‘The Saga of Pappy Gunn’ has long been one of my favorite books. Can’t begin to count the number of times I have read it, but many.

Unfortunately, my copy went missing in a PCS move from Kincheloe AFB to Paine Field and I have never found a copy I could afford to replace it. Every few years, I pester the local library to find me copy and reread it. It never fails to instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for his exploits and major contributions to the WWII, particularly during the days and months after the fall of the Philippines when war planes were scarce and those available often obsolete.

In a war where thousands performed heroically and millions more were heroic just by doing their job, Pappy’s tale stands out. I was born during the war and had the opportunity to meet a number of people whose actions were amazing, heroic and virtually ‘unsung’ including two friends of my father, one of whom received the Medal of Honor for a mission early in the days of the war in the Pacific. Tom Brokaw echoed my feelings that these folks were ‘the greatest generation’.

I have passed Pappy’s story on (hopefully reasonably accurately) to friends and acquaintances on many occasions over the years, often to be met with disbelief. I can surely understand their skepticism given the magnitude of his accomplishments, but have often had the satisfaction of seeing their disbelief change to awe after reading the book or (these days) doing a bit of web research.

“Airwar” first brought Paul Irvin Gunn to my attention.

“Pappy Gunn” brought him to life.

Thanks, Nathaniel!

From a “youngster” who does appreciate gallant men of yore.

Tom

Bill Diesing

He called him “P.I.” and filled multiple hours with tall tales, all of them true, telling me, at the time a fascinated 14 year old in 1964, about Gunn’s exploits and who, up until now, has been underappreciated by most WWII historians and historic references. Most galling, however, were the many and varied attempts to take credit for his aircraft armament technology and attack process modifications and innovations for Douglas A-20 and North America B-25 Mitchell medium bombers, including blatant if not shocking attempts by USAAF and RAAF officers who couldn’t provide one shred of evidence for their claims. But, Pappy soldiered on, knowing that it was imperative to keep a low profile to protect his family held captive by the Japanese.

Somebody had to take credit for the stunning victory at the Battle of The Bismarck Sea in March of 1943, but it couldn’t be Gunn, who knew that if the Japanese, after suffering this complete and horrific annihilation, discovered just who it was in their custody in Manila, would have surely done them harm in retaliation.

Gen. Kenney, after advising Gunn that he would be one of the most famous people in the world in the aftermath of Bismarck Sea, was told by Pappy that under no circumstances could he be given credit for the reasons stated above.

This book outlines the life of a man possessed of incredible talent, insight, fortitude, fearlessness, love of family and vision who has been given far too little credit. And in so doing, rectifies a gross oversight in the annals of history.

I applaud Nath Gunn’s storytelling, consider it a privilege to know him, and hope, that if the universe is kind, a major film will be completed about his life; a extraordinary life filled with exploits, experiences and accomplishments that even the most fertile minds in Hollywood’s script writing sectors could not ever conceive.

My Godfather “Doc” Jackson was right: “There was no one quite like P.I. Gunn…”

Myron D. Stokes
Publisher, eMOTION! REPORTS.com
http://www.emotionreports.com