How it Really Happened

“How It Really Happened: The Story of Ervin Tortel”

This is the tale of Ervin Tortel, a remarkable boy born on March 25, 1917, with a unique appearance: his skin was a striking bright green, and he was completely hairless. Doctors diagnosed his rare condition as hypochromic anemia, or chlorosis. . While the condition baffled medical professionals, to those who knew him, Ervin simply resembled a turtle.

The Tortel Family: Legacy and Love

Ervin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tortel, adored their unique child. Mr. Cecil Tortel, a tall, white-haired, slender businessman, had built his wealth through grit and determination, and strategic investments in industries such as Boeing, Chrysler, and European markets. His work required frequent travel to Europe, South Africa, and South America, expanding his network and influence.

Rumors surrounded the Tortel fortune—some said it stemmed from moonshine, oil, coal, or even an inheritance. Whatever the origin, the Tortel’s were prosperous, raising Ervin in a grand countryside mansion with every imaginable luxury. (Another Chapter: Nannies and Pals)

Juanita Tortel, a beautiful and educated woman with dark hair, hailed from a prominent family in Brazil. While Cecil managed the estate’s business ventures, Juanita devoted herself to humanitarian efforts. During the Great Depression (1929–1941), she became involved in the Angels on Horseback initiative alongside Mary Breckinridge. Together, they trained nurses to traverse rugged terrain on horseback, bringing medical care to isolated families. The program significantly reduced infant and maternal mortality rates, earning Juanita widespread admiration and national recognition for her compassion and dedication.

Despite the challenges of the Great Depression from 1929 to 1941, the Tortel family thrived. Their wise investments, self-sustaining lifestyle, and commitment to the well-being of their workers shielded them from the worst effects of the economic downturn. Their estate was not only a sanctuary for the family but for farm workers, who labored diligently were well-rewarded with housing and stability

The Tortel Estate: A World of Its Own

Nestled in the countryside, the Tortel Estate spanned nearly 3,000 acres, passed down through generations and built on years of wise investments. Often described as a city unto itself, the six-bedroom, four-bathroom home included a massive library, a formal dining room, a meeting room, a large kitchen with a pantry, and even servant quarters with their own dining area and bathroom. Outside, the property was beautifully landscaped with lush gardens, and additional quarters the hangar, housed the pilot and farm manager. Cecil Tortel’s foresight and diversification and carefully managing the estate’s land—ensured the family’s wealth remained intact, even during the Great Depression.  (Another Chapter: The Mansion and Estate)

Ervin’s Early Life: Adventures and Companions

Roaming the estate freely, Ervin was watched by the Gardener Scooty, Security Paul throughout the days. He shared countless adventures roaming the grounds freely with his two beloved pets: Sweet, a gentle, well-mannered donkey with long ears and a braying call, and Jackie,” a small Jack Russell Terrier who was Sweet’s constant companion. The two were inseparable, with Jackie often riding on Sweet’s back as they roamed the property together. These loyal companions added joy and excitement to Ervin’s childhood adventures. (Another Chapter: Pets and Estate)

A New Chapter: Captain Jamie Mathewson

In 1919, Cecil met Captain Jamie Mathewson, a South African WWI flying ace, during a trip abroad. Captivated by Jamie’s skills and adventurous spirit, Cecil offered him the position of personal pilot, complete with a private hangar and airstrip on the estate. Jamie accepted, moving to America at age 26.

Jamie’s arrival marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in Ervin’s life, as Cecil commissioned a private airstrip and hangar on the family property. Jamie not only piloted Cecil’s local travels but also became a mentor and father figure to young Ervin, affectionately nicknaming him “Turtle.” Jamie’s mentorship helped foster Ervin’s love of flying, adventurous spirit, and strong sense of loyalty. (Chapter: Jamie’s Stories)

Ervin’s School Years: Friendships and Growth

Ervin began school in 1923 at age six, where his unique appearance initially drew teasing from classmates. “Are you a turtle?” they would ask. At first, Ervin insisted he was simply a boy, but over time, he embraced the nickname. Though his unique look led to some teasing, Ervin’s quick wit and resilience soon won over his peers. His close circle of friends admired his kindness and courage, often joining him on adventures exploring the sprawling family estate. (Another Chapter: Grade School Friends)

A Budding Pilot: Ervin’s First Flight

By 1930 at age 13, Ervin’s green hue began to lighten, and his intellect and physical strength flourished under the guidance of the finest tutors. He had graduated at the top of his high school class. His fascination with aviation grew even stronger, and with Jamie’s guidance and his parents’ approval, Ervin began flight training in his first plane was a 1930 Taylor Craft Piper. After rigorous training under Jamie’s watchful eye, Ervin embarked on his first solo flight—a cross-country journey that tested his resilience and determination. Battling turbulence, rain, and gusty winds over mountainous terrain, Ervin successfully completed the journey, landing back home under clear skies with immense pride. This flight cemented his lifelong passion for aviation. (Chapter: Cross-Country Solo Flight)

College and New Horizons

His next few years were college years where he studied Business and foreign languages. In June 1939, at age 22, Ervin graduated from college. To celebrate, his parents gifted him a 1939 Stearman Bi-Wing plane, perfect for leisurely flights over breathtaking landscapes. He also traveled abroad, gaining new perspectives and a heightened sense of duty as he witnessed the growing unrest in Europe.  (Chapter: Local and Foreign Travels)

WWII: Flying Ace

When WWII broke out later that year, Ervin answered the call to serve, undergoing intense training before becoming a fighter pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps’ 8th Air Force.

