HEROES OF WWII
A Pilot's Memories
This website is dedicated to those who served in WW2... especially those who never came home.
About Lt. Julian A. "Bud" Rice ~ B: Jan 8, 1921 D: Aug 4, 2019
The bombing of Pearl Harbor motivated Bud to enlist in the U.S. Army on December 8, 1941. With close to 1000 flights under his belt, he was filled with poignant memories by the time the war ended. Because so few surviving veterans are left, public interest keeps growing. People want to hear first-hand stories before lost forever. Shortly before his passing in 2019, Bud was able to compile his memories into book form, including what really happened on D-Day.
This companion site was created to help preserve those memories.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor motivated Bud to enlist in the U.S. Army on December 8, 1941. With close to 1000 flights under his belt, he was filled with poignant memories by the time the war ended. Because so few surviving veterans are left, public interest keeps growing. People want to hear first-hand stories before lost forever. Shortly before his passing in 2019, Bud was able to compile his memories into book form, including what really happened on D-Day.
This companion site was created to help preserve those memories.
NORMANDY, FRANCE
The 75th Anniversary was a landmark year for Europe's annual tribute to freedom. Knowing this was likely the last time WWII veterans in their 90's would get to Normandy, news crews arrived from around the world. See Anniversary Page for more information about this major event.
The 75th Anniversary was a landmark year for Europe's annual tribute to freedom. Knowing this was likely the last time WWII veterans in their 90's would get to Normandy, news crews arrived from around the world. See Anniversary Page for more information about this major event.
SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
contacted Bud for help with their TV docudrama about the C-47's contribution to WWII. Click Here for video.
contacted Bud for help with their TV docudrama about the C-47's contribution to WWII. Click Here for video.
Below Left: Bud's D-Day plane returns to Normandy. Click Here for video.
Below Right: Bud flies his D-Day plane one last time. Click Here for video.
Below Right: Bud flies his D-Day plane one last time. Click Here for video.
A PLANE THAT SURVIVED D-DAY
Bud's WW2 plane Whiskey 7 was found abandoned by a private collector who restored it to original condition. When he learned the plane was a D-Day artifact, he flew it to France's 70th D-Day Anniversary Tribute Week. When NBC learned its original pilot was still alive, they ran an evening news piece on the whole story. Whiskey 7 attends worldwide special events and remains housed at the N.Y. Warplane Museum.
Bud's WW2 plane Whiskey 7 was found abandoned by a private collector who restored it to original condition. When he learned the plane was a D-Day artifact, he flew it to France's 70th D-Day Anniversary Tribute Week. When NBC learned its original pilot was still alive, they ran an evening news piece on the whole story. Whiskey 7 attends worldwide special events and remains housed at the N.Y. Warplane Museum.
CBS TRIBUTE TO D-DAY
Dodger Tribute to WW2
Catcher Justin Turner and the Dodger Organization are famous for their support of U.S. veterans.
Many thanks to Vietnam Veteran Greg Alaimo from the American Legion veteran center for arranging veteran tributes.
Click Here for Video.
Catcher Justin Turner and the Dodger Organization are famous for their support of U.S. veterans.
Many thanks to Vietnam Veteran Greg Alaimo from the American Legion veteran center for arranging veteran tributes.
Click Here for Video.
Many Thanks
The Rice Family thanks Mark Wahlberg for the extraordinary kindness he showed our Dad in his final years.
Mark was a great inspiration to him in times of failing health.
The Rice Family thanks Mark Wahlberg for the extraordinary kindness he showed our Dad in his final years.
Mark was a great inspiration to him in times of failing health.