A great hero and a great story.
97. Wow.
Posted on 02/27/2006 11:01:46 AM PST by Borges
WARNER ROBINS -- Retired Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott, author of "God is My Co-Pilot," died early Monday. He was 97.
Scott, a native of Macon, rose to nationwide prominence during World War II, first as a fighter ace in the China-Burma-India theater then as author of "God is My Co-Pilot," an account of his wartime exploits.
The book was later made into a 1945 feature-length movie. Scott -- who retired from the Air Force as a brigadier general -- never lost his "fighter ace" prominence and later used that fame to great effect in supporting Middle Georgia's Museum of Aviation.
"He's been our resident hero, cheerleader and biggest fan," said Pat Bartness, museum foundation president and chief operating officer. "He's been the biggest drawing card we've had. Without him, the museum would just be a different place and not as exciting. He will be sorely missed."
When Scott joined the museum staff in the mid-1980's, he had accomplished more than most people dream of, according to museum director Paul Hibbitts.
"Because of that, his impact has not only been local but national," said Hibbitts. "I've run into people all over the country who have asked me about him. His being part of the museum has opened a lot of doors for us. He's added a lot of credibility. He put us on the map."
Scott's story is the stuff of legend: He flew a homemade glider off the roof of a three-story house at age 12 and crash landed on a spiky Cherokee rose bush. With the Flying Tigers, he earned five of his 22 aerial victories in May 1942 when he flew more than 200 hours in combat.
He won three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars and five Air Medals.
Scott had to tell a couple of little white lies to get into the fight against Japan. At 33, he was considered too old for combat when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and he expected to stay at his training job in California.
Then came a phone call.
"One night about 3 a.m., the phone rang. A man asked `did you ever fly a B-17,' Scott said in a 1996 interview. "So I said yes, I have flown a B-17. But I never had. I got my airplane and went to work."
He was assigned to a mission to bomb Tokyo from China -- but the plan was scrubbed, so his job reverted to flying planes loaded with gasoline and ammunition over Japanese-held territory to Gen. Claire Chennault's "Flying Tigers" in China. Scott later wangled his way into the legendary unit.
Scott was an outspoken proponent of an independent Air Force. His stance didn't make him popular at the Pentagon, where he was assigned after the war to a board studying whether to create a separate Air Force.
Scott's public support for independence got him ousted from the board.
"They exiled me to Arizona to command a fighter-bomber wing," Scott said. "I considered that a promotion."
In the mid 1980's, he was a retired widower getting lonesome in Arizona. Then, the museum called and asked for memorabilia.
He had a picture that was too big to mail, Scott said, so he delivered it in his car. He stayed on and works for the museum as its official fundraising chairman and unofficial piece of living history.
"I'm thinking about writing a new book,"' Scott said in 1996, as autograph seekers approached him, "and calling it `You Can Go Home Again.' "
A great hero and a great story.
97. Wow.
RIP, Gen Scott.
Wow, I live here. I'll have to see what's in the paper for info on this man.
God speed and RIP Gen. Scott *SALUTE*
He has "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God."
Sad news folks.
He'll be sorely missed. This generation of soldier is quickly fading away.
One of my earliest reads that led me to an aviation career in the USAF. I should read it again since I've long forgotten.
"One of my earliest reads that led me to an aviation career in the USAF."
One of mine as well. Led to my Naval aviation career and then one with NASA.
Thanks for the post and Hand Salute to General Scott. He was a pal of my fathers and I've a signed copy of his book.
In his 70s, approximately 3 decades ago, Scott snuck into China shortly after President Nixon's historic visit and was one of the first of the Sino-American thaw to see the Great Wall.
A double shock to learn in the same instant that he was still alive and now dead.
RIP
Ugh!
Yes, you remind me of the dyslexic theologins arguing about the existence of dog.
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