Raw determination fueled the military career of Onofrio “Niffy” Andrews, 87. Growing up in Bristol during the Great Depression, times were challenging and his family, like many others, was facing financial struggles.
Niffy was one of five boys in the Andrews family. He dropped out of school, first at age 16 because he wanted to go to work, and then, again, a year later. That time, he forged the signatures that would enable him to enlist. He was ready to leave Bristol, make a clean break with his past and chart a new course to success in the Air Force.
Although he lacked a formal education, Niffy had more than just street smarts. Once he arrived for duty, Andrews underwent aptitude testing and he fared well in all areas. His first assignment was as a radio intercept operator where he copied Russian code for the United States Air Force Security Service. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands for the first year, then moved to Texas before volunteering for an assignment in Japan as he looked for an adventure.