Howie Wing A Saga Of Aviation 1938.xx.xx Episode 81

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Howie Wing: A Saga Of Aviation (1938.xx.xx Episode 81)
Airdate: October 21, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into a dramatic faculty board hearing at Randolph Field, focusing on the trial of Flying Cadet Al Rondell. Accused of academic dishonesty and misconduct, Rondell faces inquiries from top military administrators, with tensions rising as new accusations and personal rivalries come to light. The episode delivers an authentic Golden Age radio drama experience, laden with suspense, character studies, and military procedural intrigue.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Board Convenes

• The episode opens with a formal scene: a group of officers, including Colonel Thompson (the Commandant of Cadets), Captain Bill Harvey, Lieutenant Dodd, and Major Miller (the Medical Corps flight surgeon), gather to address serious charges against Flying Cadet Al Rondell.
  • Atmosphere: The narration paints Colonel Thompson as both fair and authoritative.
• [03:25] Colonel Thompson officially opens the board and asks Captain Harvey to read the charges.

2. The Charges Against Rondell

• [03:32] Captain Harvey outlines two main charges:
  • Conduct unbecoming an officer, specifically providing and having knowledge of unauthorized aid during an exam.
  • Knowingly making a false statement and selling a prohibited textbook (referred to as a "pony") to his roommate, Cadet Tilford.
• These charges are brought forth by Flying Cadet H.B. Wing, B Company commander, and corroborated by Cadet Tilford.

3. Investigating the Evidence and Context

• [04:07] The officers discuss the connection between Tilford’s previous case and Rondell’s current board.
• [05:04] Captain Harvey provides a review of Rondell’s flying training:
  • No prior stick time, progressed rapidly, and is skillful as a pilot ("his flying was satisfactory").
• [05:55] Lieutenant Dodd presents Rondell’s academic and personal background:
  • Poor academic record; described as indifferent, especially weak in mathematics.
  • Troubled college history: difficulty earning credits, missed classes, disciplinary issues, described by the dean as an "exhibitionist" with a penchant for social life and luxury.

4. Personality and Fitness Assessment

• [07:52] Major Miller (flight surgeon) delivers a personality and health assessment of Rondell:
  • Initially healthy, apart from slightly low Snyder Index due to nervousness.
  • Major concerns: emotionally unstable, impulsive, poor judgment. Described as “psychologically unfit for flying in the military service.”
  • Example: "He bites his fingernails excessively. He doesn't eat proper foods."
• [08:14 - 08:48] Notable sharp assessment:
  • "His intelligence was vague, superficial and only partially trained. His temperament, highly nervous and apprehensive."
    — Major Miller ([08:48])

5. Explaining Paradoxical Strengths

• [09:24] Captain Harvey explains the apparent contradiction in Rondell’s strong flying skills but poor academics:
  • "Rondell has a natural ability which seems to be born in some people. His timing and reflexes are good... You can find a boxer who looks beautiful in the ring, but outside the gymnasium he can't write his own name."
    — Captain Bill Harvey ([09:24])

6. Rondell’s Defense & Counter-Accusations

• [09:59] Rondell enters the board and is presented with the charges. He firmly denies the allegations and asserts his innocence.
• [10:44 - 12:52] In an intense exchange:
  • Rondell claims the case against him is a setup, motivated by jealousy from Howie Wing.
  • "I can prove that Holly Wing's word isn't worth a hang. I can prove that this is all a scheme to get me out of Randolph Field."
    — Flying Cadet Rondell ([11:54])
  • He calls for Donna Cavendish as a witness to corroborate his story and expose Wing.

7. The Twist: Donna Cavendish Steps In

• [12:49] Rondell invokes the name Donna Cavendish as a key witness.
• [13:06] Colonel Thompson invites her to speak, as the board descends into confusion with her sudden appearance.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Major Miller’s Psychological Assessment:
  • "I would say his intelligence was vague, superficial and only partially trained. His temperament, highly nervous and apprehensive. In my opinion, Flying Cadet Ron Dell is emotionally unstable." ([08:48])
• Captain Harvey on Natural Talent:
  • "Rondell has a natural ability... I can best explain it by comparing him with a boxer... outside of a gymnasium and he can't write his own name." ([09:24])
• Rondell Questions the System:
  • "I can prove that Holly Wing's word isn't worth a hang. I can prove that this is all a scheme to get me out of Randolph Field." ([11:54])
• Board’s Orderly Conduct Disrupted by Donna’s Arrival:
  • The calm military inquiry is thrown into chaos with the abrupt involvement of Donna Cavendish ([13:06]).

