World War II Veteran Lew Griffith Recalls Piloting B25 Bomber
Guest Contributor
As the United States marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a dwindling number of veterans remain to recount their firsthand experiences. One of them is Lew Griffith, a 101-year-old Austin resident who piloted B25 bombers during the war. His story offers a rare and vivid window into a conflict that shaped the modern world and touched millions of lives. With fewer than 0.4% of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II still alive today, each veteran’s memories become all the more valuable. Griffith’s journey—from a college student in Texas to a bomber pilot over Europe—underscores the resilience and sacrifice of an entire generation.
Griffith’s recollection of the day that changed everything is both poignant and revealing. On December 7, 1941, the day Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor, Griffith was enjoying a casual Sunday afternoon playing sandlot football with friends at Pease Park in Austin. Unaware of the unfolding events in Hawaii, he was approached by a woman who chastised them for playing during such a critical moment. “She said, ‘How dare you, how dare you out here playing when we’re at war?’” he recalled. That encounter marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would take him thousands of miles from home and into the heart of a global conflict.
Like many young Americans of his time, Griffith quickly volunteered for military service. He became a pilot of a B25 bomber, flying 42 missions during the war. “We were medium bombers,” he explained. “We didn’t do carpet bombing like the heavy bombers did. Our job mainly was to keep the Germans from resupplying the Africa Corps, which was then in Italy.” His missions were part of the broader Allied effort to weaken Axis supply lines and support ground operations across Europe and North Africa. The B25, a twin-engine aircraft known for its versatility, played a critical role in these operations.
Griffith’s story is not only a testament to the courage of those who served but also a reminder of how the war touched the lives of ordinary Americans. After returning from service, he resumed civilian life, earning an engineering degree from the University of Texas and starting a family. His military service, though once central to his identity, gradually receded into the background as he built a life in postwar America. Yet, the discipline, perspective, and resilience forged during those years would remain with him for decades to come.
Today, at 101 years old, Griffith continues to live independently in Austin. Remarkably active for his age, he still drives his minivan to run errands and maintains a healthy lifestyle. When asked about the secret to his longevity, he responded with characteristic humor: “It’s really easy,” he said, laughing. “Just pick folks with good genes.” His lighthearted remark belies the profound strength and optimism that have likely contributed to his long life. I found this detail striking—not only because of the humor but because it reflects a mindset shaped by a century of experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
As we commemorate the end of World War II, stories like Griffith’s offer more than just historical insight. They connect us to a time when the world was at a crossroads, and millions stepped forward with courage and conviction. The signing of the formal instrument of surrender by Japanese officials aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, marked the official end of the war. It concluded a six-year global struggle that cost millions of lives and reshaped international relations. For veterans like Griffith, that moment was the culmination of years of sacrifice and uncertainty.
The legacy of World War II veterans is not only found in history books or memorials but also in the everyday lives they returned to and rebuilt. Griffith’s postwar achievements—earning a degree, raising a family, staying active well into his second century—speak to the enduring spirit of a generation often referred to as the “Greatest.” As time passes, preserving these personal accounts becomes increasingly important. With only about 60,000 World War II veterans still living, each story carries immense historical and emotional weight.
In reflecting on Griffith’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of honoring those who served, not just through ceremonies and anniversaries, but by listening to and sharing their experiences. Their stories remind us of the cost of conflict, the value of service, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the world changes, these memories serve as anchors to a past that continues to inform our present and future.
