WWII veterans receive medal

by Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/30/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del.  -- World War II veterans from the 39th, 40th, 41st and 46th Troop Carrier Squadrons received a medal honoring their service Oct. 18, 2013, at the Air Mobility Command Museum here.

These four squadrons served under the WWII 317th Troop Carrier Group and were known as the "Jungle Skippers" serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations.

Linda Waldman, daughter of Herb Waldman, accepted the medal on behalf of her father who served as a pilot and commander in the 41st Troop Carrier Squadron. Herb Waldman retired with the rank of colonel after 30 years of service in the Air Force.

"I wish he could be here and it means a lot for me to be here," said Waldman. "This event is a wonderful remembrance for the veterans of the 317th and a time for them to get together and continue the history."

Presenting the medals to the veterans were pilots from the 436th Airlift Wing.

Capt. Jared Leese, 3rd Airlift Squadron pilot, said he was truly honored to get the opportunity to present the medals to the veterans of WWII.

"It is very important to recognize the WWII generation's accomplishments," said Leese. "They really set the foundation of what the Air Force is today so we really owe them as much as we can do for them."