"On December 8, 1941, I picked up a phone and offered my services and those of my company to the War Department. Within six weeks, I was sent to work for the SSR. I wasn't looking to avoid the battlefield - and I did fly into some dangerous situations more than once - but my knowledge as a scientist was needed more than one more pilot." Which isn't to say that he doesn't feel just a little guilty about not being on the frontlines.