Ending World War II
Posted by Bud Jackson
on Jun 07, 2015
Dr. Raymond "Speedy" Biel, 1st Lieut., U.S. Army Air Force is a Paramount Rotary Honorary member. He was President of the club in 1961-62 (he claims it was the best year of the Club), a PUSD Board member, and a long time Paramount resident with a Dental practice in Bellflower.
Ray came to Paramount High School to enlighten students and Rotarians and guests. During his presentation you could hear a pin drop as the audience listened.
Ray recounted his experience as a 22 year old B-29 Air Force pilot in the top secret 509 Composite Group lead by Colonel Paul Tibbets. After flight school in Arkansas he trained in Utah and Cuba before going on to the Pacific Theater. He was part of a seven aircraft unit with ten members per team. The B-29 aircraft they used were special lightweight, stripped down planes that would cruise at 30,000 to 35,000 feet on thirteen hour flights. His plane's name was "Full House" and the nose art depicted the enemy being tossed out of an Iowa outhouse. When asked if there was a restroom on board for these long flights, Ray said there was a bucket for that purpose and the rule was that the first to use it would have to clean it.
Leaflets were dropped over Japan warning them to surrender or ten cities would be destroyed. After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese surrendered. The Japanese were well fortified to resist an invasion with one million men and 12,000 airplanes determined to fight to the death. This early end to the war is estimated to have saved the lives of two million Allies and Japanese.
The members of these special crews had reunions every five years until recently when they decided to meet every year as their numbers dwindle. In 2008 only four showed up for the reunion. Ray is the last survivor of his crew. The country owes a great deal of gratitude to this often referred to as the best generation of Americans.
Dr. Raymond "Speedy" Biel onstage at Paramount High School.For an excellent history lesson (highly recommended) just Google “ray speedy biel” to view a YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3LvzDy_snA
This was a special meeting held at Paramount High School. The author of this article Bud Jackson (seen in center of photo) brought his friend, Howard Shelton (seen in the forefront), a WWII Navy veteran who served in the Pacific. As you can see from this photo it was a rapt audience of not only adults but high school students. What a wonderful way to receive a lesson in history from a primary resource.