WWII B-17 Pilot
POW Germany
January 1944 ~ May 1945
Notes on Ed provided for his funeral service:
Edwin Douglas Davidson, almost exclusively known as Ed, was born July 31, 1923, at home in the center of the village of Bovina Center, NY
He attended school, grades 1 through 8, at District 4 (now the town library) in Bovina Center. High school was at Delaware Academy and Central School in Delhi, NY. His Class of 1941 was the first to graduate from the newly constructed building, which is still in operation
Immediately following graduation, he started training in aviation at Elmira, NY. There he started his flying career.
A short time following the start of World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and entered flight training. Following the series of Primary, Basic, and Advanced training courses, he transitioned to the B-17. All this at the age of 19.
After crew training, his crew was transported to England by ocean liner. Following a few local training missions, they were off to combat over Germany and France. On their 7th mission, to Bordeaux, on the southern French coast, their aircraft “Little Girl” was badly damaged by German fighter aircraft and ditched off the coast. Due to loss of communication and fire aboard the aircraft, it is assumed that 5 of the 10-man crew bailed out over water and never recovered. The copilot was killed by enemy gunfire. The remaining 4 crew members. spent about 4 hours floating in their life raft before being picked up by a German seaplane, to hear the dreaded phrase “For you, the war is over.”
Following a short hospital stay, interrogations and a long train ride, Ed was relegated to Stalag Luft 1 in north east Germany. Sixteen months later, the camp was liberated by the Russians. A few days later, the prisoners were recovered by B-17’s and flown to France. There he met a Bovina airman Fred DeSilva. Small world.
Ed then was returned to England, shipped home, and following a short leave, returned to Florida to requalify in the B-17. Japan surrendered and Ed was soon discharged.
Next, off to college at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. During summer vacation, Ed took a job at a resort at Lake Mohpac, NY, where he met and married his wife Maria.
Following his 2nd year at Cornell, Ed transferred to Parks College of St. Louis University, in Cahokia, IL.
During his time at Cornell and Parks, Ed was active in the Air Force Reserve. Immediately following graduation from Parks in 1951, he was recalled to active duty for Korea. He was assigned to Japan, flying support into Korea.
After being discharged again, he applied to the airlines, getting hired by American. During his time with American, he flew support mission for the Vietnam war. He also flew charter flights for Robert Kennedy during his campaign.
Mandatory retirement at age 60 didn’t end his flying. He then worked as a contractor with American Airlines as a simulator instructor for the Air Force KC-135 jet tanker aircrews and frequently flew training missions with the crews.
He also became involved with Steck Aviation at Brown Field, San Diego and help establish and run a glider training operation.
Ed also would visit airshows by The Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Collings Foundation where they displayed military aircraft, the B-17 in particular. He set up a display area relating his World War II experience and answered many inquiries. He took special delight talking to young people who showed great interest in his presentation. He also enjoyed frequent rides in the B-17.
He greatly enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans and was very active with the San Diego chapter of the AXPOW, former Prisoner of War veterans.
For many years, Ed made annual trips back to his hometown, and did tremendous amount of work on the town history, especially the cemeteries records and family genealogy.
While in relatively good health, death came swiftly following a fall that caused bleeding on the brain.
Ed was dearly love by family and many many friends. He will be deeply missed.
Burial will be in the family plot in Bovina Center, NY next to his Mother, Father and brother Alan.
His Sister Jane is buried in Binghamton, NY along with her husband and in-laws.
Ed is survived by his wife Maria, sons Jon, Tom and Robert and their families, stepson Amir and family, and brother Richard and family.
Thank you all for coming to say farewell. God bless America.
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/55421
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/27871
POW Germany
January 1944 ~ May 1945
Notes on Ed provided for his funeral service:
Edwin Douglas Davidson, almost exclusively known as Ed, was born July 31, 1923, at home in the center of the village of Bovina Center, NY
He attended school, grades 1 through 8, at District 4 (now the town library) in Bovina Center. High school was at Delaware Academy and Central School in Delhi, NY. His Class of 1941 was the first to graduate from the newly constructed building, which is still in operation
Immediately following graduation, he started training in aviation at Elmira, NY. There he started his flying career.
A short time following the start of World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and entered flight training. Following the series of Primary, Basic, and Advanced training courses, he transitioned to the B-17. All this at the age of 19.
After crew training, his crew was transported to England by ocean liner. Following a few local training missions, they were off to combat over Germany and France. On their 7th mission, to Bordeaux, on the southern French coast, their aircraft “Little Girl” was badly damaged by German fighter aircraft and ditched off the coast. Due to loss of communication and fire aboard the aircraft, it is assumed that 5 of the 10-man crew bailed out over water and never recovered. The copilot was killed by enemy gunfire. The remaining 4 crew members. spent about 4 hours floating in their life raft before being picked up by a German seaplane, to hear the dreaded phrase “For you, the war is over.”