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Notable Timestamps

• 03:25 – Board opens and charges are read.
• 05:12 – Review of Rondell’s flying record.
• 05:55 – Dissection of Rondell's academic and personal background.
• 07:52 – Major Miller’s psychological evaluation.
• 09:24 – Captain Harvey discusses the paradox of Rondell’s skills.
• 09:59 – Rondell is brought in for questioning.
• 11:43 – Rondell’s impassioned defense and accusations.
• 12:49 – Rondell reveals his intention to call Donna Cavendish.
• 13:06 – Donna Cavendish’s dramatic entrance interrupts the proceedings.

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Tone & Style

The episode is delivered with the evocative, clipped dialogue and rich characterization typical of 1930s radio dramas. Tension builds steadily as the stakes for Cadet Rondell rise, with the board members balancing official duty against emerging personal narratives and rivalries. Listeners are left on a cliffhanger, eager to learn what Donna Cavendish will reveal.

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Wrap-Up

In this suspenseful installment of "Howie Wing," the trial of Cadet Rondell unfolds with accusations, psychological intrigue, and dramatic testimony, capturing the essence of vintage radio storytelling and leaving audiences anticipating the next twist in this saga of aviation.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Stand by for Howie Wang. A saga of aviation. And now back to our saga of aviation. A flying cadet is on trial. Buzz Roundel is to face a faculty board. So now let us go to a room in the post administration building. Seated on one side of a long table is a group of officers, in the center of which we see Colonel Thompson, commandant of cadets. The bronzed veteran has a merry twinkle in his blue eyes that denotes a fine sense of fairness and humor, but a firm jaw which marks the true leader. Among the officers grouped around Colonel Thompson, we recognize Captain Bill Harvey, Lieutenant Dodd, and a man wearing the caduceus of the medical corps, who we know to be Major Miller, flight surgeon. At the far end of the table, a warrant officer sits, notebook ready and pencil poised to transcribe every word that is said during the board. A staff sergeant stands smartly at attention at the closed door beyond which, in an anteroom, Flying Cadet Rondell waits. Colonel Thompson raises his eyes from the papers lying on the table in front.

[Colonel Thompson]

Of him and gentlemen, we will open the board proceedings. Will you read the charges, Captain Harvey? Very good, sir.

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Flying Cadet Al Rondell, charged with one conduct unbecoming to a flying cadet and future officer, in that he did give and had knowledge of unauthorized aid in a written examination. Two knowingly and willfully making a false statement. Specifically, Flying Cadet Rondell is charged with selling a prohibited textbook to blind Cadet Telford. The charges are made by Flying Cadet HB Wing, Cadet, captain of B Company. They have been substantiated by Flying Cadet tilford, who is Mr. Rundell's roommate.

[Colonel Thompson]

Yes. This is really then an extension of the Tilford board?

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Yes, sir. The two cases are linked together very closely. We've disposed of the board on Flying Cadet Tilford, but I might explain for the benefit of Major Miller that Mr. Tilford failed in a written examination on mathematics, and it's been recommended that he be relieved of further flying training and discharged from military service.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Major Miller]

Thank you, Captain Harvey.

[Colonel Thompson]

Major Miller, you see, Tilford has admitted using this Pony which was sold to him by Mr. Rondell. Lieutenant Dodd suspected something was wrong when Tilford originally turned in a perfect examination. Is that correct, Lieutenant Dodd?

[Lieutenant Dodd]

That is correct, sir.

[Colonel Thompson]

Then Lieutenant Dodd, suspecting that something was wrong. Because Tilford had shown little knowledge or aptitude for mathematics, called for another examination. He caught Tilford without the pony, and the boy failed miserably. We. We felt that Tilford had been influenced by Rondell. And ordinarily is not a malicious cheater. Therefore, the board simply reported that he failed in an examination.

[Major Miller]

Oh, yes, I understand, sir.

[Colonel Thompson]

Well, let's get on with the Rondel proceedings. Captain Harvey, will you please give us a report on his flying training?

