August 29, 2009: Jerry Yellin / A Legacy of Two Fathers

A Legacy of Two FathersJerry Yellin is an author and member of the Military Writers Society of America. Born in Newark, New Jersey on February 15, 1924, he graduated from high school in 1941 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday. After training at Luke Field, he became a fighter pilot in August 1943 and went on to serve in the Pacific Theater, including combat missions over Iwo Jima with the 78th Fighter Squadron. Yellin flew in the first land-based fighter mission over Japan on April 7, 1945, and also participated in the final mission of the war on August 14, 1945. For his service, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and he was discharged as a Captain in December 1945.In Of War & Weddings: A Legacy of Two Fathers, Yellin shares not only his wartime experiences but also a moving story of reconciliation. The book follows two former military pilots—one Japanese and one American—who carry the scars and prejudices of war until the marriage of their children brings their families together. Through that bond, both fathers learn to confront the past, find peace, and let go of long-held hatred.This episode also features the announcement of the 2009 Military Writers Society of America award nominees. Join host Dale Throneberry, along with MWSOA President Joyce Faulkner, Founder Bill McDonald, and Chief Reviewer Rob Ballister, as they reveal this year’s nominees and announce the winners of the 2009 Founder’s Award and 2009 President’s Award, with full award results to be shared on the September 12th program.