Why Can't I

This stunning example of a war-time love story is filled with battle action, and is a personal look into the life and love of a man whose mantra was “Why Can’t I.” It is a journey of discovery into a different and more innocent time. Here are his times. This is his story.

For almost 100 years photos, journals, newspaper clippings, Naval records and love letters waited quietly to tell the story of how a Depression-era Southern boy with nothing but talent and ambition rose to become a Navy fighter pilot and hero in WWII.

John Barry, Jr, was born in poverty in coastal Carolina. His athletic prowess and personality earned him a college education. John could see the advent of War coming while he was a student at N.C. State in 1939. “I entered into flying, something that would be useful upon the arrival of War,” John wrote later in a letter. He washed out on his “landing skills” while training at Randolph Air Field, Texas in 1940. After flunking out of Army Cadet Flight School in 1940, he moved on to enroll in the Naval Flight School in Glenview, Illinois.

He found love and married a hometown girl shortly before he reported aboard the USS Hornet CV-12. His personal journal entries told the story of the heat and exhaustion of life aboard the carriers, the loss of good friends in dogfights and bad landings, and the real horrors of the war. In stark contrast, his letters home were filled with descriptions of the beauty of the Pacific Islands, the friendships made aboard ship, his desire for home, as well as advice for his pregnant wife.

June 15 1944 Essex operating with TG 58.4 conducting air operations against Iwo Jima. TG 58.1 is attacking Chichi Jima.

June 15 Journal Entry - “D-Day Marines make landings on the west side of Saipan encountering heavy artillery fire. Beach secured. We hit Iwo Jima this afternoon. It was without a doubt the worst hop that I have ever been on. Squally rain clouds all over the place. 30 to 40 kt. surface wind. We flew in at 20,000 ft. led by McCampbell. The high winds blew us North of the island so we flew South for twenty minutes then located the island. I saw five or six Jap planes (Zekes) going down in flames from 20,000 ft. when we came in. McCampbell led us on one strafing run on the field starting from 5,000 ft. He then pulled up and Mr. Brewer took us on two more strafing runs on the island. There were from 75 to 100 planes on the island which were strafed. It was a frightening but exhilarating picture. Every time a Zeke would show up four or five Hellcats would jump him. Some of the Jap planes were circling the island at a very low altitude being protected by their own A.A. The A.A. was moderate but accurate. On our third strafing run Lt. (j.g.) Jones was shot down. He made a split S at 300 ft. as he dove into the sea. Lt. Crittenden received a leg wound. One VB- Ens. Clement and one VT – Ens. McRae were shot down over the target. We had bad weather going back also. Boy! That ship really looked good.”

June 15 letter to Olive - “Hello Darling; Gee! I wish that I could have you to cool my fevered brow. After a particular hard day of flying I always end with a terrific headache. My head is running true to form as I flew this afternoon. Won’t you cool my forehead with some cold towels Darling you know the same way you did when I ended up with a hang-over.

The sea is rougher to-day than it has been since I have been aboard this ship. She is rolling and pitching. I am glad that I am not susceptible to sea sickness. I am sure you would make a salty sailor. Hey Olive! I love you! I shall start my dreams of you promptly at nine thirty. Until I see you again Darling, I have a serial going in which there are two actors you and me. My serial starts to-night at nine-thirty.

Gee! But sack looks inviting.There should be a poem written about the sack in the Navy. If you will say Good-night I shall be off to my sack. Good-night Baby, I love you Olive, Johnnie.”

Reviews

"John E. Barry III has written a masterful work of art disguised as a thoroughly readable book. Rooted in North Carolina and the Pacific Theater, this love story about his war-hero Dad is an authoritative integration of aerial combat journal entries, rich photographs and letters in flowing cursive to his expecting wife. From the Carrier Essex in the Pacific waters comes a gripping story of war and love. A simply beautiful gift to the reader."

-- Brigadier General Michael A. Cushman, USAF (Ret.)

"World War II aviation remains an enduring subject but we can be grateful for books beyond "rivet counter" references for the technically oriented. Those aircraft were built, maintained and flown by young people who committed themselves to ending the greatest conflict in history. John Barry provides a rare treatment of the subject via his parents, who remain an example for all."

-- Barrett Tillman, best-selling author, On Wave & Wing: The 100-Year Quest to Perfect the Aircraft Carrier

"This book by John Barry III chronicles, through his (father’s) personal diary, the life of his father, the famous WWII naval aviator. It should be required reading for anyone interested in the Pacific War. Distinguish yourself and buy it now."

-- Winston Groom, best-selling author, Forrest Gump

"A poignant story of a boy who grows into manhood with an unmatched enthusiasm for life in spite of hard times, an orphanage and WWII. A must read for anyone who champions an underdog and believes in love."

-- Elaine B. Henson, Historian and Author of Carolina Beach: A Post Card History