Acknowledgements
 
Words cannot begin to adequately convey the gratitude I wish to express to the many family members, friends, and associates who have contributed and still continue to contribute to this project. Without their generosity, time, and support, none of this would be possible. Many new friends have been gained along the way and those friendships alone would have made this endeavor worthwhile.

At a future date, a bibliography, links, and a recommended reading list will be added.

A very special thanks and tribute goes to the 216 Squadron Pilots. It's no exaggeration to say that these are some of the finest men you will ever meet. In a nutshell, when our Country had a job to do, our nation's best were sent forth. These men are clearly evidence of that.

   
The VMF-216 Pilots
 Howard O. Kemper Brig. Gen. Rivers Morrell, Jr., USMC (Ret)
Victor W. Gillett, Jr. Lt. Col. Benjamin S. Hargrave, Jr., USMC (Ret)
Dorothy Jean Bentzin Robert F. Anderson
  Genealogical references of Judia and Ralph Terry John W. Barton
  Anita Jane Calk Robert E. Foote
  Alan R. Kemper Lt. Col. Rolland E. "Doc" Marker, USMC (Ret)
  William D. "Kemp" Kemper Jackson McGowan
  Ben Bentzin Robert E. "Lefty" McDonough
    William J. O'Brien
  C.E. "Sonny" Bentley Jean S. Patton
  Brian Bethel, Abilene Reporter News Lt. Col. Ennis E. Walden, USMC (Ret)
  Stan Burnham, Daniel Baker College
  Lucille Rucker Chessmore  
  Danny Crawford, Marine Corps Historical Center  
  Barton Cromeens, Abilene Reporter News  
  Kaye Dowell, McMurry University  
  Eric Hammel, Pacifica Press  
  Christine Helms  
  Margaret Faulkner Helms  
  Morton Lichtman  
  Robert Marshall, Jr.  
  Gerald Nagle  
  William B. Nowadnick  
  Marie Faulkner Rhodes  
  Alice Rhodes Thie  
  Terry S. Young, McMurry University  
  Barry L. Zerby, National Archives