Al Zweizig was a P47 pilot in the European Theatre in WWII. He stayed in the service and flew cargo planes in Korea and Vietnam, retiring with the rank of Major (USAF). His eyesight was destroyed by so much contact with Agent Orange, and he became legally blind by the 1990s. Al passed last summer and is buried near Pittsburg PA.
There's a funny story about the name of the plane. When that P47 arrived at the field, brand new, a Tech Sergeant came up to Al and asked him what he wanted to name it. Al said he didn't care, name it anything you want. The Sergeant said, "well, is there a girl back home that you're seeing?". Al said he thought the last one he remembered dancing with was called Jean, but he wasn't really sure. And the next day his plane was painted "Dearest Jean".
Thanks for sending this along, Pete!
Terrific photo!
ReplyDeleteI had to look for more information; in the few minutes I had I found a tribute by his family:
https://www.pottsmerc.com/2021/05/31/berks-veteran-of-3-wars-is-buried-with-military-honors/
There is zero evidence that agent orange caused any health problems. But the claims were so widespread that the DOD caved and just allowed all claims against it to be approved. More than likely he became blind from diseases of old age but got free treatment by the VA by claiming it was service connected.
ReplyDeleteSo let me understand this. A decorated and honored war hero risked his life for our country in 3 conflicts and you're saying he gamed the system, cheated the DOD, and just outright lied. Ok, got it.
DeletePrevious anonymous is a dips**t!
DeletePer his obit, linked above, he flew 750 sorties in 'Nam. Exposure to chemicals can cause gnarly aftereffects, and Agent Orange was certainly a potent chemical. He lived his last 30 years +/- blind. I'd say he's a hero for sure, and entitled to whatever treatment he got from the VA.
Deletedioxin be baaaaad for you. almost as bad as being under the guns of a P-47D with a shooter that knows-his-shit at the stick.
ReplyDeleteI still have a bone to pick with the politicians that chose the P-51 over the P-47 to retain in 1946. for the mission the air force gave the P-51 in Korea, the P-47 would have been better, cost less and had a higher survival rate for the pilots.