Photo by Jennifer Rice
World War II veteran Paul Linden, shown in his U.S. Army Air Force uniform and in 2012 at the Air Classics Museum in Sugar Grove, passed away Friday, April 26 at the age of 89. During his service, he flew 39 combat missions over Japan as a radio operator, earning both the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, May 2, 2013
     I understand I can’t speak for the growing senior population, but I’d like to think that as the decades add on, and they near the end of their life, they can see the mark they made on the world — no matter how insignificant.
     I’m sure they hope their loved ones will described them as gentle and kind and when they leave this Earth, its in a condition better than they found it.
     The Fox Valley community recently lost an individual that met all the above requirements for living a fulfilled life. Aurora resident Paul Linden died Friday, April 26. In his 89-years, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force in the 73rd bomb wing from 1942 to 1945. As a World War II radio operator, his crew flew 39 combat missions over Japan — a feat almost unheard of.
     His ease of talking and relaxed personality made Linden a wonderful choice to address young students when a school needed a veteran to discuss stories about the Greatest Generation.
     Time and time again, Linden would recount his life experiences during WWII and of his many flights — especially his crew’s last bombing mission when his B-29 Superfortress Miss Behavin’ left the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands. They were informed they had to shut down two engines so it would make a landing at Iwo Jima — 700 miles away. It currently was under American control. They made it unscathed.
     For his service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and many other awards.
     Most weekends you could find Linden at the Air Classics Museum of Aviation in Sugar Grove giving tours and answering questions. When he had free time at home, he was in his basement woodworking shop making furniture and wooden trinkets. His latest creation was a children’s airplane table he painted blue, red and yellow that he made for the Air Classics Museum.
     I know I can’t speak for Linden’s family and friends, but I’m comfortable saying they will speak kind of him. Linden impacted not only those afforded his years and years of friendship, but also those who never knew him.
     In 2012, two men — the Davison brothers from New York — contacted Linden. Their father flew with Linden during WWII. Unfortunately, their father passed away when they were young and they never had an opportunity to hear their father’s stories of the war.
     Linden was able to fill in details they never knew. Even though he was 88-years-old, his mind remained sharp, and was able to recall the slightest details of particular bombing missions.
     After hearing the news that Linden passed away, Jeffrey Davison explained what Linden meant to him, even though they never met.
     “Hearing his first-hand accounts was a good reminder of what all of us owe to the men and women in the military service. These guys really were the Greatest Generation. Even though my family never met Paul in person, he will be missed by us,” Davison said.
     Without a doubt, Linden will be missed by us all.

Jennifer Rice’s e-mail address is Jen@foxvalleylabornews.com.