Many of the photos which follow are originals taken by Robert (Bob) Fitz, my father-in-law, or his friends. Others appear to be Army photographs collected by him.
Bob left his home in Michigan City, Indiana, at the age of 16 to enlist in the Army Air Service. His work for the Army was varied in nature involving much mechanical and basic engine work. In about 1921 he was admitted to flying school and emerged as an Army Flying Service pilot. This was in 1922, too late for combat in WW I; however, his flying career which began in Jennys extended to many different types of aircraft.
His love for flying continued into the years following his honorable discharge and, as WW II reared its head, he became very active in the developing Civil Air Patrol, gaining the rank of lieutenant. During those years he had part ownership in a Piper Cub for which his wife, a good seamstress, had the opportunity to sew up the re-covering materials, making good use of the livingroom floor.
Bob died in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1982 at the age of 79.