Civilian Soldier

Texas National Guard

Roy’s interest in the military was not satisfied. He re-joined the Texas National Guard in early 1939 and was very active in their training. He was promoted to Corporal Grade 5 on 1 May 1940 and eventually obtained the rank of sergeant.

Civil Air Patrol

During this time as a civilian, Roy became interested in flying, having been bitten earlier while in the Navy.

He joined the Civil Air Patrol and became very active in their activities and training, eventually becoming an instructor.

War had started in Europe on 1 September 1939 and was already raging in the Orient. Roy could see that world war was coming, and that the United States would be in it. He felt he had to get ready.

With his love of flying, he was determined to become a pilot. He was issued his Civil Aeronautics Administration Airman Identification Card on 6 June 1941 and applied for a position in the Aviation Cadet program.

He started taking flying lessons on 18 October 1941 under the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). The aircraft are the Piper J-3 and J-5 trainers.

He completed his flight training with 60 hours flying time under his belt and was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program in June of 1942. He went to Dallas, Texas for testing and physical examinations.

Victor

Pilot