Gene visiting his family when home on leave in 1943. Pictured clockwise starting with Gene, Byron (the oldest sibling), JoAnn, Rosemary, baby brother Marty, Mom (Ethel), Michael, Dad (Joe).

Ball turret gunner Wilbert "Pee Wee" Provost and Gene at the Army Air Force base in Pyote, Texas where Gene's crew first came together.

Gene's bride of one week, Pauline, watches as her new husband thanks the crowd gathered for his street-naming ceremony in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.

Carmen, the author's wife, and Gene while visiting Gene's home farm. Carmen died of cancer seven months after this picture was taken.

Gene and Peg's family in 1976. STANDING (left to right): Bridget, Liz, Laura, Joni, Mike, Margo. SITTING (left to right): Tim, Gene, Peg, Tom. ON FLOOR: Pat

The grave of Rikki Tikki Tavi's waist gunner Edmund Swedo in an American military cemetery in Belgium.