TRANSFIGURATION George H. Bowen Though God's angels are appointed, Sometimes mortals are anointed After complicated training which takes years; And they earn their rightful places With the blessings of God's graces, And earn hierarchal ranking with their peers. Found among those chosen few Are the pilots and their crew Who are carrier-based and fly both night and day; Whether early-warning defense Or as vanguard of the offense, They're prepared to meet the challenge either way. First the fifty states are covered And the candidates discovered In both cities, towns, and on the fruited plains; And their preparation's started When their parents have imparted A sense of personal honor to their brains. And commitment daily sought Is a rite that they are taught When the rugged strands of duty first are spun; Then the Navy has a way To refine these lumps of clay And re-refine them 'til the job is done. Warfare hasn't any season, And its underlying reason Is to take by force or hold in self-defense. Most combatants in such frays Often show in countless ways Valor far beyond the bounds of common sense; Whether enemy or friend, The main message they all send Is that courage is the coinage of the game. Looking back at World War Two, Of the very brave who flew, Bombing Nineteen was a bearer of the flame. They were better than the best-- Sank more tonnage than the rest Of all the carrier groups who ranged the ocean; And although they never knew, God anointed these bold few For duty, dedication and devotion. Though their temporary host Was the carrier "Blue Ghost", (Often claimed as sunk by cryptic Tokyo Rose), Off they flew in Furies' face, And some died without a trace, Yet these warriors broke the foe with mortal blows. So be heartened when you see Giant thunderheads at sea, Which are pillars of support for Heaven's floor; Bombing Nineteen's missing mates Fly above Saint Peter's gates With wings of honor forged by flames of war.