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Yes, sir. Mr. Rondel reported at the same time as did the other members of the lower class. His civilian record showed no previous stick time. But he said that he'd made numerous flights as a passenger. He was assigned to Lt. Ackerman for instruction. Lt. Ackerman reported that Rondel made good progress. Little better than the average. He soloed after 6 hours and 20 minutes duel. And has been progressing rapidly since then. Up to date, he's had a total of 48 hours and 50 minutes. Of which 18 hours and 20 minutes is duel. And 30 hours and 30 minutes solo.

[Major Miller]

He's nearly through with a stage then, right?

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Yes, that's right, major. I checked Mr. Rondell upon notification that he was to get a faculty board. And found that his flying was satisfactory.

[Lieutenant Dodd]

Very good.

[Colonel Thompson]

Lieutenant Dodd, will you make a report on his academic record?

[Lieutenant Dodd]

Very good, sir. Mr. Rondell's academic record has been below average. Generally speaking, his attitude toward classwork has been one of indifference. He seems to pay little attention to what is going on in the classrooms. And on many occasions failed to respond intelligently to questions concerning the school work. He's been particularly weak in mathematics. His attitude, when I mentioned it to him, was almost sullen. I investigated his previous work in college. And discovered that he had had a hard time getting through his first two years. As a matter of fact, he attended college three years to get enough credits to get in. Randolph Field, the dean of men at his university. Wrote me that they'd had considerable trouble with Mr. Roundel. He frequently missed classes and resented the routine of college classwork.

[Colonel Thompson]

Did Rondel engage in any athletics in college?

[Lieutenant Dodd]

No, sir. He went out for the freshman football squad. But was kicked off the squad by the coach. Because he consistently broke training rules. Apparently, Rondale went in more for the social side of college life. He liked to run around with girls, go to dances. And generally kept late Hours. The Dean of Men referred to him as an exhibitionist. Like to wear extreme clothes and drive expensive looking automobiles.

[Colonel Thompson]

What about this math examination he took?

[Lieutenant Dodd]

Like Mr. Tilford, Rondell passed the first examination with a grade that was nearly perfect. I gave him 98 on it. However, in the oral quiz later, he couldn't work out simple problems in algebra and trigonometry.

[Colonel Thompson]

You say you gave Tilford a second examination. Why did you overlook Rondell?

[Lieutenant Dodd]

It was not an oversight, sir. I had intended giving him another examination, but he was ordered before a faculty board before I had the opportunity.

[Colonel Thompson]

In your opinion, do you think Rondell could pass an examination in math, that is, without using a pony?

[Lieutenant Dodd]

No, sir. I don't believe he could.

[Colonel Thompson]

Major Miller, you have made a personality study of Mr. Rondell and checked his general physical condition?

[Major Miller]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Thompson]

What have you to report?

[Major Miller]

Flying Cadet Rondell was examined by me when he entered the school with his class. His physical condition at that time was good, with one exception.

[Colonel Thompson]

What was that?

[Major Miller]

The Snyder Index was a little low for a man of his age and physique. However, I put it down to nervousness, but decided to keep my eye on him.

[Colonel Thompson]

What are the facts regarding Rondell's temperament?

[Major Miller]

Here's my report, sir. This cadet, due to low mental endowment, has not been able to reach the level of performance maintained at the school. He's very unstable. His judgment is defective. He's highly impulsive and exercises volitional control with difficulty. His adjustments with the members of his class are very faulty and his existence rendered unhappy thereby. The records show that he is taking practically the same work in the academic department as he had in college two years ago. Yet he's having difficulty.

[Lieutenant Dodd]

Yes, sir. That's right, Major.

[Major Miller]

I would say his intelligence was vague, superficial and only partially trained. His temperament, highly nervous and apprehensive. In my opinion, Flying Cadet Ron Dell is emotionally unstable. For example, he bites his fingernails excessively. He doesn't eat proper foods. As a summary, I beg to report that Ron Dell is psychologically unfit for flying in the military service.

[Colonel Thompson]

Gentlemen, why do you think his flying record is good, as attested to by Captain Harvey, while his academic record is poor? And as Major Miller says, he is psychologically unfit.

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Well, now, that's not hard to explain, sir. Rondell has a natural ability which seems to be born in some people. His timing and reflexes are good. Well, I can best explain it by comparing him with a boxer. You can find a boxer or prize fighter who looks beautiful in the ring. But get him outside of a gymnasium and he can't write his own name.

