I had only one lonely motorbike in my collection of family photos, but no person on it and no real story about it, so I decided to go with uniforms for this week’s Sepia Saturday. The uniform is that of my grandfather, John Rachocki. He served in the Air Force from 21 July 1941 through 13 Dec 1945 as a driver, acheiving the grade of Sergeant. Back then, the Air Force was still part of the Army and was the “Army Air Force.” He served for only 1 year and 18 days abroad, involved in the Rhineland campaign. I don’t know much about his service, but we have a few photos of him in uniform at various places during his service in the Air Force. I was only four when he passed away, so I have very few memories of him but am told he was a gentle giant (at 5’11”) who only spoke when he had something to say. Upon returning after service in the Air Force, he worked as a coal miner in Pennsylvania until he retired, living out his life in the house that he built.
I thought the first one looked like it was in Europe, so I was surprised to see that it was at a park in Texas.
I haven’t been able to figure out exactly where in Texas though! There’s a Victoria, Texas, but none of the parks match that house and I can’t seem to match it up with anything.
A nice way to pay tribute your grandfather. Anyone who is described as gentle and quiet is worth remembering.