Louis Rehr , author of Marauder  

Carleton Rher hands a signed copy of her husband's book, Marauder, to a patron of the book-signing event at the Culver-Union Twp. Public Library, as her husband, Louis, looks

Marauder Memoir of a B-26 Pilot in Europe in World War II - Louis S. Rehr with Carleton R. Rehr Paperback: 353 pages Publisher: McFarland; Large Print edition (August 13, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0786443677 ISBN-13: 978-0786443673 Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.8 x 10.1 inches

World War II veteran and Culver Academy alumnus Louis Rehr and his wife, Carleton, visited the Culver-Union Twp. Public Library on September 17 to meet and greet those who stopped by to meet "Lou," learn about his book, and have the book signed. The book, Marauder: Memoir of a B-26 Pilot in Europe in World War II, published by McFarland Press, recounts Rehr's sometimes breathtaking experiences piloting the B-26 bomber during the war. Louis Rehr, who graduated in 1938 from Culver, journeyed to Europe along with his Culver roommate immediately after graduating, and his account -- in word and photograph -- of seeing the rising tide of Nazism in Germany is both fascinating and chilling. Carleton Rehr, a longtime English teacher, helped him put his memories to paper from their home in Hawaii.

One unique aspect of Rehr's book is that he was a consummate -- and artful -- photographer. His photos of Germany and Europe before, during, and after the war are often startling, and add a dimension to his work that is absent from many other accounts of WWII experiences. In fact, Louis Rehr also took a number of beautiful photographs of the Culver campus, several of which were displayed at the book-signing. Many of the attendees at the event were former classmates of Mr. Rehr's, and school and war stories were shared amongst them, in addition to Mrs. Rehr's account of her hussband's experience and their experience together in writing the book.

The Rehrs noted that copies of the book are available for those who missed the event, and that those interested in obtaining an autographed copy should contact the Rehrs directly (shipping charges are also less if the book is purchased through the Rehrs, than most commercial book venues), at 808-696-3788, or via email at libelle201@aol.com. The Rehrs have a website about the book at Marauder Pilot

Photos below: Shots of Culver Military Academy taken by Louis Rehr, class of 1938 (click any photo to enlarge):

Samoussy, France, 2007. Lt. Col. Louis S. Rehr standing in front of the monument dedicated to the men of the 323rd who gave their lives for the liberation of France. This monument, erected by the Franco American Association of the Aisne, is located near the former Laon-Athies Airdrome, where the 323rd was based from October 1944 to February 1945 Lt. Colonel Louis S. Rehr began his military life at 14 when he entered Indiana’s Culver Military Academy, known as the “West Point of secondary schools.” Even during the Depression, Culver maintained its long tradition of preparing young men for college while training them to be dedicated soldiers and patriotic citizens. Before he graduated in 1938, Rehr distinguished himself as a cadet in the mounted Field Artillery unit by earning a position in its honor organization known as the Four Gun Drill Team. In 1936, he also won the national rifle championship for military schools. With additional summer training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he graduated as a second lieutenant. Although Rehr held a commission in the Field Artillery, his dream was to become an Army Air Corps pilot. During the summer of 1940, he was accepted into the government initiated Civilian Pilot Training Program, which was established in response to the growing threat of war abroad. He trained at Ohio’s Cleveland Airport, where the year before, he soloed his first aircraft. By summer’s end he earned his private license. During Rehr’s junior year at Washington and Lee University, Army Air Corps recruiters visited the campus, and he jumped at the opportunity to sign up. He was inducted into the Corps in July 1941, five months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. At his graduation from primary flight school at Hicks Field, Fort Worth, Texas, he was awarded the Military Achievement Award given by the World War I Flyers of Fort Worth. After completing his basic training at Goodfellow Field, San Angelo, Texas, and advanced training at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, he earned his wings on February 13, 1942, the Class of 42B. - - www. b26.com/marauderman/louis_s._rehr. htm

LT. COL. LOUIS S. REHR
October 30th, 2011 - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Lt. Col. Louis S. Rehr, decorated World War II pilot and author of “Marauder Memoir of a B-26 Pilot in Europe in World War II,” died at his Makaha home October 20. He was 92.

Rehr, a squadron commander of the 456th Bombardment Squadron, 323rd Bombardment Group, flew 60 missions over France and Germany. He earned 12 air medals and five battle stars and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses. For his role in the liberation of France from 1944 to 1945, the French government awarded him the Croix de Guerre and recently appointed him a “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor — France’s highest honor.

“Lou taught me serenity under fire, dignity amidst chaos and warmth in camaraderie,” says Frank Burgmeier, his lead navigator. “He was an exceptional being.”

Rehr enjoyed a lifelong love of airplanes and flying. Following World War II, he ferried aircraft from South Florida to buyers in Brazil. In addition to corporate and airline flying, he taught thousands of pilots to fly before his retirement at age 80 in New Jersey, where he was a flight instructor and Designated FAA Examiner.

As a sailplane pilot, Rehr holds one of the first international Gold Badges in the sport of soaring, He won two national soaring championships in 1958 and 1968.

Rehr spent many years surfing in waters off Florida and on yearly visits to Makaha Beach before moving to Hawaii in 1999.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Rehr is a graduate of Culver Military Academy, 1938, and Washington and Lee University, 1942.

He is survived by his wife and coauthor, Carleton; sister Judy Dunning of Vero Beach, FL; son Robert S. Rehr of Shalimar, FL; daughter Tasha Rifkin Connolly of Bloomfield, NJ; and three grandchildren.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery

Birth: Mar. 2, 1919 Death: Oct. 20, 2011 Interred March 28,2012 Burial: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington Arlington County Virginia Plot: N70 C-24-1

Originally By: Jeffery P. Kenney
Updated: Lake Maxinkuckee Its Interigue