By Virtue of the Skies - John Prescott

The composers father, Jack Prescott, was born in 1922, and at the age of 17 became the youngest pilot in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was somewhat of a daredevil, flying under drawbridges and doing snap rolls down deserted beaches at an altitude of 50 feet. During World War II he joined the Army Air Corps and flew C-47 transport planes from India to China over the Himalayan mountains. He flew 83 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by President Harry Truman. The heroism of these flights in the face of severe adversity is depicted by the dignified thematic material of the opening. Somewhat dissonant fanfares appear at times, reminding us of the constant dangers that were ever present, before the work concludes in ultimate triumph.