Readers Remember

Pilots and crews flew air supply routes in World War II over “The Hump” from India to China and Burma, struggling to establish freedom by defeating the Japanese in Asia.

The flights over the Himalayas consisted of planes taking off around the clock in all kinds of weather, braving violent storms, lightning, ice, raging winds, enemy aircraft. The primitive, two-engine propeller planes were unable to fly higher than many mountain peaks.

These air transports delivered high-octane gasoline, ammunition, pipelines, food, soldiers and other vital supplies to the Americans, British and Chinese forces.

More than 3,300 planes crashed in this effort. Many air crews bailed out because of weather. I somehow survived my 65 round trips over The Hump.

The Hump ultimately provided the know-how used in the famed Berlin Airlift in supplying countries and people fighting oppression or responding to natural and human-made disasters.

MEL HODELL

Upland

I stood in a long line of dauntless women at the May Co., eagerly awaiting a pair of much-needed, promised nylons. Color and size unknown--just be thankful to get any during World War II. Then later watching a newsreel of another long line--this one in Europe--of tired, hungry people painfully awaiting a ration of bread.

BERNETTA HICKS

Los Angeles

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