Don’t know why but whenever I sit to write to you, it’s in the midst of a weather crisis; Irene is passing by for a visit. Hope you all weathered the storm!


Received word from our alumni office relating to Howard “Foggy” Fogg: “New book for review consideration—Fogg in the Cockpit.” I quote here from the press release.


“Renowned for decades as the world’s foremost railroad artist, Howard Fogg’s career spanned half a century and some 1,200 paintings.


“However, while his art has been welcomed for decades, few of his enthusiasts have been aware of his prior career, as a fighter pilot in the U.S. 8th Air Force during World War II. Fortunately, Howard Fogg left behind a detailed diary of his experiences, which illuminate this brief but exciting aspect of his life, as he engaged in direct combat with the Luftwaffe at the controls of a P-47 Thunderbolt.


“Articulate and insightful, his diary offers a frank and fascinating glimpse into the life of a fighter pilot, both in the sky and in wartime England. Written during 1943 and 1944 it offers a confidential perspective of life as a ‘flyboy,’ during which Howard flew 76 combat missions and was awarded the Air Medal with three clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross with one cluster.


“Presented in its entirety, with supplementary material by Richard and Janet Fogg and supporting illustrations from Fogg himself, including satirical cartoons, military and railroad artwork, Fogg in the Cockpit paints with a broad brush, from the smallest details of a pilot’s day-to-day existence to air combat and the strategic and political decisions that influenced the course of the war.”


So, as you can see, we have yet another author amidst this amazing class. No other news to share—stay well and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!


—Jean M. Francis, 29 Decorie Drive, Wilbraham, MA 01095