Lt Col. FC ‘Hap’ Chandler, a WWII B24 pilot navigator, wandered into Ellwood’s café in Ste Mere Eglise during the 2008 D-Day celebrations. This unmistakable ‘Georgia’ boy, with his rich Southern accent and old world charm stood beside the famous C47 tail piece and said in pretty audible tones, “You're gonna have to get me a ladder, 'cos the only place I’m gonna sign this thing is up there” pointing to the uppermost part of the tail, which had been signed by hundreds of veterans.
“I was up above them in WWII and I’m going to stay above them now.”
A ladder was duly provided and the 88 year old flyer deftly climbed the steps and wrote his signature and a short message at the very top.
After accepting a cold beer as recompense for his exertions, he turned to us, the roving film crew and said “ Ok boys, let’s do an interview." There followed, what can only be described as one of the most lucid, detailed and entertaining descriptions of service in WWII that we have ever had the privilege to film.
Hap has been a great friend to all of us and he makes an appearance in The Americans on Hell’s Highway This little film was made for him, as a tribute to his service.
I have the privilege to know Hap and have him regale me with his stories. When we were in Hollywood for the premiere of "Americans on D-Day" we spent one morning at a coffe shop where Hap talked for hours - every story facinating and with great details - of Eaker and Doolittle and of the bombing missions. Hap is a treasure
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