The Long Wait

About the Book

This is one of the saddest stories of WWII. It is the tale of a man who loved military and excelled at every turn; one who gave every ounce of physical, mental and spiritual energy to serve his country. But the fortunes of war were destined to treat this fine man badly. Death, and the ultimate insult, Missing in Action for 56 years, were to be his fate. But thanks to a family that would not forget, an adopted country that reveres the heroes of all nations and a native land that still cares, full honors came to “Junior” Patton. He is a worthy representative of the 78,000 MIA’s of World War II, the 8,100 missing from the Korean conflict and the 1,900 MIA’s from the war in Southeast Asia.

About the Author

E. RICHARD ATKINS is an aviation historian, published author and founder of the Scouting Force Association. He spent 15 years in research and preparation of the history of this previously unheralded contributor to the success of the 8AF bombing campaign. He accounted for the majority of Scout personnel and brought them together, leading regular reunions from 1984 through 2006. The story of William Patton is the final chapter of the Scouting Force saga. Atkins enjoyed careers with the US Air Force and the Aerospace Industry. Known as “Dick” by his comrades, he is currently the Director of Archives for the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation and is working on the biography of Chance Milton Vought, founder of the Vought Aircraft Company. He is also preparing for publication of volume 2 of Fighting Scouts of the 8th Air Force, with all efforts being labors of love!