Love at First Flight

At nine o'clock on Monday morning, December 8, 1941, I, Lester Dowd, was in the mood to take up the sword. So I went to see the Navy. Word at War, the series that brings you radio versions of the leading war books, presents today a sample of the lighter side of war literature.

We offer love at first flight by Charles Balding and Otis Conner. It tells the story of Lester Dowd at his pursuit of his wings. This series, Words at War, is presented by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with the Council on Books in War Time.

Why, Lester Dowd in December 1941 went to see the Navy. According to directions, I went armed with a birth certificate, transcripts of my academic record, and three high-powered letters of reference. It would have sold slavery to the North.

A leader, yet with all not overbearing. He is strong, yet adaptable, lighthearted, but not frivolous, steadfast in the line of duty, ever hewing to the distant truth. I unhesitatingly recommend this boy to the Navy and the service of our country.

I have known his family for 22 years, sincerely Edgar R. Lumpkin. Thus wrote the Vice President of bittersweet condiments. During the following months there was indecision. Doctors went over my body as if it was the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

People also examined my papers and sent me from one desk to another. I became the victim of an old gag. Now let's see. Where did you go to college down? Yale University. Yale University. Where's that?

Huh? No Haven, sir. Go to that desk over there. Hm, high school college. You went to college at... what is this place? Yale University. Huh? Yale University. Where's that? Ha ha ha ha! No Haven, sir.