Wop's Medals
Myths about Wop

1979 Re-Enactment of the Mercy Flight - by Denny May

Bob Horner & Denny May

Thanks to the efforts of the Staff of the Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots  - in 1979, pilots Denny May, Bob Horner (sons of the original pilots) along with Rev. Les Stahlke (Executive Director of L.A.M.P. - the Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots) and Russ Janzen (Manager of the Edmonton Flying Club) re-enacted the flight on June 21st - the date of “Wop” May’s death in 1952.

Also involved in the re-enactment were Dr. Harold Hamman who waited in Fort Vermilion, and Dr. Malcolm Bow who gave the pilots a vial of anti-toxin to deliver to Dr. Hamman.

The aircraft used was the Edmonton Flying Club Fleet “Finch” open cockpit biplane - taking turns along the way.

Stops were made at McLennan (where schoolchildren had made posters & prizes were given to the winners), at Peace River (where a civic reception was held) and at Fort Vermilion where the Serum was delivered to Dr. Harold Hamman.

Denny May presents prize to poster winner in McLennan

We arrive in Fort Vermilion

Dr. Harold Hamman receives serum

Russ Janzen, Bob Horner, Denny May & Les Stahlke

The re-enactment was the brainchild of Rev. Les Stahlke to raise funds for L.A.M.P. 1,500 souvenir covers for the event which sold for $50.00 each - mostly to people who regularly support L.A.M.P. - many in the U.S.A. $55,000.00 was raised and L.A.M.P. used the money to purchase a Cessna 185 for use in their missionary work in Northern Canada.  The covers were signed by the 4 pilots and were carried with on the flight and hand cancelled at Fort Vermilion.

Souvenir Cover

Bob Horner & Denny May