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Class of 42-J The Class of 42-J was the fourth class of the Coleman Primary Flying School in 1942. This class was in Coleman from May 1942 until July 1942. Their class book was called The Mister. Below is a link to their class book in a searchable pdf format.  Coleman Primary Flying School, 42-J |
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I am in touch with John Yauk, johnyauk@gbronline.com, who was in the Class of 42-J, who last wrote in February 2004, saying: Ralph, I was in class 42-J and graduated at Lubbock, Texas on November 10, 1942. I arrived at Coleman the first of May, 1942 from Kelly Field, Texas , where I had pre-flight cadet training, and trained at Coleman during the months of May and June of 1942. On July 3, 1942 I was transferred to Basic Flying School at Goodfellow Field, Texas, and then on to Lubbock, Texas for advanced training and graduation as a 2nd Lt. At Coleman, we were divided into two companies -- A and B. I was the cadet Company Commander of Company A. One bunch flew in the morning and the other bunch attended ground school. After lunch, we switched placed so that at the end of the day all students flew for half a day and attended ground school for half a day. I really don't know how classes were determined. I just assumed that the first class of the year to graduate was A, the next B etc. And, of course, there were several flying fields besides Coleman that trained pilots to fly. For example, I've been in touch with a widow whose husband graduated from Roswell, N.M in class 42-J. I've only been in touch with one of my classmates -- Thomas J. Price who lives in Ogden, Utah. He doesn't have a computer and even finds it difficult to read since he has macular degeneration.. And, yes, there aren't many of us 42-Jers left. Next March, for example, I'll be 86. I still have my old class book from Coleman which has numerous photographs and pictures of all the cadets. I'll loan it to you if you like. My memories of the town of Coleman aren't too impressive. It was a small town at that time and had some wooden sidewalks. The townsfolk weren't unfriendly, but neither were they very friendly either. They just seemed to tolerate us. There were no organized activities for the cadet's entertainment or pleasures and all we could do was walk around, look at things and shop a little. But I do seem to remember a small pond or lake nearby where I went swimming once. Actually, we students didn't have much time to enjoy ourselves anyhow as our training was very strenuous and intense. We didn't have much time or money to think of pleasures or relaxation. We were paid $75.00 per month. Anyhow, Coleman played an important part in my life and career. That's where I learned to fly. John Yauk, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired)
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