O'Hare
During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way
or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned
to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. One time his entire squadron
was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he
looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to
top off his fuel tank. Because of this, he would not have enough fuel
to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader
told him to leave formation and return.
As he was returning to the aircraft carrier, he could see a squadron
of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all
the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was
the only opportunity to distract and divert them. Single-handedly,
he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them.
The American fighter planes were also rigged with cameras, so that as
they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more
about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc. Butch dove at them and shot
until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip
off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy plane unfit
to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American
ships.
Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and
Butch O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the
carrier. He told his story, but not until the film from the camera
on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went
to, to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one
of the nations highest military honors. And as you know, the O'Hare
Airport was also named after him.
Years before this, in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He
was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone
wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the
murders he'd committed and the illegal thing's he'd done. Easy Eddie
was Al Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his
skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail. To show his
appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big
money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an
entire Chicago city block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in
help and all of the conveniences of the day. Easy Eddie had a son.
He loved his son and gave him all the best things while he was growing
up; clothes, cars, and a good education. And because he loved his son
he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one thing he couldn't
give his son was a good name, and a good example. Easy Eddie decided
that this was much more important than all the riches he had given
him. So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he
had done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify
against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to
have him killed. But he wanted most of all to try to be a good
example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a good
name. So he testified. Within the year, he was shot and killed on a
lonely street in Chicago.
This sounds like two unrelated stories.
But they aren't.
Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
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