Introduction From Jungle Pilot to the CIA. When approached by my uncle to write an introduction for his memoir, it came as no surprise. Born in a Bottle of Beer aptly captures the flavor and effervescence of a life brewed in an era long gone and forever lost. In many ways, our lives were influenced and guided by our patriarchal leader, Paul J. Holsen, Sr., Illinois farm boy, World War I veteran, and industrialist-manager. As destiny would have it, the moment, time and opportunity met the young Tulane University graduate with an offer to work abroad in Honduras, Central America. Upon accepting, he set in motion his ambitions and sense of adventure to stake out his future. It was a gamble which inexorably paved the way to his success and established our family's distinctive bicultural and bilingual foundation. It was in this environment at the brink of World War II, a time of economic expansion, industrialization and political upheaval both on the local scene and abroad in which my uncle arrived. He conveys the experiences of those early years with fascinating clarity and precision leaving an indelible picture of what it was like growing up in the tropics holding back none of his comical shenanigans or the more serious and perturbing events seared into his memory. The story is enhanced by a wealth of photographs that details and brings out an era and lifestyle relegated to the dust bin of history. As he transitioned from youngster to adulthood, we share in his discovery of his passion and ultimately his calling to become an aviator. In his later years, my uncle's many accomplishments and adventures are as varied and multi-faceted as the face of a 40-carat diamond. Each setting overflows with unique and exceptional experiences that quite frankly makes him a supreme story teller of a life beautifully lived. Your time will be well spent as Born in a Bottle of Beer takes you on the journey that few of us could ever imagine.