviously being the B-17 they were all riding in.)

Jim also told the story of recently going to the 8th Air Force museum in Savannah, GA. He had dropped in the evening before and briefly walked into the museum with his son. His son introduced his father to one of the museum guides(?). The guide told them that the next day a tour group from Germany was coming to the museum.

The next day, Jim went back to the museum and there were 3 tour buses from a city in Germany that he actually bombed – the ball-bearing plant at Schweinfurt, Germany. The museum guide introduced Jim to the mayor of Schweinfurt and the son (or grandson - now, I can’t remember which) of the owner of that ball-bearing plant who was in the tour group. Jim said the first thing that came out of his mouth was “Well, how’d we do?” (in relation to their bombing of his city) The son’s immediate answer was “You did one hell of a job!” They then embraced. [Jim teared up as he was telling me this.] The son told Jim to not worry about the bombing – because “every time we knew the bombers were coming, I had a station on an anti-aircraft gun trying to shoot you son of a bitches out of the sky.”

I made the comment about how interesting it was that years later enemies that hated each other – even in the Japanese/Pacific theater, in which the hatred seemed to be up a few notches – can reconcile….how both sides were just carrying out their orders and serving their nation(s).

Then Jim told me – He “had no problem hating the Germans.” And here’s why:

On their first mission, their ball turret gunner was sick and couldn’t make the flight. They had a ball gunner from another B-17 take his place. [Jim told me this man’s name, but with everything this weekend, I just can’t recall it.] This was the man’s 34th mission and after 35 he could go home. They all returned from this first mission. On their second mission, Jim saw that ball gunner’s plane go down on their 35th mission. He saw parachutes come from the plane. Then he saw a German fighter come in and strafe the parachuting airmen. Jim said: “After that, I had no problem hating the Germans.”

I asked him if he had ever written any of this down. He said “no.” I tried to encourage him to do so. I only hope he will. Next time I sit down with him, I will have a tape recorder.


I wanted to post this mainly to shine the spotlight a little on Jimmy Rue, B-17 Tail Gunner over Germany late 1944. But also wanted to share with the forum because I know how much you all appreciate veterans; their stories; and the service they give to this country.

Thanks for reading – and just say a prayer for Jim, his wife, and family – that he has continued good health and, as long a life as physically possible.

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by DADoser

– and just say a prayer for Jim, his wife, and family – that he has continued good health and, as long a life as physically possible.

I will do that....Good story. I'm glad he finally got his well-deserved Purple Heart....

[STARMAN 352ND]

That was a outstanding story...Very happy to see he got his Purple Heart after all these years.
There are so many untold stories out there just waiting to be told....
JP

[skydriver]

A heartfelt thanks and salute to airman Jimmy Rue.

[Cavtanker]

Great story!

And my grandfather was the same way. For his whole life, he never purchased anything, cars or electronic-wise, with a Asian-sounding name.

[smartd]

So many men and women went to war, did their bit, came home and tried to carry on with their lives.
There are countless stories yet to be told and time is running out.
Get that tape recorder and make an effort to see Jimmy Rue again.
Thanks for posting.

[flyXwire]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by DADoser

Thanks for reading – and just say a prayer for Jim, his wife, and family – that he has continued good health and, as long a life as physically possible.

I most certainly will, DA. Great story, thanks for sharing it!

[Hurriup!]

Great man great story thanks for posting DADoser he has my prayers and my sincere gratitude for his sacrifice and service well done Jim Rue!

[DADoser]

Thanks for all the reads/comments/prayers (for Jim and family).

I thought I would have a pic of Jim and his wife, Kathy - but all I have is this image of me actually talking to Jim about the stories I posted. (Didn't realize this pic was even taken - until I was sent a disc by the event photographer)