A Special Place In Illinois

Steve Ross, Crew 8/VW-11

I know a great, old airplane patch

Way up in Illinois;

That lately is a gathering place

For men who once were boys.

Lo, many years ago these boys

donned salt-encrusted blue,

and proudly bore the title:

U.S. Navy aircrew

They flew in Willy Victors;

Those planes so strong and true.

And many a lad is here today

'Cuz "Willy' brought them through!

So, fill your glasses shipmates,

And stand up in a row;

And tell to all who listen

the surest truth we know:

That Lockheed built the "Willy"

With four engines and a soul,

And we shall sing her praises

'Til they lay us in a hole.