Yesterday, just as the museum was closing, a gentleman walked in hoping to explore after hearing about us some time ago. He struck up a conversation with our staff and casually mentioned that he was 100 years old (though he certainly didn’t look it!). He instantly pulled out his ID haha. The gentleman’s name is Bob Hartline, a WWII veteran from Reading, Pennsylvania, who served in the Navy and later the Marine Corps. He spoke about his time as a ferry pilot during the war. Bob has flown the Hellcat, Corsair, TBM Avenger, and Wildcat. He spoke of ferrying aircraft from the West Coast to the East Coast 21 times, 11 of the trips in brand new hellcats, 3 of them in Corsairs (his favorite), and the others in TBM Avengers and Wildcats. Had we not been hosting Lower Township’s September 11th Ceremony, we might have missed the chance to meet Bob, who, by the way, is still driving!
We were already wondering how this week could get any better after visits from a Seahawk, three Super Stallions, a Coast Guard Dolphin, a Blackhawk, an Osprey, Suzanne flying, two Bald Eagles, and an incredible 9/11 ceremony. Bob’s visit was the icing on the cake. Thanks for making our week, Bob!
Pictured Is Chairman and Founder Dr. Joseph Salvatore and Bob Hartline in front of the museum’s Hellcat, one of Bob’s favorite aircraft.
