After having read Joy Neal Kidney’s, “Leora’s Letters”, I felt as though I had learned all there was to know about the 3 uncles she had lost during WWII.  I should have not come to that conclusion quite so quickly.  I really should have expected that Joy would adamantly press on to locate any possible shred of further data she get her hands on.

I realize now that in “Leora’s Letters”, I had gotten introduced to the boys from Iowa, Dale, Danny, Junior and, of course, their family.  In this new work, “What Leora Never Knew“, I got to see the three of them turn into the soldiers, the pilots – the men they had become.

Joy’s intense mission to locate any, if not all, the information concerning her uncles, will leave you with an understanding of the need to have such stories told.  People like her, and me included, with so many others, not only want these men remembered, but honored for their actions and sacrifices.  They had so many lessons to teach us.

Those expressing their feelings about this book in the endorsement section, convey their approval of “What Leora Never Knew” far more eloquently than I, but I believe we all share the same mutual respect for this endeavor.

Documentation accompanies the stories that Joy relates about her uncles’ time in service and their achievements.   The friends and fellow airmen shared their thoughts, memories and photos with Joy; all of which I know were a comfort to her.

Other members of the Wilson family and extended family, had also served and performed their duty for God, County and Family – heroes in their own right, who thankfully returned to hand down their values to the children.

Joy shares her photos willingly and continues the story to the time family members made a memorable visit to Europe to visit Danny’s grave and those of many others buried so far from home.  Plus, where to view each family members’ grave.  Her family’s grief reminds me of a poem, from an unknown author, entitled, “If Tears Could Build A Stairway”…

No farewell words were spoken,

No time to say goodbye,

You were gone before I knew it,

And only God knows why…

Tucked in the back of the book , between the Resources and Acknowledgements, sits Questions to Ponder… all good, poignant questions, but to you, granddaughter of Leora, my answer to # 8 is an emphatic, “Never!”

Thank you, Joy, for your hard work and diligence.  This is a magnificent addition to my shelves!!

To locate Joy and her books:  Click HERE

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Military Humor –

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Farewell Salutes –

Osprey Crash  –  Japan – 21st Special Op Squadron.353rd Special Op Wing

Terrell K. Brayman – Pittsford, NY; US Air Force, Captain, pilot

Jacob M. Galliher – Pittsfield, MA; US Air Force, SSgt., Airborne Linguist, Specialty: Mandarin

Jeffery T. Hoernemann – Andover, MN; US Air Force, Major, CV-22 pilot/instructor

Brian K. Johnson – Reynoldsburg, OH; US Air Force, Senior Airman, Flight Engineer

Zachery E. Lavoy – Oviedo, FL; US Air Force, TSgt., Flight Chief, Medical Operations

Eric E. Spendlove – St. George, UT; US Air Force, Major, Flight Surgeon

Jake M. Turnage – Kennesaw, GA; US Air Force, SSgt., Flight Engineer

Luke A. Unrath – Riverside, CA; US Air Force, Major, pilot, Flight Commander

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Norman M. Lear (101) – New Haven, CT; US Army, WWII, ETO, B-17 gunner/radioman, 772 BS/463 BG/15th Air Force, Air Medal W/ 4 Oak Clusters  /  screenwriter, sitcom creator & producer

Gordon D. McCarthy – Palmer, MI; US Army, Korea, Cpl., KIA (Chosin Reservoir)

James R. Ward – Springfield, OH; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS Oklahoma, Seaman 1st Class, KIA (Pearl Harbor, HI), Medal of Honor

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Check out GP Cox’s informative Pacific Paratrooper website.