It wasn’t bad. One thing that was different was the rank (WO-1 to CWO-4 in the Air Force) got 5% per year over 20 instead of the 2.5% the others got. When he retired, the rank was no longer available, so the retirement pay was equal to an officer. He retired at 95% active duty pay of a major.
Wow, thats awesome!
There were only 5500 ever in the AF. 4400 warranted in November of 1955 and the other 1100 in January of 1956. Dad was in the 2nd group, which wasn’t bad considering he was forced to sign up by his CO the day before the test and there were 55,000 total test takers. I’m the result of the celebration
Haha, classic military conception story ❤️ Very impressive promotion against the odds!
He was an instructor at the time. The CO told him to take the day to study. He told the CO that if he couldn’t pass the exam, he shouldn’t be teaching. They were the tech experts of the AF. Later, the Master Sergeant ranks were created to replace the WO rank.
True integrity, true leaders back then.
Greatest Generation. Like all kids, there were things I didn’t agree with (like he was heavy handed with punishment) and he was somewhat distant as a parent, but he was a true patriot and good human being. He gave money and time to charities after he retired. Took care of neighbors anonymously.
Same with my grandpa :) he worked at a school for the deaf after retirement ❤️