[Colonel Thompson]

Yes, that's quite true. In other words, Rondell has the natural ability, but not the intelligence. Sergeant, have Mr. Rondell come in.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Flying Cadet Rondell reporting, sir.

[Colonel Thompson]

Mr. Rondell, I will read the charges to you. Rondell, you are charged with one, conduct unbecoming a flying cadet and future officer. In that you did give and have knowledge of unauthorized aid in a written examination. Two, knowingly and willfully making a false statement. Specifically, you are charged with selling a prohibited textbook to Flying Cadet Tilford. Did you know, Mr. Rondell, that such action is a violation of regulations?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir, I know that.

[Colonel Thompson]

You may ask any questions you desire, make any statements you wish, and call any witnesses to your defense. Do you understand that?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Thompson]

Do you want to ask any questions, Mr. Rondell?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir, I do.

[Lieutenant Dodd]

Very well.

[Colonel Thompson]

Go ahead.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

I would like to ask who brought these charges against me.

[Colonel Thompson]

They were made by Flying Cadet HV Wing. Mr. Wing is your company commander.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

That means that you're taking Wing's word for what happened.

[Colonel Thompson]

Yes, that's right.

[Lieutenant Dodd]

We are.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

If I can prove that I didn't sell a prohibited textbook to Mr. Tilford, will the charges be washed out?

[Colonel Thompson]

Are you denying these charges, Mr. Rondell?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir. I certainly am.

[Colonel Thompson]

In other words, you say that you did not sell a prohibited textbook to Mr. Tilford. And that you had no knowledge that Mr. Tilford used such a textbook.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Absolutely. Colonel Thompson, when I tell you what really happened, you'll understand why.

[Colonel Thompson]

Why?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

I got a Faculty Board.

[Colonel Thompson]

Mr. Rondell. We cannot tolerate dishonesty at Randolph Field.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir, I know. That's why I want to explain. I'm just as innocent. Well, as anyone in this room. But you don't realize what's going on over there in the cadet barracks.

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Just what do you mean by that? Mr. Rundell?

[Colonel Thompson]

Yes? If you have a statement to make, if you think you've been unjustly accused, we want to know it. That's the purpose of a faculty board. Go ahead, Mr. Rondell.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Well, sir, here's the whole thing. The only proof you have that I sold a book to Mr. Tilford is Holly Wing's word for it.

[Captain Bill Harvey]

But Mr. Wing turned over the pony to us. Here it is.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir, but that doesn't mean I sold it to Telford. I can prove that Holly Wing's word isn't worth a hang. I can prove that this is all a scheme to get me out of Randolph Field.

[Colonel Thompson]

Hear now. That's a rash statement, Mr. Rondell.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

But it's true, sir. Wing's no fair haired angel and I can prove it. Well, he's getting by more with more than anyone flying cadet down here. He's pulling stunts that you don't know anything about. Well, I know what started all this. Jealousy, that's what it is. Out and out jealousy. That isn't all I can prove here.

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Now, wait a minute, Rondell. Slow up there. Maybe you better think this over first.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Well, I have thought it over, Captain Harvey. I know what I'm talking about and I can prove it.

[Colonel Thompson]

You could prove what?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

That Wing's word isn't worth a dime? That he's saying things about me that aren't true and doing things in the school that nobody knows about.

[Colonel Thompson]

Are you bringing charges against Mr. Wing?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

You bet your life I am. Wing wants to get me out of here. I can prove all this and I will prove it.

[Colonel Thompson]

Now, wait, wait. Stop making wild statements and get to facts. Mr. Rondell, what are your charges against Mr. Wing and what is your proof?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Yes, sir. I say that Holly Wing's a big liar and I'll prove it by Donna Cavendish.

[Captain Bill Harvey]

Donna. Donna Cavendish?

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

Well, yes, sir. That's what I said. Donna Cavendish.

[Narrator]

Stop.

[Flying Cadet Rondell]

I know what's going on. Listen to him, please. He's dishonest. He's lying. I'm not lying. Keep out of there.

[Major Miller]

Stop.

[Colonel Thompson]

Stop this shouting. Now, Ms. Cavendish, what do you have to say?

[Narrator]

The faculty board is thrown into confusion by Donna's startling entrance. What are Rondell's charges against Donna's friend? And what will Donna say to protect Howie? Be with us as we continue the story of Howie Wing. A saga of aviation sa.