Episode 3 of the World War II Series Is Here

Torpedo bomber pilot Robert Roy III invited pembrokecommunitymedia.com's cast and crew of The Robert Kopper Show into his School Street home Saturday morning, May 11, 2013 for taping of episode 3 of the 4-part World War Two series.

The resultant 33 minute video is a hit with history buffs, and just plain interesting for anyone who likes old photos.

Shown at the beginning is Roy's original combat authorization paper asking "pilot ready for combat?" To signify the affirmative, there's a little "x" typed in the box to the right of the "Yes."

Next is a photograph of the entire squadron and a list of their names.

Roy flew 390 hours practicing take-offs and landings prior to getting his flight "approval."

See the original 28 May 1944-stamped paper generated at Glenview Naval Air Station in Illinois. It says "Qualified this date in carrier landings aboard the USS SABLE in . . . .S N J . . .airplane." Another mark just below the entry is "Approved."

At the 20 min, 57 second point is an interesting photograph Roy's on-board gun camera took of another plane while both were taxiing in San Diego.

This video gives a firsthand account of WW II pilots' day to day life, and more often death.

At 24:31 is a "kind of sad letter," Roy says. "I had a pal at Mount Herman School named John Roberts." Roy continues to read a letter he wrote 69 years ago. "Dear Mother, I received a letter that I had written to John Roberts when I first arrived here. The letter was unopened. Simply stamped 'deceased.' Seems hard to believe and yet it must be true. John was the finest friend I've ever had, and we had swell times together at Mount Herman. We used to have the same jobs, the same classes, and we went out for the same sports. This is an awful way to find out. Stamped on an envelope."

Being with Rob Roy II in person and through viewing on video, is a rare treat not only because of his pleasant personality and quick wit, but because of a willingness to share memories of experiences that few can imagine.

 Remember as you watch, that many pilots did not go home after the war; and of those who did return, most are deceased.