A Chat with My Dad the Marine Corps Attack Pilot

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Ward sits down with his father, Colonel Ned Carroll, USMC (Ret.), for a comprehensive conversation about his career as a Marine Corps attack pilot.

[@Blackcloud_Garage]

Their aren’t many things a man will cherish more than hearing his father say “I’m proud of you and I’m proud to be your father”.

[@marcwesley8513]

Wow, you couldn’t have put it any better…my aviation career wouldn’t have been as rewarding if it hadn’t been launched and blessed without the encouragement from my Dad (R.I.P. Dad…) we would have had some great talks if you had lived long enough for me to share my aviation maintenance exploits with you, although I knew you were watching me for those nearly 40 yrs., and still do… You’ve been and are still missed….thanks for your positive encouragement, gung ho attitude, never take no for an answer, but mostly your love ! Thanks Shane for a great posting…. Thanks Ned and Ward for your service and patriotism for our country….G-d Bless AMERICA !

[@floundergearjam]

@@marcwesley8513 Ward - PLEASE PIN THIS!

[@twitchysmith8914]

Amen!

[@agairinc]

Yes . As a career aviator, I’ll never forget when my father, who was a career aviator as well said “ you’ve made me and your Grandfather (career aviator from 1925) very proud. It only took 35 yrs for my Dad to say this. It was worth the wait.

[@marcwesley8513]

@@agairinc I’m happy you finally heard those words from your father, sometimes it just takes them awhile to find the right time to share those thoughts, my guess is, he’s been wanting to say it for years…better late than never….very true .

[@dogofwar6539]

The man doesnt skip a beat ,he remembers everything and explains it with such precision.

[@JohnBNeff]

As an Attack Flight line Crew Chief of the A-10 Warthog, I salute you Sir and your Amazing Father. Cheers!

[@jonathanbrooks9768]

Its crazy to think that soon kids will be looking at the A-10 the same way we looked at mustangs and corsairs

[@BillKisel]

Brought back memories. I was in the Marine Corps 1962-1966 and served most of my time attached to VMFA-542 as a Fire Control Technician. I was with VMFA-542 for its first Vietnam tour April to December of 1965. Col. Savage was our CO.

[@gordonfreeman1396]

Ward Carroll GOAT military channel: regular uploads, gimmick-free high-quality content to listen to. Ward is a vibe

[@sanantoniotonight5569]

Agree, also love that he keeps it professional like you said, no gimmicks.

[@chuckaddison5134]

Glad you got to do this interview! My dad was a WW2 Raider Marine. Always intended to talk to him about his experiences. But he wouldn't talk about them until I enlisted then he started to open up a bit. Unfortunately, he passed before I got very far.

[@jpierce2l33t]

Wow Mooch, this was so good. Great history and stories told by your father, and so cool to see him light up while talking about all of it! Also for sure the most wholesome, heartwarming thing I've seen in quite some time...I love this channel, and this country!!!

[@utubejdaniel8888]

Ward, you are a lucky guy to have your dad around.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Ward, of all the outstanding episodes you posted, this is by far the best in my opinion. Thank you for the personal look at you, your family, and your dad's outstanding career and accomplishments. There is so much to unpack here and so much more to say about how your family exemplifies what it means to be incredibly fine human beings. Thank you, your dad, and your family for your service to our country and for serving with honor at the highest levels. I feel humble yet proud to at least be a subscriber to your channel and count myself lucky to be a recipient of the knowledge you share with the rest of us. Thank you, Sir!

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Ward is definitely a mirror of his dad right down to speech pattern.👍

[@smjj08]

What an amazing man your father is!

[@richardhsiung7007]

Great dad. Thank you for his story.

[@joeceonnia1954]

Thank you Sir for your Service! You and your Dad, what a great story of service.

[@cbquid2513]

This was wonderful. What a grand legacy your father and you have created. Well done! Semper Fidelis 🇺🇸

[@Jaxsolo]

I watched this after I watched the tribute to your mom. Throughout this video, I couldn't help thinking how heartbroken he must be now. But that aside, this was a great video; your dad had a great career and sounds like the kind of guy that you'd want to serve under.

[@maestherc]

Outstanding, simply outstanding -all-the-way around! Very good people here, and exemplary Americans -your father, you, and your family. Thanks sincerely, for sharing your dad’s career story.

[@joelhammond814]

What an awesome episode, Commander!

