Philip Kovar

Philip Kovar enlisted in the armed forces in 1943. After taking a course in aircraft mechanics, he was assigned to the Army Air Forces. He began training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, followed by basic training in Miami Beach. Subsequently, he attended Pratt & Whitney in Michigan for specialized instruction in aircraft engines.

In December 1943, he shipped out from Newport News, Virginia, aboard a Liberty Ship. On his first morning at sea, he awoke to a striking sight—hundreds of ships stretched across the horizon in a convoy heading for North Africa. His ship landed in Algiers for a short stay before continuing to Bombay, India. From there, he traveled by train to the Himalayan foothills near the India-Burma border. His job was to service planes flying “over the Hump” into China, supporting General Chennault’s 14th Air Force. These aircrafts carried vital supplies and required frequent maintenance to ensure they remained flight-ready.

Philip lived in bamboo huts with around forty other servicemen, sleeping under mosquito nets for protection against malaria. He exchanged letters throughout his service with his future wife, Ettie. Since he had never needed to drive in New York, he learned to drive and obtained his license in India, which allowed him to operate the unit’s jeep.

When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, the conflict in Asia continued. The American Air Force played a key role in supplying Chinese forces, while U.S. troops also fought in Burma. After the atomic bombings ended the war in August, Philip’s base in India was closed. He was flown to Karachi and then returned home by ship. He arrived in New York City on New Year’s Eve but had to remain aboard until morning. On January 1, 1946, his ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty and docked, bringing him back to American soil.