By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

Edward Kennedy For one hour this past October, the clock turned back 65 years and Edward Joseph Kenny III was 20 again.

Seated comfortably on the couch in the living room of his Garden City home one recent morning, with his bright blue eyes twinkling, he proudly tells the story of how he was able to relive one of the most thrilling and dangerous times of his youth.

During World War II, Edward was inducted into the Army Air Corp. Quickly realizing that he wasn't suited for life as a foot soldier, he passed tests to become an air cadet. After several months of training in Texas, he shipped out in August of 1944 on the Mauritania to serve as a pilot with the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron for missions throughout Europe.

First Lieutenant Kenny's job was to scout out the territory before Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army, search for enemy artillery and tanks, and take photos of bridges and freight trains passing on railways, all in an effort to track the movement of German military leader Adolf Hitler's troops. He would fly a total of 85 combat missions during the war. His efforts earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross, a medal awarded to a member of the U.S. armed forces who exhibits "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight."

Edward Kennedy in the 1940's Recognizing that the stories Edward can still describe vividly from that period of his life could fill volumes, his daughter-in-law Cynthia Kenny decided to compile his old photographs, clippings and mementos into an actual hardcover book. "In Flight: Edward J. Kenny, Reconnaissance Pilot, From Cadet to Distinguished Flying Cross," will now serve as a treasured keepsake for future generations of the Kenny family.

While the book does provide a glimpse at several of Edward's 85 missions, it was published before his 86th mission-which actually took place in October.

This past spring, Edward had both knees replaced and afterward suffered from a serious infection. He spent months recovering at home (where he and his wife have resided since 1954). As his 85th birthday approached, he was able to get back on his feet again, albeit a little shakily.

Grateful that his father survived, his son Gregory decided it was time to fulfill a dream his father had spoke about more frequently over the past few years, as he shared stories of his time as a WWII pilot with his wife, four children and 12 grandchildren. He contacted a company he knew of in Florida called Stallion 51 Corp. that specialized in providing flight training in vintage aircraft similar to those Edward flew during the war.

"Let's go make some memories," he told Edward, as the two flew to Kissimmee in early October.

After some instruction, Edward climbed into the converted dual cockpit of a TF-51 Mustang with a former Air Force pilot in the back to assist when necessary. Taking a deep breath, Edward Joseph Kenny III was cleared for take-off for his 86th mission-approximately 63 years since his last one!

As Edward describes it, after a brief moment of apprehension, once he was in the plane and up in the sky, he felt as if he had never stopped flying. For one hour he handled the controls with aplomb. "I didn't come down from the sky for days," he reminisced.

Gregory, who would also take a flight in the plane in an attempt to get a feel of what his dad experienced so long ago, was thrilled. "My dad got out of the plane and was young again," he said.

In a pleasant coincidence, an astute employee at Stallion 51 made a connection that would make the Kennys' trip even more special. Jerry Olson of Texas was planning to book a flight for himself as a way to honor his father Elmer, who had died nine years ago. In one of the e-mails with the company, Jerry mentioned that his dad had flown with the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

Julia Mulcahy, who is responsible for flight scheduling, made the connection: could Edward Kenny and Elmer Olson have flown together? After a quick check with both families, she got her answer.

Jerry flew to Florida specifically to meet Edward and Gregory during their flight. It turns out his father and Edward had flown 18 missions together, from Dec. 27, 1944 to March 9, 1945. The families continue to keep in touch.

And Edward still smiles as he reflects fondly on the flight that served as his fountain of youth.