Lawrence A. Wood - 355th FS Crew Chief
A Tribute to my Father - By James Wood
Lawrence A. Wood was a Crew Chief with the Pugnacious Pups, 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group during World War II, he served from 1942-1945.
Wood's pride and joy, P-51D Mustang "Yo-Yo", was piloted
by Lt. Bruno Peters.
Mr. Wood was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1915. His family moved often, and he spent time in Chicago. He married before the war and had a daughter, Dolores. The war years interrupted his life but provided him with many memories. His marriage did not survive the war, but he re-married and moved to California in 1948. His father and mother also moved west separately. All settled near Sacramento where his wife, Ethel, gave birth to sons James and Larry. They enjoyed life in North Highlands where Lawrence worked as hydrostatics shop foreman, McClellan Air Force Base, 1950-1974. He was also a volunteer fireman during most of that time, helping to found the North Highlands Fire Department.
After retirement, they moved into an smaller house next to the original home. James moved to Riverside and Larry to nearby Citrus Heights. Lawrence enjoyed many reunions of the World War II group, including one in England. His heart weakened after 2000, and he died peacefully with his family on July 7, 2001.
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Credits
Lawrence A. Wood: A Tribute to my Father by James Wood.