Following a short hospital stay, interrogations and a long train ride, Ed was relegated to Stalag Luft 1 in north east Germany. Sixteen months later, the camp was liberated by the Russians. A few days later, the prisoners were recovered by B-17’s and flown to France. There he met a Bovina airman Fred DeSilva. Small world.
Ed then was returned to England, shipped home, and following a short leave, returned to Florida to requalify in the B-17. Japan surrendered and Ed was soon discharged.
Next, off to college at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. During summer vacation, Ed took a job at a resort at Lake Mohpac, NY, where he met and married his wife Maria.
Following his 2nd year at Cornell, Ed transferred to Parks College of St. Louis University, in Cahokia, IL.
During his time at Cornell and Parks, Ed was active in the Air Force Reserve. Immediately following graduation from Parks in 1951, he was recalled to active duty for Korea. He was assigned to Japan, flying support into Korea.
After being discharged again, he applied to the airlines, getting hired by American. During his time with American, he flew support mission for the Vietnam war. He also flew charter flights for Robert Kennedy during his campaign.
Mandatory retirement at age 60 didn’t end his flying. He then worked as a contractor with American Airlines as a simulator instructor for the Air Force KC-135 jet tanker aircrews and frequently flew training missions with the crews.
He also became involved with Steck Aviation at Brown Field, San Diego and help establish and run a glider training operation.
Ed also would visit airshows by The Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Collings Foundation where they displayed military aircraft, the B-17 in particular. He set up a display area relating his World War II experience and answered many inquiries. He took special delight talking to young people who showed great interest in his presentation. He also enjoyed frequent rides in the B-17.
He greatly enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans and was very active with the San Diego chapter of the AXPOW, former Prisoner of War veterans.
For many years, Ed made annual trips back to his hometown, and did tremendous amount of work on the town history, especially the cemeteries records and family genealogy.
While in relatively good health, death came swiftly following a fall that caused bleeding on the brain.
Ed was dearly love by family and many many friends. He will be deeply missed.
Burial will be in the family plot in Bovina Center, NY next to his Mother, Father and brother Alan.
His Sister Jane is buried in Binghamton, NY along with her husband and in-laws.
Ed is survived by his wife Maria, sons Jon, Tom and Robert and their families, stepson Amir and family, and brother Richard and family.
Thank you all for coming to say farewell. God bless America.
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/55421
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/27871
WWII B-17 Pilot
POW Germany
January 1944 ~ May 1945
Notes on Ed provided for his funeral service:
Edwin Douglas Davidson, almost exclusively known as Ed, was born July 31, 1923, at home in the center of the village of Bovina Center, NY
He attended school, grades 1 through 8, at District 4 (now the town library) in Bovina Center. High school was at Delaware Academy and Central School in Delhi, NY. His Class of 1941 was the first to graduate from the newly constructed building, which is still in operation
Immediately following graduation, he started training in aviation at Elmira, NY. There he started his flying career.
A short time following the start of World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and entered flight training. Following the series of Primary, Basic, and Advanced training courses, he transitioned to the B-17. All this at the age of 19.
After crew training, his crew was transported to England by ocean liner. Following a few local training missions, they were off to combat over Germany and France. On their 7th mission, to Bordeaux, on the southern French coast, their aircraft “Little Girl” was badly damaged by German fighter aircraft and ditched off the coast. Due to loss of communication and fire aboard the aircraft, it is assumed that 5 of the 10-man crew bailed out over water and never recovered. The copilot was killed by enemy gunfire. The remaining 4 crew members. spent about 4 hours floating in their life raft before being picked up by a German seaplane, to hear the dreaded phrase “For you, the war is over.”
Following a short hospital stay, interrogations and a long train ride, Ed was relegated to Stalag Luft 1 in north east Germany. Sixteen months later, the camp was liberated by the Russians. A few days later, the prisoners were recovered by B-17’s and flown to France. There he met a Bovina airman Fred DeSilva. Small world.
Ed then was returned to England, shipped home, and following a short leave, returned to Florida to requalify in the B-17. Japan surrendered and Ed was soon discharged.
Next, off to college at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. During summer vacation, Ed took a job at a resort at Lake Mohpac, NY, where he met and married his wife Maria.
Following his 2nd year at Cornell, Ed transferred to Parks College of St. Louis University, in Cahokia, IL.
During his time at Cornell and Parks, Ed was active in the Air Force Reserve. Immediately following graduation from Parks in 1951, he was recalled to active duty for Korea. He was assigned to Japan, flying support into Korea.
After being discharged again, he applied to the airlines, getting hired by American. During his time with American, he flew support mission for the Vietnam war. He also flew charter flights for Robert Kennedy during his campaign.
