Robert Gates Sr. flew combat missions in WWII as a radio operator. After the war he flew in the Berlin Airlift, where he saw first-hand what it meant to live under Socialism. He retired from the Ai...view moreRobert Gates Sr. flew combat missions in WWII as a radio operator. After the war he flew in the Berlin Airlift, where he saw first-hand what it meant to live under Socialism. He retired from the Air Force in 1960.view less