By Mike Chiavetta, EAA 1155347

My dad, Frank Peter Chiavetta, and his weathered logbook claimed he flew a B-24 Liberator many times over Iwo Jima.

For a Father’s Day gift, about 1990, I built a model airplane diorama of a Navy blue B-24, specifically with the nose art of Easy Maid proudly painted on its side. I took a Hot Wheels toy station wagon, painted it military grey, and wired micro-LEDs in the headlights to pose and illuminate the graphics.

After Dad’s demise, we found a Distinguished Flying Cross amongst his collection of watches, a fact he never mentioned or shared. I inherited the diorama, my brother got the proud DFC, and an Air Force museum got his logbook.

Truly, my brothers and I are proud of this fine man — the Greatest Generation is always to be celebrated every chance we can.