[@2airwolv]

Very interesting story and history. Thank You very much

[@nancychace8619]

Much thanks and appreciation. Quite a story. Wish you smooth sailing -

[@mrkrharris]

Dad was in VMF 323 on Okinawa. The Death Rattlers.. RIP, then he went on to join the air force, And a private pilot till he crashed and burned, and died three years later. But He was buried with FULL Marine honors.

[@kyledelisle9761]

Mooch, best episode yet. Would love to sit down with your dad and share "war stories" with him. As a fellow Marine, there would be a lot more expletives and unpublishable material, though!

[@greg6122]

Awesome family, with many great stories to tell!❤

[@joeblow5037]

Trip Trey F-4J Marine here. Semper Fi, Colonel!! 🖐

[@johnhayes3638]

Glad I found this video! Enjoyed that a lot!

[@johnnyc.holmes4251]

This guy has a photographic memory! Extremely rare. I don’t know how old he is but I know people in their 20s who are not as sharp and on the ball as he is! Semper Fi Colonel!

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Absolutely. Sharp as he still is, he was undoubtedly much sharper in his day.

[@michaelneitzel5634]

Wow! What a GREAT episode! I didn't know you were a Marine "BRAT" and moved around so much-I know the drill myself as I am an Air Force "BRAT" that moved every 3 years until I left home and went to college. Like you-I followed my dad into military aviation-he flew B-24s in WWII, I flew F-4 Phantoms in my career. Thanks for sharing-your dad has to be proud beyond belief!!

[@gerryp9717]

Ward, what a pleasure and honor to meet your father this way! My dad too was a NAVCAD, a bit earlier finishing in 1943. He and my uncle both went through the program, and both were sent to the Pacific war, my dad an attack pilot, my uncle a fighter pilot. They both had stories to tell, just like your dad. Like them, I was enamored by aircraft, and had the pleasure of being winged by my dad in Kingsville, TX. From there I was off to my A-6E career with a stop in Pensacola for LSO school there. Eight deployments later…. Here I am watching your video. Lol. My dad passed in the mid 90’s, but I do remember having a long conversation with him just like this, where he told me of his career, training in different aircraft, involved with Aim 9 development ops at China Lake, the F-4D program, then a transition to seaplane ASW flying P5Ms off Willoughby Bay in Norfolk, Then a transition to P-2Vs…. Then a switch to helicopters for a couple of years and finally back to Fixed wing flying P-3s. He retired at 26 years. Unfortunately I can’t document that conversation as it predated our ability to easily use video. What a treasure you created here, a legacy for your dad’s prodigy for decades to come! Thank you both! This was awesome. Peebs

[@fernandosantiago6379]

I'm a marine and there's no higher level of respect and pride to not only serve as a Marine but serving your country in any service and its an honor to hear the stories of those who served before us is part of history that will never be seen again .

[@brianattaway2474]

Ward, thanks to you and your Dad for capturing his story on video. It's pure gold!

[@doctorrobert60]

Your Dad is from a time and generation when men were men and very responsible in their actions and life. May God grant him continued good health.

[@barryweisman9967]

Pp

[@davidsmith8997]

You got a good pilot interview and a chance to record your Dad's history- what a great idea!

[@codystout5353]

You can tell your dad is a Marine. He looks like he doesn't take any bs. I was infantry in the army. Navy and Marine pilots saved are bacon more than once. Thank you both for your service.

[@haltersweb]

What a humble gentleman. It was a pleasure listening to him. Thank you for sharing your special dad with us 💕

[@johnebell1022]

What an honor to listen to your father's story. I could have listened for the rest of the evening. He truly represents the best of the best. The ones who do it day in and day out because they care. The true unsung heroes. Seems to run in the family! Thanks go out to you and everyone in your family for their service! Love your Channel

[@robertbinkley2170]

Ward, my dad was a career Navy man. Listening to your dad was like listening to my dad. Especially the part when he said he was proud of you. My dad made sure we knew he was proud of us. I can hardly see to write this.

[@sanantoniotonight5569]

Bravo… well said

[@stevekitt52]

My Dad served in the Royal Artillery and loved listening to his days in the British Army. We lost him last year, but while he was alive, he told me and my sister he was so proud of us and we were able to tell him how proud we were of him.

[@jplacroix461]

It's been said that "the nut doesn't fall from the tree". Now I know why you turned out the way you did Ward. Your Father is a superstar. What an amazing interview. Your dad is still sharp as a tack. What great stories. Thank you for this.

