WW II hero celebrates 100 years (Part 2)

In a prior column we met Jack Buckner, a local young man who joined the Army Air Corps soon after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. On February 3, 2023, he celebrated his 100th birthday and received a special Proclamation from the City of Milton. His story continues.

After undergoing rigorous training on the B-17 heavy bomber, Jack was sent to North Africa where he and his crew of ten eventually flew 50 missions against German installations thus hastening the defeat of Rommel’s desert army.

We now continue Jack’s story.

In the early days of the war, the German Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitt 109 was arguably the best fighter plane in the world. It was faster, better armed and could dive faster than the British Spitfires and American P-38s and P40s which U.S. bombers counted on for protection.

Bomber crews never knew in advance whether they would have fighter support on missions nor whether the Messerschmitts would suddenly appear and attack the bombers. The B-17 had many advantages, among which was its ability to withstand shrapnel and bullet hits. They were also heavily armed with 13 Browning M-2 50-caliber machine guns, probably the best machine gun ever made. The Warrior was hit numerous times, but always returned home. The crew consisted of pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, engineer, radio operator, ball turret operator, two waist gunners and tail gunner. The entire crew, with one exception, survived the war. The exception was a crew member who was killed while flying on a mission in another plane.

To defend themselves from the German fighters, B-17s flew in various formations. The planes were close together, but not so close that they might collide. This gave the skilled German pilots the ability to fly right into the formations. “Sometimes,” says Jack, “we could see their faces.” Jack was usually the lead bombardier which means he sat in the glass enclosed nose cone of the first bomber in a formation and was thus the most exposed to oncoming enemy fighters. A formation might have as many as 36 bombers.

Here are two entries from Jack’s dairy.

“April 17, 1943 --’Flack Alley’ We really blew up Palermo today but BOY what flack. The sky was black with it. We were hit four times which made seventeen holes. A few fighters but nothing to worry about. We didn’t lose any planes.

“May 14, 1943—A long day today. Civitavecchia, Italy – 50 miles north of Rome. The harbor was sure full of ships. We got 12 large ones, an ammo plant and a fuel dump. No one hurt.” Note: Today Civitavecchia is a cruise ship port.

While desert summers were hot, winters were very cold where the crew was based in Algeria. Crew members often had sore throats and the flu. As spring arrived malaria, dysentery and other diseases were a problem. Jack says that dysentery kept more crews on the ground than all other causes.

In August 1943 the crew moved to Oudna Airfield, about 9 miles south of Tunis, Tunisia. It was used in 1943 as a B-17 bomber base. The abandoned airfield is covered today with agricultural crops.

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison, standing alongside his wife, Megan, presents an official proclamation from the city recognizing Feb. 3, 2023, as Jack Buckner Day in Milton in honor of the veteran’s 100th birthday.

Jack continued his missions over Italy until he completed his 50th mission on October 1, 1943. On one occasion Jack flew seven missions in six days which was exhausting. He recalls one mission when he looked out the window and saw about 75 German fighters. He knew it was going to be a rough day. On another mission, Jack was leaning over the bomb sight when a small piece of flack (shrapnel from an antiaircraft burst) came in one side of the plane and exited out the other side, exactly where his head was before bending over to look into the bombsight. He knew the Lord was with him that day.

Jack was awarded the Air Medal ten times with the Oak Leaf Cluster. The Air Medal is awarded for “meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.”

Jack arrived home on Christmas Day 1943. There to greet him were his parents and Florence Cashner the woman he would marry. The couple went to Midland Texas where Jack checked in as an instructor. He married Florence while there. They went to Roswell, New Mexico where B-17 pilots were trained on bombing runs, then on to Victorville, California until the war was over. Jack mustered out of the service in

November 1945 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Back in civilian life Jack used the GI Bill to attend GA Tech, then worked as a sales engineer for 24 years with Armco Drainage and Metal Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of Armco Steel Corporation. At age 50 he started his own construction company Abuck Inc. Today Abuck Building Systems is owned by son Terry with its main office in Alpharetta. Jack and Florence have raised three children, Terry, Jimmy and Paula and have 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

To celebrate Jack’s 100th birthday, his family and neighbors threw a surprise party on February 3. The Mayor of Milton, Peyton Jamison and his wife Megan attended, and his honor read an official proclamation from the city marking Jack’s 100th birthday.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net.

