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Mr. Eric Fetsch, a grandson of the Fetsch family, recently visited the Museum and shared their story of three brothers who served during World War II in the Navy. Their personal story had been carefully preserved by Lolo Hall Fetsch, the mother of these young men. Each of the brothers dutifully wrote their mother about events during the war and exchanged correspondence and advice among themselves.
 The Museum staff was privileged to interview and spend time with the younger brother and author of their family World War II story, Douglas Fetsch. His book, "Three Blue Stars - Letters Home From Three Brothers Serving in the Navy During WWII", is an interesting glimpse into the lives of young men uncertain about the future but dedicated to serving our country.
The Fetsch family was from Lakeview, Oregon, and had found success in the men's clothing business. Carter E. Fetsch, born in 1919, was the first son to enlist in the United States Navy as an Aviation Cadet with plans on becoming a Navy Pilot. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and 20 days later Carter was on a train to Seattle, Washington, for active duty and flight training with the Navy. The first blue star was now displayed in the Fetsch front window of their home.
Vinton H. Hall was born in 1909 and was a half brother to Carter and Douglas. Vinton graduated from the University of Oregon and pursued a career in journalism. His wedding trip was a ten month tour of Europe including Germany where he was able to witness Adolf Hitler's rise to power. When the Pearl Harbor attack took place Vinton was 31 years old and could have exempted himself from service but he chose to join the Navy in Public Relations. The second blue star found its way to the Fetsch front window.
Douglas Fetsch, whom we were privileged to meet and interview, was born in April, 1924. He nearly missed the opportunity to be a Naval Aviator and could have been subject to the draft. Through amazing luck and his brother's wisdom, he was able to secure a slot for training as a Naval Aviation Cadet in 1943. The third blue star had been earned by the Fetsch family.
The Fetsch story is really about the homefront during the war and the efforts of folks to serve their country while maintaining a strong family bond. Their mother, Lolo, was key to connecting her family through the communication capabilities of the time. The brothers felt responsibility for their siblings and offered important advice throughout the war. Their family clothing business provided jobs and products to support the local population and their sons during deployments.
"Three Blue Stars - Letters Home From Three Brothers Serving in the Navy During WWII" is available for purchase by calling Mike or Teri at (303) 688-6626.
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Mr. Rich Tuttle is a freelance writer living in the Colorado Springs area who has covered aerospace, defense, and aviation developments for many years. During some of his 35 year career with McGraw-Hill, Rich was the editor of Aerospace Daily and traveled extensively covering the Farnborough and Paris airshows. He has covered aviation and space on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and at NASA. 
Members of the warbird community have agreed to make this a very special graduation memory for the Class of 2013 by flying vintage bomber and fighter aircraft over the Academy at graduation. Two B-25J Mitchell bombers, a P-47D Thunderbolt, two P-51D Mustangs, a P-40K Warhawk, a TBM-3E Avenger, and some T-33 Shooting Star jet trainers are tentatively scheduled to participate. Several of these aircraft will be hosted on the Museum ramp and will be viewable during tours just before graduation. Schedule your visit now to see these historic aircraft. Plan to be at the graduation or at the Colorado Springs airport to witness this historic event. Watch our Facebook page for the latest information concerning aircraft and schedules. We will also be inviting local World War II veterans to join us and be interviewed around the aircraft. 