[@soundknight]

Doesn't fall far from the tree you mean, and the real saying is an apple, not a nut.

[@barryweisman9967]

@@soundknight p

[@Pgd10020]

@@soundknight lol

[@mangravy2000]

@@soundknight - I think he's busting balls, yet still a compliment.

[@waddymcfallandersoniii9543]

Protective case for iPhone XR

[@mbell346]

Thanks Ward, great interview wish I had done the same when my Dad was still around. I grew up in many of the same places as you. My Dad was also a Marine Corps pilot enlisting during WW2. During Korea with VMF 323. A few years ahead of your dad he was also CO of H&MS 12 in Iwakuni. Thanks too for your service. Simper Fi

[@dannymurphy4940]

Your very fortunate to be able to talk to your father about his military career. I too was in a military family all Navy, and I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I worked on the A-4M, TA-4J and the A-4M. But my Dad had a higher security clearance than I did. Hence couldn't discuss much of his career with me. Being that he just passed away, I regret that he was not able to have a good conversation and transfer of family history with me. You are blessed that you are able to have a great conversation with your Dad.

[@a4ordy877]

By chance did you work as an Ordy??

[@sidv4615]

And just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better ward uploads a video.

[@PJNiteballer]

Our dad's are incredible!

[@LanceMan6012]

Hello Ward. I was a Plane Captain in the Flight Line shop with VMA-223, MAG-32, 2nd MAW at MCAS Cherry Point, NC from 1981 thru 1985. I can see the VMA-223 Bulldogs Patch on your Dad's Unit board. The great Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox was also with VMA-223 during the Korean War. Semper Fi to your Dad.

[@RonniE-wl1vt]

hello from mcas cherry point!

[@davidnichols4770]

My dad was my hero too Ward. Followed his footsteps into the Flight Engineer career field, had him pin my wings on. This is now my favorite episode too

[@theblackbear211]

I remember back in 1963 or 1964, when we lived in a trailer park in Tustin, I remember a playmate whose father flew phantoms out of El Toro (part of me wants to say Santa Ana - but I doubt that is possible) it's all kind of hazy, but the image of the phantom seems pretty solid. A great story with your dad.

[@jlford30]

Proud to be an American with a family like this serving and protecting all of us. Semper Fi from this Former Navy Nuke Submariner

[@hoghogwild]

46:35 For as proud he is of being a Marine, he's even more proud of being Ward's Father. Wow that says so much. Great video Mooch! I'm sure many future generations of your family will enjoy this interview - it's a digital time capsule.

[@kennetheverill1132]

Fantastic piece, Ward - one of your best. Stirred a lot of memories - my Dad went through NAVCAD/MARCAD and was commissioned in the Corps ('60) and flew A-4's out of Cherry Pt with VMA-242, where I was born. Instructed in F-9F8's (I believe) in Beeville. After flying A-4's and T1-A's with H&MS-15 in El Toro , transitioned to the reserves where he flew F-8's, H-34's and H-46's (squadron skipper - HMM-768). Tough time for me getting into the Boat School as well but took the offer to attend NAPS (84, 22nd Co). Was blessed to get the last (very last that the senior Marine had tucked away) NFO slot and ended up back in the Pit flying Prowlers. Parents were ecstatic but warned me to avoid Cherry Pt, which wasn't bad as we spent an inordinate time on the road (lots of flight time during the Reagan/Bush years) and I was single. After DS/DS, instructed in P'Cola and then joined the reserves where I spent 16 years. Great listening to your Dad and knowing your background - we got a few things in common, one of which unfortunately was bad eyes. Thanks for your great work! Go Navy!

[@MichaelLazorchak]

Oh for crying out loud! You caught me. Was so entranced in the story of it all and then 15s later, I've got that lump in the throat as the video wrapped. Thank you, Ward! It may be one of the great accomplishments in life: To have a great dad who led an honorable life and to make him proud in the way you live yours. It doesn't always happen when there is that much to live up to. It's clear that a scaffolding of discipline, guidance, respect and love surrounded your growth. Well done!

[@dougcoombes8497]

Ward needs to write a screenplay about his Dad's career, that would be a movie I'd love to see.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Agreed 100%

[@silverdrillpickle7596]

Thank you for stating what clearly needed to be said.

[@dougcoombes8497]

@@raywhitehead730 I was thinking more along the lines of 'The Right Stuff" or "Apollo 13". Focusing on the flying and the technical challenges. Colonel Carroll is a pioneer.

