(Contributed
by Bob Bozarth)
This unique "Piggyback Certificate" was donated to the site by P-38 Association member, Robert Bozarth -- whose Dad, Marion F. "Bozzie" Bozarth was the proud recipient. Be sure to notice the "piggy" seal and the pilot's signature -- our own Tony LeVier. Terrific!
I asked my Dad, who was a P-38 pilot, if he'd ever seen one of these certificates -- he hadn't, but he said he's ridden piggyback in a P-38, and it was one of the most uncomfortable things he ever remembers doing. In his case, they removed one of the radios (which was installed in the space behind the pilot's seat), and he had to scrunch himself up as small as possible and tuck into that small space. No easy task at 6'1". Fortunately, he was "a skinny kid" in those days, so he was able to do it. His legs had to go one on either side of the pilot, and he had to hunch over with his head right next to pilot Kenny Warren's. He said he could "kiss the pilot's ear" he was that close. As he recalled, he didn't even have room to have a parachute with him. Fun? But of course!