As an airline pilot for almost thirty years I remember that occasionally a passenger would start a conversation, then mention that he had been a gunner on a B-17 or navigator on a B-24, etc. I think those who survived remained proud of having put themselves on the line and in some way missed the danger and sense of accomplishment. Many in other jobs in WW II mentioned to me what they did in the military. It was our last good war. We haven't done so well since.
I'm a retired USAF/airline pilot. In the '70s I occasionally flew with a former B-17 squadron commander over Europe who by little things gave away the fact that he had been though a lot. I also flew with another good pilot and person who while flying the hump in a C-46.bailed out due to an engine fire. He trimmed it up and headed back to go out the left troop door then noted the copilot and loadmaster jammed in the door. He crashed into them, concurrently breaking the jam and the copilot's arm.
When I was a kid the WW2 Vets were mostly guys in their late 30's or early 40's. I now feel honored to have known these men. One man I knew quite well was a "belly gunner" in a B17. He flew over 30 missions in two tours of Europe (8th Air Force). He was only 17 years old when he flew his first missions. Hard to believe how young those brave guys were. Hearing 1st hand accounts of missions over Germany were awe inspiring. It was SO cold at altitude that any exposed skin would frostbite.
All those veterans, I wonder when ever they recall all the battle they had gone through, do they ask the question, "who were those kids, could we be friends"
As an airline pilot for almost thirty years I remember that occasionally a passenger would start a conversation, then mention that he had been a gunner on a B-17 or navigator on a B-24, etc. I think those who survived remained proud of having put themselves on the line and in some way missed the danger and sense of accomplishment. Many in other jobs in WW II mentioned to me what they did in the military. It was our last good war. We haven't done so well since.
SabraStiehl 2 days ago
I'm a retired USAF/airline pilot. In the '70s I occasionally flew with a former B-17 squadron commander over Europe who by little things gave away the fact that he had been though a lot. I also flew with another good pilot and person who while flying the hump in a C-46.bailed out due to an engine fire. He trimmed it up and headed back to go out the left troop door then noted the copilot and loadmaster jammed in the door. He crashed into them, concurrently breaking the jam and the copilot's arm.
SabraStiehl 2 days ago
When I was a kid the WW2 Vets were mostly guys in their late 30's or early 40's. I now feel honored to have known these men. One man I knew quite well was a "belly gunner" in a B17. He flew over 30 missions in two tours of Europe (8th Air Force). He was only 17 years old when he flew his first missions. Hard to believe how young those brave guys were. Hearing 1st hand accounts of missions over Germany were awe inspiring. It was SO cold at altitude that any exposed skin would frostbite.
randy109 2 weeks ago
All those veterans, I wonder when ever they recall all the battle they had gone through, do they ask the question, "who were those kids, could we be friends"
HMSBeagle200 1 month ago
Great documentary, one of the first I ever saw about such beautiful machine.
Eurofighter19 1 month ago
Thank you! This dovetails with what Robt. McNamara had to say about the bombing there.
barkulator 2 months ago