Last weekend’s air show at the Hays Regional Airport was a special event for many — but none more so than Hays veteran Earl M. Schaeffer.

Schaeffer, 95, flew 95 missions on a B-17 similar the the “Sentimental Journey” B-17 that was part of the air show. His family took him to the airport to reminisce about the plane and his experiences.

Schaeffer, who was a master sergeant and a Pearl Harbor survivor, is a decorated war hero, who flew as a radioman and gunner on 95 combat missions. He is the recipient of a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster and Airman’s Medal. He also served on Midway Island, Guadalcanal and the Solomons — some of the most important areas in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Schaeffer is a Pennsylvania native who now lives in Hays. He was accompanied to the B-17 visit by son Gary and wife Becky Schaeffer; grandson Jordan and wife Sarah Schaeffer; daughter-in-Law Jolene Schaeffer; and three great-grandchildren — Noah, Tyler and Maci Schaeffer.

https://www.hayspost.com/2016/12/07/%F0%9F%8E%A5-on-anniversary-of-attack-wwii-vet-in-hays-recalls-his-time-at-pearl-harbor/