In Memory of Andy Corliss

From Joe Strohman...

John Borneman just advised me that Andy Corliss passed away this morning, Dec. 9, 2016 at 4:30 a.m.

I understand a service or remembrance is being planned next month by the family.

As you know, Andy Corliss was a Charter Member of our club. His sponsors where John Masterson and Pete Gallagher. Andy served as President of our club in 1965-66.

When I interviewed Andy at the club a number of years ago I remember him recounting how he volunteered for the Canadian Air Force because he wanted to join the fight in Europe as soon as possible.

Andy flew a British Spitfire on D-Day plus 1 over the Beaches of Normandy. During that time a German Messerschmitt managed to get behind him and fire. The only thing that saved Andy was that Spitfires had a solid metal plate behind the pilot seat. The bullet hit that metal plate and that saved him.

Andy leapfrogged across Europe, one air base to the next, from the French countryside to Belgian as the war progressed.

He had a great career in broadcasting after the war. His most recent story was telling how he was asked to train a young broadcaster from Bakersfield named Frank Gifford.

It’s sad to lose another WWII Vet and club member like Andy.

I’m sure we can remember Andy at our meeting next week.