"Sometimes Eagles" by Jack Gladstone

Sometimes Eagles ©2002
Jack Gladstone: http://www.jackgladstone.com In the major conflicts of the 20th Century, American Indians claimed the highest volunteerism rate of any ethnic group in the U.S. Two young Blackfeet men, Ernest DuBray and my father, were among those listed who enlisted in 1942. My father served in the Navy in the Pacific and Ernest was in the Army Air Force as a radioman and tail-gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress over Europe. In the skies of Nazi Germany, the 8th Air Force suffered 58% casualties, but amazingly, Sgt. Ernest DuBray flew 52 missions (30 were required). He was shot down twice, escaped from behind enemy lines once and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and a 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Ernest finished the war as one of the most highly decorated servicemen from Montana. Like Ira Hayes, the Pima Indian flag raiser of Iwo Jima, Ernest suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the war. Like Ira Hayes, Ernest's life unraveled into alcoholic despair and spiraled downward. He died June 12, 1963. This song is dedicated to our country's warriors who have, since Viet Nam, discovered the "talking circle" (support group therapy) to aid the process of healing.

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