FLYING HOO-JIVE TO FREEDOM
Pursued by a pair of German ME-109s, Charles Huntoon landed his B-24 on a grassy air field in Sweden with only one engine of her four running. Inwardly, Huntoon thanked his Alaskan instructor who had taught him how to land a heavy bomber without power. Though he and his crew were about to become “prisoners” of the Swedes, they were alive and free from German captivity.
DESTINED TO BE A SOLDIER
Charles R. Huntoon, Jr. was born in the small northeastern city of Rumford, Maine, on November 28, 1915. He grew up with close connections to family and friends, a strong work ethic, and sense of duty.
As the world dove into the Great Depression, Boy Scout camp and events stressed comradeship and self-sufficiency during Huntoon’s teenage years. After graduating from Rumford High School, he attended the University of Maine where he began his military career in the ROTC program. During this time, he met Elizabeth (Betty) Curtiss, who would become his future wife.
In June 1939, “Charlie” graduated with a chemical engineering degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves. The next year, Charles and Betty wed, settling into what they thought would be a comfortable, ordinary life.
To fulfill his ROTC requirement, Huntoon was required to serve one year of
