Today I met Larry & Louise Bochkay. Larry is the son of Don Bochkay, great friend of General Yeager from the 357th FG of World War II, triple Fighter Ace. Same squadron-362nd Squadron.
They came up to visit us for lunch & brought some of Bochkay’s old photos, newspapers. Fascinating, wonderful historical information. I was so glad to see Larry & Louise were honoring Don Bochkay’s memory and as interested in preserving history as I.
Don Bochkay, World War II, 363rd squadron
Gen Yeager said Larry is the spitting image of his father in looks, demeanor, character. It was exciting for me to meet someone who was so much like Bochkay whom Gen Yeager talks about a lot. Bochkay’s mother and aunt had been actresses and the good looks were being passed down.
One interesting fact that came out: Larry asked Gen Yeager: Did anyone ever figure out what happened to the barracks door?
Gen Yeager said no, and then explained to me that they had marked a swastika into the door every time any of the 4 guys had shot down an enemy aircraft. Shame it is lost. If someone knows what happened to it, please let us know.
Bochkay had gone back to Leiston air base before he died (1981) and said the area where the 362nd squadron had been wiped out. What a shame.
Gen Yeager reminisced about going to Bochkay’s house in Hollywood – where Bochkay was staying with his parents.
Bochkay was a motorcycle racer and maintenance guy before he enlisted. It sure helped in learning to fly.
Don Bochkay in World War II
Bochkay had joined the Army Air Corps at age 25 in 1941. Gen Yeager joined in 1941 at the age of 18. In flying school, Bochkay was Class of 43B and General Yeager was Class of 43C. They both ended up in the 362nd Squadron, 357th Fighter Group. Bochkay was called “Pops” because he was the ‘ol man in the group.
Bochkay was a very good artist. In his scrapbook were some great drawings. He painted Alice in Wonderland on his own airplane during World War II. Wow.
He died in Pahrump, NV at age 65 in 1981.
General Yeager delighted in telling the story that Larry and Gen Yeager dumped Don’s body in the San Francisco Bay after he died. (It was more like they spread his ashes there, but that’s not as interesting a story.)
I love hearing stories about Don Bochkay and Chuck Yeager.
c. GCYI