RIP.
One of The Greatest Generation.
Bttt
Here’s a Florida Today article with more about Larry’s life:
“he served for 33 years as a pilot and loved the plane he flew in World War II, the Spitfire.”
RIP Col. Guarino.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/highflig.htm
“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I’ve chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
“Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God.”
John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
I met Col. Guarino’s wife while he was a POW and then met him right after he was released. He was one of the finest men I have ever met.
Also met Col. John Finlay and Col. Vern Ligon, both released POWs, who became my husband’s COs right after their release. It was a privilege to hear some of their experiences while in captivity.
I treasure the memory of these Patriots.
Active Duty/Retiree ping.
More about Larry Guarino, Col, USAF (Ret) ...
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/g/g063.htm
http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3571
http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=100
RIP Sir...thank you for your dedicated and noble service to our country.