Norm Bussel, 447BG B-17 crewman, author of "My Private War"

[jeffwho]

www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/02/27/how-does-a-91-year-old-wwii-vet-help-todays-veterans-by-telling-them-he-has-ptsd-too

Truth told, Norm is my inspiration for wanting another jeep. Don't bother me with the fact that Lucille is motorless in the garage, and I've nowhere to store another vehicle let alone finance any of the repairs with which I'm faced.  YET

I am going to do a "Follow Me" jeep, someday somehow, modelled after the groundcrews that guided the "heavies" to their starting places and parking revetments during WWII.  You guessed it, B-17s from 447BG.  I've already researched a bunch and know the paint schemes of the planes, photos of groundcrew and best yet aircrew and airfield signage.  Fun!  And best news yet - it will get driven, and I can share not only the history of the jeep but the 447th BG, 8th AF and expand my collection of "army junk".

Why?  Why not?  Who doesn't want more than one jeep?  Besides, eventually my boys will be old enough to drive em.  THEN I will have to get at least two more, and hopefully by that time I will have learned something.  ANYTHING.

[jeffwho]

Though orange is the most hideous colour in the palette, this is kind what I'm thinking ...

[Haines Garage]

Actually....
I think that looks Awesome!

[zooke581]

Yellow and Black Checkers

[jeffwho]

Like I said, orange in all its varieties is obnoxious. NO, just say no. Clemsonitis can be cured, Tater, if you just let it happen.
{{guffaw, guffaw}}

Yes, Sir Eric - Yellow and black chequers is the likley paint scheme, or just plain yella.
If I made it a Marine Corps jeep, from VMF321, I could call it "Tha Mella Vella La Vella Yella Fella" and then do you all a favour and myself ...

[Deleted]

Thanks to you Jeffy I'm now immersed in Robin Olds' memoir. After googling My Private War it appears to be a must read. See what ya went and did!!

[jeffwho]

Apr 14, 2016 11:07:43 GMT -5 @rickg said:

Thanks to you Jeffy I'm now immersed in Robin Olds' memoir. After googling My Private War it appears to be a must read. See what ya went and did!!

I'll post a photo of my library and put your card in the Rolodex