On Thursday April 17, we at the East Hampton Public Library were delighted, proud, and deeply moved to receive a new addition to our book collection.
In this book, As Ever, Bill: Letters Home -- a series of over 300 letters written between January 1943 and December 1945 -- East Hampton son William R. Knotek chronicled his service as 1st Lieutenant in the First Fighter Squadron Second Air Commando Group, United States Army Air Corp. Lt. Knotek also served in the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron. Both units participated in the China Burma India Theater of World War II.
Letters Home: A Pilot's Journey
Lt. Knotek served in the Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force. His letters offer first-person insights on what it was like to train on and fly premiere aircraft of the day and his experiences undertaking World War II Air Corp assignments. As with every active service soldier, caring for family and connection to home shine through.
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| Left to Right: Theresa K. Schlosser, Jeanette Knotek, Robin Knotek Bova, William Richard Knotek |
In an electronic age -- the age of quick pics, 140 characters, and Hope U R well messages -- writing letters may seem to be old fashioned or passé. We think not and the Knotek Family may very well help change the view.
As Ever, Bill: Letters Home is currently included in our new book collection. The book circulates for 14 days. Enjoy this important slice of local and world history made personal and real.