[@gmoney9068]

It would definitely be worth the price of admission.

[@davefajer2127]

Truly a Factual, Historically Accurate Script! Get It Written and Get It Done! Bravo Zulu!

[@paulm749]

In addition to being a very well-presented chronicle of your father's service, this is an excellent historical narrative that gives insight into the post-WWII development of Marine Corp aviation. Can't thank both of you enough for taking the time to sit down and record this fascinating discussion.

[@nursedaniel72]

Handsome man. I love looking at old black and white photos to see how pur heroes looked as young guys. And wow what adventures. I trained as a nurse in a General Repatriation Hospital for Veterans and Defence patients in Sydney Australia and loved hearing the story's. Well done. Respect to you sir.

[@1939colin]

Best of your presentations, notwithstanding all of various topics and events you cover. Enjoyed your Dad's story so much and your obvious pride and love for him and he for you.

[@camiller5001]

Ward, this is both informative, and touching. You're a good son to chronicle and share your Dad's fantastic journey.

[@louiemunoz2753]

I’m a Vietnam era Air Force veteran myself. I was state side during the tail end of the war ( Lackland, Nellis Air Force base) nothing like your dad’s career . So at this time I just want to thank your Dad for his service and Salute him as an enlistee to an Officer. God bless him and your family Ward.👏👏👏👍🏼👌❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎

[@lockheedskunkworks5687]

Thanks for your service 🇺🇸

[@PJNiteballer]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@Semipr0]

Your dad is a delight to listen to. I live just across the channel from Grosse Ile I know where that base used to be the man that I bought our home from was stationed on that base. I have all kinds of Old Navy wooden crates that he used in my garage to make shelves and other things. We have also found newspapers from the late 50s in the Attic along with more US Navy wooden crates in pieces. This was a great interview thanks mooch outstanding podcast as always. It seems the military recruiters use the same sales pitch back in the old days as they do today...😉

[@brianleiser6990]

I really enjoyed this conversation with your dad. My father tried to be a naval aviator but it was in between Korea and Vietnam and so he never got to wear the wings. I enjoy listening to anybody older than I am talk about their military experience. I will tell one of my stories here. I was delivering propane gas to residential house in northern Wisconsin and I saw a Flying Tiger sticker on the back of a car. The older gentleman who lived there came out to take my gas receipt. I asked him so you were in the flying tires? And he was amazed that I knew anything about that. So he told me his experience of flying the hump in China. I really enjoyed listening to him. Thank you for your channel. CPT. Brian T. Leiser Retired USMC

[@nuvostef]

This was an excellent episode, Commander. It brought back a lot of memories of similar conversations with my father, a WW2 black shoe sailor, and I. I’m so blessed that my son, an HM2, and I could also talk about our careers. Thank you for this one, Sir. 🤙🏼😊

[@DonWan47]

Damn Ward, what a video! Your dad is still super sharp for his age, he must’ve been sharklike in his younger days. You are a credit to his legacy. Love to you and the family.

[@terencewhite363]

This has to be the BEST interview I have ever seen. Col. Carroll, thank you for your service. I am not an American but appreciate everything that you and many others before you and after you have done, not only for your Country, but the world as a whole. The utmost RESPECT Sir.

[@mfvncali]

Love it Ward! Gotta love Dad. I cherish the conversations I have with my Dad, Ac-130 Vietnam era. Thank you.

[@dukecraig2402]

Your dad flew or was a crewmember on an AC-130?

[@timsparks7049]

Big thanks for getting your dads story! I recognize several of the BuNo’s on the A-6’s. I flew 154154 for sure. I think it was a KA-6d tanker. Sparky

[@PeterPanMan]

Semper Fi, Col. Carroll. GREAT to hear your story. After college and law school and a 40 year business career, I still think of myself primarily as Corporal, USMC, UH-1 crew chief/door gunner. Swing with the wing! :)

[@TomButwin]

I’m :40 seconds in and I already know I need to clear my schedule for the next hour. Great stuff, Ward!

[@On-Our-Radar-24News]

I couldn't imagine having a father that was so influential in your life. Your a very lucky man Ward!

[@ronaldnance5925]

One of the best stories and comment of generational and national history I've come accross. Your family is an inspiration.

[@dougsmith8342]

My father was a WWII Seabee. He died three months after I was born. What a privilege to listen to your dad's story.

[@dougcoombes8497]

My great-uncle was a Seabee on Guadalcanal with the Marines, they were something special.

