MARGARET RAY RINGENBERG
Former member of the Womens Air Force Service Pilots, better known as WASPs. Took first flight at age 7 from a neighboring farmer's field and was hooked on flying ever since. During the war, WASPs towed targets for antiaircraft batteries and taxied planes from place to place, freeing men to fight.
Just last month she participated in an air race and she was at the EAA in Oshkosh when she died. Like Bing Crosby, she died doing what she loved.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
ERIC DARLING 1934-2008
Folk music songwriter and member of the Weavers. Died August 3rd.
Stepped in with the Weavers after Pete Seeger left the group. Best known for his hit "Walk Right In" with the Rooftop Singers. His arrangement of "Tom Dooley" inspired the Kingston Trio to record it. Also a member of the Tarriers, known for their version of "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O).
Bet you're singing or humming one of those three songs right now.
Associated Press
ERIC DOWLING 1915-2008
Helped map out 1944 Great Escape
Got the nickname "Digger" for helping to excavate tunnels from a German WW II POW camp in what became known as the "Great Escape." Played a key role in the escape of 76 prisoners from Stalag Luft III prison by forging documents and helping dig three tunnels code named Tom, Dick and Harry. This inspired the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen.
All but three of the escapees were captured and 50 of them executed by order of Adolph Hitler to deter future attempts. One tunnel was discovered, one abandoned, but Harry was completed and used.
A lottery was held to pick 200 men to escape and Mr. Dowling was not selected. By the time German guards discovered the breakout, 75 had gotten out of the camp.
His son said Dowling did not particularly like the movie.
Associated Press
Three More of the Greatest Generation.
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