Name: Kimball, Jennifer

E-mail: jvbrown2001@aol.com

Topic: Wilbur West, an oral history

Ark. Hist. Framework: 6.1.1.

Objective: 1. Students will listen to an oral history of Wilbur West, a Pine Bluff native and World War II veteran.

2. Students will explain how Mr. West is an important piece of WWII history.

3. Students will write a persuasive paragraph on the importance of Veteran's Day in the United States.

Set: Briefly provide a background on WWII . Ask students what they think it means to be a hero. Tell students that we have a WWII hero living in Pine Bluff.

Materials: photos, articles from Pine Bluff Commercial

Key Terms: veteran, hero, prisoner of war, Europe, Turkey, Cyprus, Army Air Corps, pilot

Key Facts: In 1942, Wilbur West co-piloted a bomber during the first attack on enemy forces in Europe. They bombed major oil fields, and were forced to make an emergency landing in Turkey because they were low on fuel. They believed that Turkey was on the side of the U.S. but were taken prisoner upon landing. They were held captive for six months and three days. Mr. West led an escape of nine others to a plane and flew to safety in Cyprus. Others from Mr. West's squadron who were not taken prisoner received Silver Stars for their bombing of the oil fields. The men that were P.O.W.s did not, however, receive awards. Mr. West, encouraged by his family, applied for his medal. In April 2001, 59 years later, Mr. West was awarded his Silver Star. Mr. West is a successful businessman in Pine Bluff and has been extremely supportive of his community for many years.

Activities: 1. Provide a biography of Mr. West to the class, emphasizing his time with the Army Air Corps. during the war.

2. Discuss Mr. West being a prisoner of war.

3. Explain awarding of medals to military men and women, and highlight that Mr. West did not receive his Silver Star until 2001.

4. Invite Mr. West to visit the class and to bring photos, uniform, and possibly his Silver Star with him. Ask him to tell his story.

Closure: Discuss Veteran's Day holiday. Explain that Wilbur West is a veteran of World War II.

Assessment: Students will write a persuasive paragraph on the importance of Veteran's Day in the United States. Paragraphs will be graded on a rubric.

Resources: Pine Bluff Commerical (www.pbcommercial.com/archives/)

June Spakes, Mr. West's daughter