Page 11 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2018- Online Magazine

descended into Wesel, Germany, parachute risked wwii
and “helped deliver hundreds of being scattered
fighting men and air power due to over vast areas,
the ingenuity, resourcefulness and while gliders
hard labor of aircraft mechanics in could land
Holland several months before.” hundreds of infantry with a much
greater degree of precision.” Because
Returning to the U.S. from Le Havre, they were quiet, “they also afforded
France, Justin was discharged at Ft. a better chance of surprise . . . often
Sam Houston on October 19, 1945. landing undetected. More than 5,000
He was awarded numerous medals glider pilots were trained by the
for his service, including the Bronze United States military alone in WWII.
Star. Returning to Lubbock, he went The aircrews suffered casualty rates
back to Coca Cola and worked as a exceeding 30 percent. Most of these
manager for several years. He met aviators were trained in Lubbock,
and married Winona Cawthorn Texas. Today, the city is home to
in 1948. They had four daughters, the Silent Wings Museum, which is
four grandchildren and seven dedicated to preserving the memory
of these brave fliers.” (from the
Justin went on the inaugural great-grandchildren. After leaving website Military History Now)
2012 South Plains Honor Coca Cola, Justin bought a Curtis
Flight after “being signed up Candy franchise, then a Borden’s
by his daughters.” He said Distributorship in Levelland, where Justin Jones’ role in glider retrieval
his favorite memorial was the he spent 17 years. helped fill the skies with American
WWII because “that’s ours” air power, helping the Allies secure
(his generation). Gliders played a significant role victory in Europe and earning his
in the war. “Troops dropped by place in The Greatest Generation.

2018 HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED.

Sunday, November 11 • 1 - 5 pm

An annual exhibition
of artwork that explores Ceremony - 2 pm • Children’s Activities
the history and meaning Refreshments • FREE Admission
behind Día de los Muertos

October 5 - November 18

6202 N. I-27 • 806.775.3049
1801 Crickets Ave • (806) 775-3560
www.buddyhollycenter.org www.silentwingsmuseum.com

Lubbock Senior Link 11