How to resolve AdBlock issue? It was a beautiful Sunday morning 72 years ago when two radar operators at the U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor spotted large groups of air craft heading for the island. But since a squadron of B-17s was expected, they were told to not sound an alarm. Less than an hour later, a swarm of 360 Japanese dive bombers appeared, their planes bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on their wings. The planes descended on the base in a ferocious assault that rendered much of the Pacific fleet useless. Five out of eight battleships, three destroyers and seven other ships, along with over 200 aircraft were destroyed or severely damaged. More than 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack and another 1,200 wounded. The surprise assault struck a critical blow and drew the United States irrevocably into World War II.
Niles Devoe was fresh out of high school, sitting in the living room of his parents’ Schenectady home when the radio crackled the news that Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor.
“I was mad when I heard about it,” said Niles, 92, who lived in Saratoga Springs with his wife Vivian until three years ago when they moved in with family in California. “I didn’t feel very good about someone dropping bombs on our territory.”
And even though he had a full time job at General Electric, Niles immediately marched out of the house and straight to the nearest recruitment office where he signed up that very day to become a member of the Air Force.
“I just thought it was the thing to do—the show of power,” said Niles, admitting that he wished he had talked to his parents first, but never regretted his decision to join the armed forces, knowing the attack would draw the United States into the war.
“It was instantaneous when I saw what happened to Pearl Harbor,” continued Niles about his enlistment. “My parents were mad because I didn’t let them know what I was going to do and I felt bad because I didn’t discuss it with my mother and father first, but it was the thing to do.”
After months and months of training in both Florida and Texas, Niles became part of the 366th bomb squadron, which was associated with the 305th bomb group stationed in Chelveston, England. Between 1942 and 1945, approximately 8,000 men passed through the doors of the 305th where the 366th squadron flew long-range strategic bombing missions attacking targets such as shipyards, motor works and submarine stations.
Niles, who served as a bombardier responsible for releasing the bombs nestled in the nose of the B-17s, said he flew on a total of five missions during his tour of duty. His bomb group, the 305th, flew over 480 combat missions and over 174 of their B-17s, known as Flying Fortresses, were shot down or destroyed.
He is most proud of the part he played in the bombing of Dresden, Germany on February 13, 1945.
“Our B-17s flew in a 12-plane formation,” said Niles. “We were wing tip to wing tip.”
The raid saw more than 3,400 tons of explosives dropped on the city by 800 American and British aircraft.
And even though he was trained to be in the plane, Niles also often participated in ground patrols and it was while he was on one of those missions that he felt the pain of losing someone he was close to.
“I lost my best friend—his plane crashed into a mountain peak in the Alps—I was on a ground mission at the time,” said Niles. “He crashed in December and they did not find his body until April.”
He noted that the co-pilot had survived the crash, but had frozen to death before rescuers could reach them.
But he couldn’t forget his friend, Jim Schneider, and how he had lost his life in the battle for our country’s freedom.
“I named my first son after my best friend,” continued Niles.
Admitting he has myriad of emotions when it comes to World War II, Niles said when he and his wife visited Pearl Harbor a few years ago he was especially hit with the true impact of the invasion.
“We saw the Arizona—the battleship that was sunk,” said Niles, his voice catching in his throat. “That was a sight to see.”
He later visited an Air Force museum where he was able to see one of the B-17s from his squadron on display.
“There it was, set on top of a pedestal,” continued Niles, noting that he is proud of the time he spent in the military—31 years.
Niles later watched as three of his grandsons also joined the military service—Dustin Klotz, who did eight years in the Navy, Jesse Klotz, who was a Marine and Michael Edwards, who is presently preparing to graduate from West Point.
“I have nothing but good things to say about the service,” Niles said.
Niles, who owned the former gas station and car wash across from Espeys, said he will always be proud of his service to our country.
“There was the good and the bad—it was not smooth and easy,” said Niles. “I am proud to have served.”
