91-year-old World War II veteran gets one more flight in B-29

CEDAR RAPIDS - The last time Jerry Micka flew a mission in a B-29 Superfortress, World War II had just ended and he was dropping relief supplies to American prisoners of war in China.

'I guess that was my favorite trip, because you like to help your buddies,” said Micka, a longtime Cedar Rapids resident.

The 91-year-old veteran relived his wartime memories Sunday morning when he flew in a B-29 named 'FIFI” at The Eastern Iowa Airport. FIFI is the only currently-flying B-29 in existence and was rescued and restored by the Commemorative Air Force.

'He was so thrilled that he could sit back in his chair and relive some of his history and the past,” said Mike Micka, Jerry's son who accompanied him on the flight.

Jerry Micka, who flew 29 missions in the B-29 in the Pacific Theater, got to again sit in the 'Barber Chair,” a gunner position at the top of the plane that allowed him to electronically control other turret positions on the plane.

There were 'no 50-caliber shells,” Micka said, smiling and joking that passengers were not allowed to use the guns during the flight. He said the weather was great, and it was nice to see the area from the sky.

Mike Micka said his father originally studied to be a pilot, but found out once he deployed that the military needed more crew members instead.

Because of his previous computer experience, Jerry Micka was assigned to a B-29 as a central fire control gunner, Mike Micka said.

A crowd was on hand Sunday morning, with families, veterans and World War II buffs gathered at the airport to watch and take pictures of FIFI's flight.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight coordinated in getting Micka a spot on the B-29.

The organization arranges free trips to Washington, D.C., for veterans to see the memorials associated with the wars they fought in. Although arranging B-29 flights for veterans is rare, Honor Flight spokesman George Rickey said it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Jerry Micka's family and friends were in attendance to see him fly in the B-29.

'We're calling it his 30th mission,” said Betty Micka-Rolwes, Micka's daughter.

Florence Micka, Jerry's wife of 64 years, said her husband was ecstatic to ride the plane and had been looking forward to the flight ever since he was told about it. She said Jerry is a proud World War II veteran and not shy about telling his war stories.

During his last mission of the war, Micka said he flew in a B-29 to drop medical aid as well as food and drinks to American prisoners of war in China. He said he still remembers the soldiers waving from the ground and how happy they were to receive supplies after being held by Japanese soldiers.

'A lot of people were in really bad shape, so it was nice to give them what they needed,” Micka said of his mission in China.

Mike Micka said flying in the B-29 was an amazing experience.

'I can't even describe what's like,” he said. 'It's just an experience you'll never forget.”