Mandatory retirement at age 60 didn’t end his flying. He then worked as a contractor with American Airlines as a simulator instructor for the Air Force KC-135 jet tanker aircrews and frequently flew training missions with the crews.
He also became involved with Steck Aviation at Brown Field, San Diego and help establish and run a glider training operation.
Ed also would visit airshows by The Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Collings Foundation where they displayed military aircraft, the B-17 in particular. He set up a display area relating his World War II experience and answered many inquiries. He took special delight talking to young people who showed great interest in his presentation. He also enjoyed frequent rides in the B-17.
He greatly enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans and was very active with the San Diego chapter of the AXPOW, former Prisoner of War veterans.
For many years, Ed made annual trips back to his hometown, and did tremendous amount of work on the town history, especially the cemeteries records and family genealogy.
While in relatively good health, death came swiftly following a fall that caused bleeding on the brain.
Ed was dearly love by family and many many friends. He will be deeply missed.
Burial will be in the family plot in Bovina Center, NY next to his Mother, Father and brother Alan.
His Sister Jane is buried in Binghamton, NY along with her husband and in-laws.
Ed is survived by his wife Maria, sons Jon, Tom and Robert and their families, stepson Amir and family, and brother Richard and family.
Thank you all for coming to say farewell. God bless America.
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/55421
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/27871
POW Germany
January 1944 ~ May 1945
Notes on Ed provided for his funeral service:
Edwin Douglas Davidson, almost exclusively known as Ed, was born July 31, 1923, at home in the center of the village of Bovina Center, NY
He attended school, grades 1 through 8, at District 4 (now the town library) in Bovina Center. High school was at Delaware Academy and Central School in Delhi, NY. His Class of 1941 was the first to graduate from the newly constructed building, which is still in operation
Immediately following graduation, he started training in aviation at Elmira, NY. There he started his flying career.
A short time following the start of World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and entered flight training. Following the series of Primary, Basic, and Advanced training courses, he transitioned to the B-17. All this at the age of 19.
After crew training, his crew was transported to England by ocean liner. Following a few local training missions, they were off to combat over Germany and France. On their 7th mission, to Bordeaux, on the southern French coast, their aircraft “Little Girl” was badly damaged by German fighter aircraft and ditched off the coast. Due to loss of communication and fire aboard the aircraft, it is assumed that 5 of the 10-man crew bailed out over water and never recovered. The copilot was killed by enemy gunfire. The remaining 4 crew members. spent about 4 hours floating in their life raft before being picked up by a German seaplane, to hear the dreaded phrase “For you, the war is over.”
Following a short hospital stay, interrogations and a long train ride, Ed was relegated to Stalag Luft 1 in north east Germany. Sixteen months later, the camp was liberated by the Russians. A few days later, the prisoners were recovered by B-17’s and flown to France. There he met a Bovina airman Fred DeSilva. Small world.
Ed then was returned to England, shipped home, and following a short leave, returned to Florida to requalify in the B-17. Japan surrendered and Ed was soon discharged.
Next, off to college at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. During summer vacation, Ed took a job at a resort at Lake Mohpac, NY, where he met and married his wife Maria.
Following his 2nd year at Cornell, Ed transferred to Parks College of St. Louis University, in Cahokia, IL.
During his time at Cornell and Parks, Ed was active in the Air Force Reserve. Immediately following graduation from Parks in 1951, he was recalled to active duty for Korea. He was assigned to Japan, flying support into Korea.
After being discharged again, he applied to the airlines, getting hired by American. During his time with American, he flew support mission for the Vietnam war. He also flew charter flights for Robert Kennedy during his campaign.
Mandatory retirement at age 60 didn’t end his flying. He then worked as a contractor with American Airlines as a simulator instructor for the Air Force KC-135 jet tanker aircrews and frequently flew training missions with the crews.
He also became involved with Steck Aviation at Brown Field, San Diego and help establish and run a glider training operation.
Ed also would visit airshows by The Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Collings Foundation where they displayed military aircraft, the B-17 in particular. He set up a display area relating his World War II experience and answered many inquiries. He took special delight talking to young people who showed great interest in his presentation. He also enjoyed frequent rides in the B-17.
He greatly enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans and was very active with the San Diego chapter of the AXPOW, former Prisoner of War veterans.
For many years, Ed made annual trips back to his hometown, and did tremendous amount of work on the town history, especially the cemeteries records and family genealogy.
While in relatively good health, death came swiftly following a fall that caused bleeding on the brain.
Ed was dearly love by family and many many friends. He will be deeply missed.
Burial will be in the family plot in Bovina Center, NY next to his Mother, Father and brother Alan.
His Sister Jane is buried in Binghamton, NY along with her husband and in-laws.
Ed is survived by his wife Maria, sons Jon, Tom and Robert and their families, stepson Amir and family, and brother Richard and family.
Thank you all for coming to say farewell. God bless America.
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/55421
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/27871
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