The public is invited to meet the Navigator on the famous Hiroshima Bombing Mission on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Candler Field Museum in Williamson GA.
Dutch Van Kirk, 90, will be signing the book he authored, “My True Course” at 11:00 am. Candler Field is located on Hwy 362 in Williamson GA, six miles west of Griffin. More information is available at www.peachstateaero.com or phone 770-467-9490.
“You can buy this book on Amazon,” explains Ron Alexander, director at Candler Field Museum, “ but to actually meet him in person is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are very pleased to be able to bring this moment in aviation history to the museum.”
The flight to Hiroshima was made on August 6th, 1945. It was the first time the Americans dropped the atomic bomb devasting the Japanese city. History credits the bombing mission with bringing an end to World War II .
Van Kirk is the last surviving member of the crew that flew the Enola Gay during the Hiroshima mission.
Candler Field in Williamson is an active airport. The airport has a grass landing strip that attracts vintage aircraft. The airport is building hangars that replicate the Atlanta Airport as it was in the 1920s. The Museum is a non -profit organization supported by memberships and donations. Admission to the museum is free.
Watching the old planes land and take off on Saturdays makes Barnstormers Grill, the museum’s restaurant, a favorite eating spot for locals.
“Saturdays are our most active days,” explains restaurant manager,Trudy Gill. “We start breakfast at 8 a.m. so our customers can watch the pilots coming in.” The moderately priced menu includes a full salad bar, beer and wine, and fresh baked pies.
Flight training at Candler Field has been recognized by aviation magazines as one of the most affordable professional training programs in the country.
