The story of David E. McNeely, one of the Liberandos in World War II, from the time he enlisted in the Army Air Force, through his capture and internment in Stalag Luft 1 and his return after being liberated. David's experiences are illustrated with photos of items he carried with him, and photos, documents and newspaper articles from his mother's scrapbook.
About the Author: Reginald W. Lanier was born and raised in a cotton mill village in 1940, the first cousin of David E. McNeely. At the time David entered the service, Reginald was only three years old. As he was growing up he was always fascinated with history and especially the Armed Services of World War II. For some reason the role that David and his brother, Harold, played in it, serving in the Army Air Force always held a special place in the future plans for his life. Before he had graduated from high school he had completed all the requirements to become an Airman in the United States Air Force, except for raising his right hand reciting the oath of allegiance and swearing to serve and protect the United States of America. In the Air Force Reginald was selected to serve as an Air Traffic Controller. After being discharged he worked as a textile supply clerk and then as a mechanical draftsman/project engineer until being hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller. He worked thirty and one half years at the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport until retiring in 1996. After retiring he enjoyed the arts of wood carving realistic birds, ducks and fish, and making hand crafted furniture until declining health put an end to that enjoyment. With extra time on his hands, he now took on the task of investigating the military career of David E. McNeely. For approximately two years the quest for information was scarce and slow in coming. At a meeting of all the family cousins, Linda McNeely Blanton and her brother Steve McNeely, the children of David E. McNeely, came to his rescue and delivered him two scrapbooks, a set of Army Air Force technical manuals David had used, a ten inch metal box and a fruit cake tin. All of these items were saved over the years by David's wife and his mother. Each of these items included artifacts and parts of history that can never be replaced. For approximately the next year, after researching all the information and data, he was able to compile a history of David's career through the Army Air Force and his life after being discharged. Reginald presently lives with his wife Tanis in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He can be reached at PO Box 220, Cherryville NC 28021.