Prior to 1941, Charles E. Hammack (1923 - 2005) enlisted in the RCAF in Canada, lying about his age. He is said to have been an aeroplane mechanic during the Battle of Britain. Once the U.S. entered the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he attempted to transfer to the USAAF. After months of waiting, he became a ball turret gunner in a B-17. He participated in at least 33 missions with the 351st BG, 509th Squadron. He survived the war and continued his service in the USAF postwar, becoming a P51 pilot.