NFCC is looking for a full-time executive assistant to support the Executive Director and leadership team. This person will play a vital role in help keep the NFCC leadership team organized and productive and will interact with the board of directors and other important stakeholder groups. Sensitivity, discretion and attention to detail are a must. Candidate must have a two-year degree, bachelor’s degree preferred and should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience. For a complete job description visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Client Services Specialist

The full-time Client Services Specialist greets visitors to NFCC and assists them with obtaining services. In addition, this person conducts followup interviews, enters data and may participate in additional follow-up activities. A high school degree or equivalent is required along with at least one year in customer service or other relevant experience. Discretion and strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish are also required. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Truck Driver

NFCC needs a reliable driver to work part-time picking up scheduled donations. The person in this role may also assist with facility maintenance and must maintain accurate vehicle maintenance records. It is crucial that they represent NFCC with a professional and friendly demeanor. 1-2 years of box truck delivery experience is preferred. Candidate must maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and be free of any traffic violations for the past three years. Work on Saturdays or Sundays may be required occasionally. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Now Hiring: Office Coordinator

Local commercial real estate company is hiring an Office Coordinator. The role includes coordinating administrative tasks between our property management, leasing and accounting departments. The position requires exceptional communication and organizational skills, knowledge of MS Office, a strong work ethic, internal drive, and a positive attitude. This is an office only (not remote work) position. Please contact us Employment@mpshoppingcenters.com for more information.

Workforce Development Coordinator

Develop programs and services for clients and students who are seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The coordinator collaborates with employers in the community who are hiring. The role also includes working one-on-one on job applications, resumes, interview preparations and offers tips for successfully securing and improving employment. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/02/Workforce-DevelopmentCoordinator-2023.pdf. To apply, send resume to cswan@nfcchelp.org.

Accounting Specialist

Responsible for the day-to-day transactions within the accounting department. The specialist is accountable for preparing financial transactions, processing invoices, and entering general ledger data which will assist in balancing the income statement, managing budgets, and preparing financial reports. Role works closely with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance and Administration. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp. org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AccountingSpecialist-02.21.23-1.pdf. To apply, send resume to jrice@nfcchelp.org.

Pool Technicians Wanted

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

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Call Bill: 404-245-9396

Supportive Service Coordinator:

The Supportive Service Coordinator (“SSC”) will be responsible for managing the social/supportive services for a portfolio of properties, under the supervision of the Company Asset Manager. This position will serve as a liaison between the Asset Manager and the property management company. This individual will primarily be responsible for managing compliance and reporting for supportive services and, secondarily, procuring grant funding to supplement the property service budget, and identifying local service providers to augment property offerings.

Full time hours. Requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work or education and a minimum of 5 years’ experience.

For a full job description and to submit a resume, please reach out to: Samit Patel, spatel@rhgroup.org Resource Housing Group, Inc.

Executive Secretary To The Chief Operating Officer

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Executive Secretary to the Chief Operating Officer to perform confidential secretarial and administrative duties for the Chief Operating Officer (COO), other Executive staff and aids board members, consumers, employees, and the public. Coordinates activities between various departments, coordinates collection and preparation of operating and budget reports, prepares and files corporate legal documents. Arranges complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, expense reports and the ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business or related field of study and a minimum of four (4) years executive administration or related experience, advanced proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, advanced working knowledge of creating and updating spreadsheets, formulas, charts, pivot tables, databases and developing presentations. Advanced skills for organizing and maintaining records and workflow.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, March 10, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers.

If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

GENERAL CLERK 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance)

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, March 10, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers.

If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.