[@PJNiteballer]

You too would have loved your dad's stories. Thank you.

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

I’m a retired Seabee from 80’s through the 90’s. Met a couple Bees that served during WW2. They were a hoot to listen to. Served with a bunch of Vietnam Bees and it was strange cause most of them wouldn’t even discuss their time there. Maybe because of the stigma of the war.

[@jasonreed3524]

More proud of being your Dad than being a Marine. That made me tear up, Semper Fi ! From a VMFA 232 vet.

[@jpierce2l33t]

I teared up too...and I'm just a civilian!! 🤣

[@juliusschwencke142]

...yup, 20 yr career soldier, and serving sons. It's a family thing for sure. Wonderful sentiments from a wonderful family, thank you from the South Pacific.

[@RobertPaterson]

Me too

[@leebaker2588]

attached to Task Force delta for the Easter Offensive of '72. Later in MCAS Nam Phong (RTAFB). MAG 15, VMFA-115 and VMFA 232. 50 years ago this month. Semper fi.

[@geraldmathis3091]

m

[@indycustommade3568]

This was really cool to hear. I'm not going to lie but hearing him say he was more proud of being your father then being a Marine put tears in my eyes. I lost my dad late last year and do miss him very much. Take care.

[@charlesfitzwater8491]

Ward, I really enjoyed the discussion with your father. I think that he and I are pretty close to the same age. I turn 84 in July. In late 1959 the unit I was assigned to (Fleet Air Gunnery Unit) in Yuma Arizona hosted a fleet weapons meet. One of the events was a public demonstration of the delivery of a nuclear weapon. They had an A4D Skyhawk with a mock nuclear weapon approach from the far side of the mountain performing a LABS maneuver (I think it was called) launching the mock weapon up and over the mountain. The device had a smoke device to make it visible for us. The plan was to make it land in a specific spot where they would ignite some pyrotechnics adding some excitement. However the pyrotechnics failed to detonate. I was able to walk around my first A3J Vigilante and F4J Phantom II during that event.

[@bearowen5480]

A-5J Vigilante.Later, after the flying services merged their aircraft designation nomenclature, and the Vigilante was modified into a photo reconnaissance configuration, it became the RA-5C, also known as an "ensign killer" along with the F-8 Crusader, for their notorious difficulty to bring aboard the ship safely. The Navy modified the engines of the A-5 so that the afterburners were always lit in "minimum" when in the landing configuration in order to improve its wave off capability, plus only second cruise and above aviators were allowed to transition to the "Vigi". It was a beautiful airplane and "down on the deck" was the fastest aircraft type in the fleet.

[@richardvogt7310]

As an American we are thankful for your families service to our country. Sir I salute you. AE2 VOGT US Navy 1980-1987

[@geraldstephens7481]

Ward my dad was a Missouri farm boy from Appleton City. He became a CPO Air Crew Chief Maintenance. His Grandad a WW1 Army vet told him to join the Navy (for better food and pay) in June 1941 after graduation from High School (the first in his family to ever even go to High School) so he went to the recruiter to sign up but he was so skinny he was too light to get in. The recruiter (a huge man) and my dad are pictured in a photo from that day. He was a tall big man and my dad was a true runt. He took pity on my dad and gave him a dime, a days pay at the time, and instructed him to go buy a gallon of milk and a bunch of bananas and eat them all and come back to be reweighed, but emphasized "don't go to the bathroom". When he was reweighed he was still too lite but the recruiter said we can fatten you up after you get in and that was the story. Later when he on he got on a bus to Great Lakes Navy training station, story is told, his mom gave him a Bible and said "young man it wouldn't hurt you to read this some day and start with the Gospel of John" (later dad became a preacher after the war) and he said he was trained in big airplane engines by of all people Henry Ford's son. He then got his air frame training and then was shipped off to Pensacola for more training in a PBY crew and then Seattle and Navy air station Kodiak for the Thousand Mile war in the Aleutians and escort duty of 8000 Arocobras to Russia etc . He had a medal for being in that effort somehow not sure. of the details. I volunteered for Vietnam in 1970 on graduation from High School in NY but was turned down because it was by then winding down. I ended up in College and then engineering school and then Law School. My dad always called me his Admiral and was very proud of me for getting best grade in my first course class in Law school (not repeated) just months before he passed away. God Bless you and your dad. Thank you for blessing us with this story. Also my cousin Matt Travis is USMC Retired very proud of him. Love all your stories.

