90-Year-Old Twin WWII Veterans From Oklahoma Take Honor Flight

Don and Clyde McMasters are identical twins who are 90 years old.

"I'm ten minutes older," Clyde said.

Like most twins, they've shared plenty of experiences during their lives, that includes serving their country.

"We felt like we were doing something for our country, which we were there to help protect our country," Don said.

And their love for America is far-reaching

"Everybody was wanting to do their part to get busy; we felt a great pride to be in the Navy," Clyde said.

Before becoming Naval aviators, the McMasters grew up in Sapulpa.

They were inseparable. Both graduated high school together, went off to college together.

"We were in a Boy Scout troop together and we both became eagle scouts at the same time," Clyde said. "We were never homesick, because wherever one of us went the other was there."

A few months after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, they joined the Navy together, soon becoming aviation cadets.

They were in military training when the war ended.

What's unique is, no matter what military training they got, no matter where they were stationed, the twins were together.

"Flight prep, pre-midshipman school, midshipman school. Back to the Navy for primary flight training, intermediate, instrument training at Pensacola," Don said.

The two were promoted at the same time. Got their wings at the same time. Served in Panama in Air-sea rescue together, and they even retired as Captains at the same time after serving 26 years, most in the Navy reserves.

"We never, ever requested it," Don said. "But we always got orders at the same time to the same place."

After the war, they even went into the insurance business together for 45 years back home.

4/17/2013 Related Story: Oklahoma War Veterans Take Honor Flight To Washington DC

Now, the two are going on an honor flight together to see the World War II memorial in Washington. Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. The group transports American heroes to Washington to visit and reflect at the memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors – along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.

"Well, it's a real thrill," Clyde said. "Everybody out here who has been on it, says it is a fabulous experience."

Even better that it can be a family experience.

"Oh, I've been looking forward to it ever since I was told I was approved," Don said.

They both have. And now they both will share another unique experience and make more memories together.