Vance Meinecke

Vance Meinecke was born January 6, 1926, in Herkimer, Kansas, the son of Emil and Frida Meinecke. He attended Herkimer Public Grade School, continued his education in Marysville, and graduated from Marysville High School.

Meinecke enlisted in the Army Air force when he was 17 years old and was drafted on his 18th birthday. He attended Army Training Camp in Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, then attended college in Springfield, Missouri, where he completed his education and army training.

Meinecke flew the PT-19 at primary training camp, then flew the BT-13 at basic training camp and the AT-6 at the advanced training camp. Meineke was ready to graduate when World War II ended. On the day the war ended, he was told he could go home. Meineke lived in Marysville, Kentucky, working for the railroad until transferring to Kansas City.