Posted By Fred Preller on May 29, 2007 at 19:04:55:
In Reply to: Pilot Training posted by DD on May 29, 2007 at 16:47:31:
: My Uncle was a co-pilot on a B-24 in the 445th Bomb Group. His ship was shot down on the Gotha Mission, Feb 24, 1944 and he was KIA. In looking over his papers, I found a discharge from the Army dated sometime before he became an officer. Was it customary to discharge enlisted men prior to their receiving their commission. I don't believe he had split service.
I believe they enlisted to enter pilot training. THat way, if they washed out, they would still have an obligation to Uncle Sam... I know my Dad did that, and I have his records around here somewhere, that shows his enlisted SN and later his officer SN.
I am not sure the significance you place on the term "split service" but I believe this is the way it was done for all cadets.
Regards,
f3