Proverbs 18:10 (New International Version)
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous
run to it and are safe.
During the course of World War II, many people gained
fame in one way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot
assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. One time his entire squadron
was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at
his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel
tank.
Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to
complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to
leave formation and return. As he was returning to the mother ship, he could
see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with
all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was the only
opportunity to distract and divert them. Single-handedly, he dove into the
formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. The American fighter planes
were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken
so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc. Butch dove
at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try
to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit
to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships.
Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another
direction, and Butch O’Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to
the carrier. He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his
plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to protect his
fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation’s highest
military honors.
And as you know, the O'Hare Airport was also named after
him. Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He was
working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn’t famous
for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he’d committed and
the illegal things he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al Capone’s lawyer and he was very
good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail.
To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big
money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire
Chicago city block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of
the conveniences of the day. Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave
him all the best things while he was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good
education. And because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong.
But one thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example.
Easy Eddie decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had
given him. So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had
done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone,
and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed. But he wanted
most of all to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to
his son, a good name. So he testified. Within the year, he was shot and killed
on a lonely street in Chicago. This sounds like two unrelated stories.
But, you see,
Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
This story hasn't yet been proven factual.
Dear Lord we thanks You that as Your sons and daughters
we carry Your name as Christians. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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