"The photos are from Dick's last leave home in 1944.  Dick's last night home, mother arranged for photos to be taken of him with every family member except Virginia, who was then serving with the American Red Cross in England and Scotland.  Since Anne was taking piano lessons, their photo was taken while she played for him.  She remembers worshipping him for all kinds of romantic reasons:  good looking older brother in the service at a time of war.  He was also very kind and loving, as you can see in the photo as he gently teases his awkward little sister.  John, being so young, was thoroughly enjoying his fun, older brother.

When Dick's leave was over, he departed on a train from the Minneapolis Great Northern Depot.  During wartime, civilians couldn't go down to where the trains were, but had to remain in the terminal on the upper level.  We said our goodbyes and Dick got on an elevator that had glass  and grillwork doors.  As the elevator sank, Dick looked up at us just before the car disappeared from view.  Anne can still see him in her mind, forever frozen in time in his early twenties."

Brother: John Billingsley - johnhbill@gmail.com

Sister: Anne Billingsley Kerr - (passed away Feb 14, 2016)