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Archiver > FOLKLORE > 1999-07 > 0930848528


From: Debbie Cornejo <>
Subject: Re: [FOLKLORE-L] (no subject)
Date: Thu, 01 Jul 1999 10:02:08 -0700


WOW!!!!!! that is COOL!!!!!
debs...

Turk McGee wrote:

> Got this from a friend and thought it was soooo cool!!
>
> Janis
>
> During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way
> or another. One such man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot
> assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. On one occasion his
> entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was
> airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had
> forgotten to top off his fuel tank.
>
> Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission
> and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation
> and return.
>
> As he was returning to the carrier, he could see a squadron of Japanese
> Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all the fighter
> planes gone, the formation was almost defenseless. His only thought was
> to distract and divert them. Single-handedly, he dove into the formation
> of enemy planes and attacked them.
>
> The American fighter planes were equipped with cameras, so that as they
> flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about
> the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc. Butch dove at them and shot until all
> his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing
> or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He
> did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships.
>
> Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Butch
> O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier.
>
> He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his plane
> was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to, to protect
> his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's
> highest military honors. And, as you know, O'Hare International Airport
> was also named in his honor.
>
> Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He was
> working for a man I'm sure everyone's heard about: Al Capone. Al Capone
> wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders
> he'd committed and the illegal things he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al
> Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his skill, he
> was able to keep Al Capone out of jail on more than one occasion.
>
> To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only
> earned big money, but he would get extra perks, like a residence that
> filled an entire Chicago City block. The house was fenced, and he had
> live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day.
>
> Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave him all the best things
> while he was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good education. And
> because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one
> thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example.
>
> Easy Eddie eventually decided that this was much more important than all
> the riches he had given him. So, he went to the authorities in order to
> rectify the wrong he had done. However, in telling the truth, it meant
> he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do
> his level best to have him killed. But he wanted more than anything else
> to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his
> son, a good name. So he testified.
>
> Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago.
>
> You may think these are two unrelated stories. But Butch O'Hare was Easy
> Eddie's son.
>
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