Overview

Stories from The Hump: Memories of a C-46 Pilot is a firsthand account of World War II service in one of the most dangerous and least known arenas: the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. Told through the eyes of Lt. Dick Turner, a young pilot fresh out of flight school, this collection of tales brings to life the harrowing experience of flying over the Himalayas, known as ""The Hump,"" where weather, terrain, and enemy threats turned every mission into a perilous gamble. Turner completed 72 1/2 missions piloting an unarmed C-46 transport plane, delivering vital supplies from India to Allied forces in China. Facing brutal monsoons, mechanical failures, and the constant threat of enemy fighters, he and his fellow airmen formed the backbone of the first military airlift in U.S. history, before the formation of the United States Air Force. But this book is more than a war memoir. It is a deeply personal reflection of a life shaped by adventure, faith, and love. Blending wartime stories with glimpses into his childhood, marriage, and spiritual journey, Turner invites readers to see not just the war, but the man behind the uniform. Some stories drawn from earlier works (Third Chance and Revelation ---at last) reveal the healing power of writing as a creative outlet and the enduring love he shared with and for his beloved wife, Caroline. Compiled by his daughter, Sharyn Turner Larson, and published posthumously, Stories from The Hump is a tribute to the courage of unsung heroes and the quiet strength of those who carried the weight of war without weapons. It is a rare window into the human side of history: all at once raw, humorous, poignant, and inspiring. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a veteran, or someone who cherishes family legacy, this book invites you to take flight into a forgotten theater of war and to remember those who served, sacrificed, and want to share their stories with you.

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9781963770131

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Richard W. Turner, Sr. (1924-2004) was a World War II veteran, decorated pilot, artist, author, and devoted husband and father whose life was marked by service, creativity, humility, and deep faith. Born in Johnson City, New York, Turner answered the call of duty, serving with distinction in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. As a pilot, he flew 72 1/2 missions over the treacherous Himalayan supply route known as ""The Hump"", an experience that shaped his character and perspective for the rest of his life. After the war, Turner became a leader in the Boy Scouts of America, raised a family, was active in his church, and enjoyed painting, nature, and whittling woodcarvings. He shared 56 years with the love of his life, Caroline, and began writing in his later years to reflect on his life's most defining moments. Sharyn Elizabeth Turner Larson (1945-2025) was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and editor. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, and raised in the Carolinas and Florida, she graduated from Lakeland High School in 1964 and went on to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Library Science from Florida State University (Go Noles!). After moving from Florida to Texas, she met and married the love of her life, Gerald ""Jerry"" Larson. They were devoted to one another for over 50 years, and together they raised a family and made their home in Plano. She selflessly invested her time, attention, and love into her children and was actively involved with their activities, friends, and interests. Sharyn enjoyed sharing her faith, teaching Sunday School, and Bible study classes for many years. Sharyn enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including making personalized greeting cards, stamping, and scrapbooking. She loved music, singing, dancing, entertaining, and traveling. Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Sharyn was the driving force behind preserving her father, Richard W. Turner, Sr.'s wartime and spiritual writings. As editor of Third Chance, Revelation ---at last, and Stories from The Hump, she transcribed handwritten drafts, pored over punctuation and phrasing, and faithfully [shepherded, guided, curated, shaped, captured] his voice to the printed page. Their collaboration, marked by deep love and the occasional (ok, frequent) editorial debate, became a shared legacy, honoring his military service and the strength of their father-daughter bond.

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