Flying the renowned Mustang in combat missions, Ervin’s skill and bravery earned him “Flying Ace status 5 or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat and the respect of his squadron, who dubbed him the “guardian of the skies” for his fearless protection of fellow pilots. (Chapter: Combat Training and Fighter Pilot)

The Birth of the Turtle Club Password

Ervin, WWII ACE Fighting Pilot and Founder of the Turtle Club

After a particularly harrowing mission, as the rain drummed against the windows of a British officers’ club, Ervin and his fellow pilots gathered to decompress over tankards of ale. Laughter and jokes echoed through the smoky room, a welcome relief from the constant strain of war. It was on this rainy night, amid clinking glasses and tired smiles, that the Turtle Club was born.

Someone raised the idea of creating a fraternity, something lighthearted to strengthen their bond during these difficult times. It started with a question Ervin had heard most of his life: Are you a Turtle? Simple, playful, and oddly fitting for the brave yet grounded men. Then came the matter of the password. It should have been straightforward, but for these sleep-deprived, mischievous pilots, the decision spiraled into what would become legend.

One of the lads, with a twinkle in his eye and a pint in hand, quipped, “How about, ‘You bet your sweet… self I am!’” There was a pause, followed by laughter that could only come from men teetering between exhaustion and exhilaration.

Ervin, ever quick-witted, chimed in: “Well, lads, I do have a pet donkey—a sweet little thing I call my ass. How about, ‘You bet your sweet ass I am’?” The room erupted in raucous laughter, and from that moment on, the password was set in stone. A sacred rule was added: if a Turtle ever asked, “Are you a Turtle?” the proper response was mandatory. Forget it, and you owe a drink to every Turtle at the table—a fine way to keep the tradition alive. Someone then said “We need an initiation to get in”. After some hilarious discussion we cam up with this test:

To join the Turtle Club, you must pass this test:

  1. We assume all prospective Turtles own a Jackass. On this assumption is the reason for the Password. This password must be given if you are ever asked by a fellow member, Are You A Turtle?”

You MUST then reply, You bet your sweet ass I am.” If you do not give the password in full because of embarrassment or some other reason, you forfeit a beverage of his/her choice.

So always remember the password.

  1. To gain admission, one must answer four from a list of qualifying questions. Each question suggests a vulgar, lewd, or salacious answer, but the actual correct answer is rather innocuous:

What does a cow have four of and a woman only two? – Legs

What is it in the trousers that a man has but a woman does not have? – Wrinkles

What does a dog do that a man steps into? – Pants

What starts with a C, ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious, and contains thin, whitish liquid? – Coconut

What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky? – Bubble Gum

What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs? Shake Hands

What word starts with an ‘F’ and ends in ‘K’ that means a lot of heat and excitement? – Fire Truck

What is it on a man that is round, hard, and sticks so far out of his pajamas that you can hang a hat on it? – Head

What is a four-letter word ending in K that means to have intercourse? – Talk

What began as a lighthearted escape in a pub became a morale-boosting ritual that carried them through the darkest days of war. The Turtle Club wasn’t just a joke, it was a lifeline, a brotherhood that celebrated loyalty, humor, and resilience.

As the war drew to a close on May 7, 1945, Ervin and his squadron gathered one final time. It was a bittersweet celebration—honoring their survival, mourning their fallen, and toasting to the spirit of camaraderie that had kept them going. In that final gathering, Ervin raised his glass and said, “You see, the truth is these brave men weren’t just heroes of WWII—they represent the veterans of all wars. Through their courage, humor, and unwavering bond, they’ve shown us what it truly means to be a Turtle.” (Chapter: The Turtle Club)

Post-War Life: Legacy of the Imperial Turtle

Returning home, Ervin was celebrated as a hometown hero, affectionately known as the “Imperial Turtle.” Wearing his Turtle Club pin with pride, he recounted tales of the club with humor and a twinkle in his eye.

The community honored Ervin’s legacy with a statue, immortalizing him as the Imperial Turtle, a symbol of courage, loyalty, and joy.

In his post-war life, Ervin became a mentor and storyteller, using the question, “Are you a turtle?” as a playful reminder of his values and experiences. He shared Turtle Club stories with friends and the youth in town, inspiring resilience, friendship, and humor in a new generation. In time, the community honored Ervin’s legacy with a statue, immortalizing him as the Imperial Turtle, a symbol of courage, loyalty, and joy. (Chapter: Post-War Life)

In the years that followed, Ervin found love, started a family, and passed down the spirit of the Turtle Club to his children, ensuring his legacy would endure. Today, those who remember him still ask, “Are you a turtle?” with a smile, carrying forward his humor, resilience, and camaraderie. But that, my friends, is another story. (Chapter: Married and Family Life)

The Legacy Lives On

Today, those who remember him still ask, “Are you a turtle?” with a smile, carrying forward his humor, resilience, and camaraderie. But that, my friends, is another story.