Thank you, Mr. Haynes, for posting this. It was so interesting to read especially since your journey may have described one similar to my father's. He also went with 4 or 5 of his friends. I don't have many details, but I do know that not all of his buddies were accepted. Those who were turned down, for whatever reasons, were very discouraged and dishearted that they were not going to be able to "fight the Japs".

How wonderful that you are still flying!!!! Fabulous!