John Schaus goes back to Ramsey High School

John Schaus goes back to high school

John explains his high school “assignment” to me over the phone — with great delight. They asked him to share his war experiences at two separate gatherings of students.

But why John? Because during his senior year at Ramsey High, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps believing that he would not be called to active duty before graduation. But the sequence of events played out differently – for both John and one of his classmates, George Halik.

John gets called up early, leaves high school in February 1944, and becomes a B-25 pilot before he turns 20.

From bombs in the B-25 to lobsters in a DC-3

Veterans Air knows John because after the war, he flies lobsters from Maine in our DC-3s. (Now there’s a dramatic “mission” transition!) 

Big smile lights up John Schaus' face as he relaxes in a chair by a sunny window at his boyhood Ramsey High School.
A rightfully pleased man, John Schaus is enjoying his invitation by Ramsey High School to tell “where I went” and “what I did” during WWII while serving in the Army Air Corps. PHOTO CREDIT: With deep appreciation to Ramsey High School and Photographers Mr. Keith Nixon and Samantha Simpson.

So that you may gain a deeper appreciation for the magnitude of a B-25 and its Crews … this gorgeous B-25 restoration which belongs to the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum goes on tours.

Her name is Maid in the Shade. And when she flew into Santa Fe, NM, as part of the Arizona Commemorative Air Force summer Flying Legends of Victory Tour, I went and took these photos for John.  According to the Museum’s website, this aircraft is among only 34 still flying of the nearly 10,000 B-25’s produced.  Built in 1944, the B-25 “Maid in the Shade” was developed by North American Aviation and used mainly as a low altitude strafe and skip bomber.

Shiny metal air frame and glass gunnery perch and cockpit of the fully restored 1944 B-25 named "Maid In the Shade" on the ramp at Santa Fe airport.
Not John Schaus’ B-25, but the beautifully restored B-25 Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” when she visited Santa Fe in 2018.
Behind Gaye Lyn (wearing a big grin) is the nose of restored B-25 named "Maid in The Shade" wearing her brightly-colored hand-painted design typical of airplane art of WWII.
Can’t help taking a selfie! Thanks so much to the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum for bringing B-25 Maid In The Shade to Santa Fe as part of their summer “Flying Legends of Victory Tour.”

Now back to school and an unexpected tribute for…Honorary Graduate John Schaus

The rest of John’s story is an even bigger heart warmer. Following all seven talks by the invited Veterans, the Ramsey High School Board of Education presents an Honorary Graduate certificate to John Schaus and George Halik. That’s when the President of the Class of 2019 also invites both men to participate in Ramsey High’s June graduation ceremony.

The Honorary Graduate certificate is in recognition of John D. Schaus' "time spent at Ramsey High School and time spent defending our country during WWII."
70-some years later, with gratitude and thoughtfulness, Ramsey High School Board of Education declares John D. Schaus an Honorary Graduate. PHOTO CREDIT: Ramsey High School.
Seated and holding their Honorary Graduate certificates in leather binders are John Schaus and George Halik.
John Schaus and George Halik. The Graduates! And, backing them up, the thoughtful Ramsey High School Administration who staged this event. Guess which one is 2019 Senior Class President. PHOTO CREDIT: PHOTO CREDIT: Ramsey High School and Photographers Mr. Keith Nixon and Samantha Simpson.

Cool?  You bet!

Here is how Ramsey High came to coordinate this event.

After WWII, now Air Force Major Schaus tells about an unnamed airman…

My commanding officer [during Korea] comes to me one day asking for help with an airman whose disciplinary problem was about to earn him time in the stockade. The young man is bright, able, and scores extremely high on all testing. I surmise that this young Chicagoan’s unacceptable attitude is fueled by the prejudice he faces daily. And I fear that time in the stockade, with guards no better than the prisoners, was not the answer. The service couldn’t get away with it today, but this was back then.

John then reveals to his high school audience that the airman was African American. And John is pretty sure he was chosen to help the airman out of trouble because he was known not only for high morale among his men, but for his equal treatment of and belief in them.

The choice. And decision.

The choice…stockade or fresh start.  The decision…fly out with Major Schaus to his Georgia air base and follow the Major’s strong “recommendation” to sign up for paratrooper school. Good decision. He is graduated with the highest grade — and three stripes!

A number of years later, John is invited to and attends the wedding and reception of by-then-Sgt. X.

OK…this story is very awkwardly written because I don’t know what to “call” this airman other than Sgt. X.  John does not remember his name all these years later. And, unfortunately, most of John’s records and memorabilia from that period in his life no longer exist. John thinks of him often and wishes they had stayed in touch. I promise John that, if he ever remembers this airman’s name or can give me a clue to follow, I will do everything I can to locate him.


For now, congratulations, John, on your Honorary Graduate degree! And, again and always, thank you for your Service.  This excerpt from Ramsey High School is deserved tribute to you and all of our Veterans…and bears repeating:

These men gave up a portion of their childhood to fight for freedom, combating evil, and to defeat dictators around the globe. Their service stands as an example for all and we are proud to claim them as our alums.


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