[@zenoslayer9618]

I wish I could have talked like that with my dad. He passed away too soon it took a picture of him in his army uniform 44-47 to start digging. He was in the 325th gir. In 47 he got out and joined the air force for 20 years. Oh the questions i have since then

[@michaelteague3190]

Great vid! My older brother was a few years behind your father but he too was born to fly. He entered the NAVCAD program and went through the same training stations your dad attended. My brother, James E. Teague, got his “wings of gold” and flew the F-4B. He loved serving and he loved flying. He was assigned to VF151 and deployed to Vietnam in 1967. He served on the USS Coral Sea. On 11/19/67 he and his flight lead were shot down while flying fighter cover for an A-4 strike near Haiphong. His remains came home in 1977. I mourn his loss but I know, beyond any doubt, he was doing what he loved to do. Thank you and your father for your service.

[@liveaboard1]

Tooter was one of my instructors during my time at Vf-124.

[@bearowen5480]

Tooter Teague was and is a legendary Naval Aviator. I was a Marine pilot in the '60s and '70s. I often heard his name spoken with near reverence anytime hangar flying was going on at the O club bar. I'm so glad that his remains have been repatriated. RIP.

[@sc1784]

Ward - That may be your best installment yet. Watched its over lunch the last two days and hung on every word. Being a young pilot in the early days of military single-seat jet aviation had to be an amazing experience. Your Dad is a Superman. You undoubtedly are so proud of him, and his comment at the end that he was proud to be a Marine, but prouder to be your father is a special moment that you no doubt will treasure in your heart for all of your days. He has good reason to be proud of you. You are cut from the same cloth as him, and as another poster said, the acorn does not fall from the tree. God Bless the Carroll Family.

[@androidemulator6952]

Your dad is sharp as a tack - what a memory. Glad you took the time to record his experiences for us. Thank you.

[@tedgraf4101]

Ward, that was a great interview. Your Dad remembers details like it was yesterday. I was Navy enlisted then an aviation cadet in '66. About a week before we got winged and commissioned, the Marines wined and dined us extolling the virtures of taking a Marine commission versus staying Navy. They really wanted F-4 guys. I thought about it until I noticed all the Marine 2Lts running on the beach every morning with a 50 pound pack on their backs. I decided to stick with the Navy.

[@johnk8825]

That has been your best episode, I'm 71 and could listen you two all day. Our country is very grateful for the entire Carroll family, God bless you all.

[@gjdebus8145]

As a retired Marine gunnery sergeant who spent his career in Marine aviation, I can definitely identify with just about every place that your father served. I was stationed at Iwakuni a number of times. Same thing with Cherry point and also Yuma Arizona. I supported the A-4’s, the A-6’s and also the AV 8B harrier. I don’t know if I ever worked for the Colonel, but I’m certain I worked for people who worked with and who were trained by him. It was an honor to serve and I want you to know that your interview with your father was truly outstanding. Thank you so much!

[@TheChaz81]

Yuma Ooh Rah!

[@NoBrakes23]

I was with 311 in Yuma and we did time in Iwakuni with 31st MEU. Mostly good times.

[@TheChaz81]

@@NoBrakes23 I was a nasty airwinger with vmfa134 in Miramar and we use to got to Yuma all the time for cax. That place sucks lol.

[@rayclark474]

I was also an Air Winger Marine, I did time at Beaufort, El Toro, Iwakuni, and Millington on North Side with VMA 124 (Reserve squadron)/MAG 42 Det B (Active side).

[@tonygville2969]

Thank you for your service ☝️🙏 Viva Cristo Rey

[@brice5542]

Mad Respect, from USN Corpsman 1982-1986, great stuff, Much appreciated, thank you for your service.

[@thomaslong1576]

Honestly, the best part of this was the very last few seconds. Thank you to you and your father (and all of your family) for your service.

[@ronaldhines8085]

When your Dad mentioned Cherry Point I was reminded of an interesting conversation I had with Cherry Point Approach. I was crossing their airspace on my way to Raleigh. They said to maintain 3,000 feet because they were having artillery practice below me and I would be fine at 3,000 ft. That's one way to motivate you to maintain your altitude. I've been a subscriber for a long time but this is one of the best videos you have put out. Your Dad sounds like a great guy! What was your father's call sign?

[@gregorygress8519]

Wish we could have met your mom, undoubtedly a big part of the team.

[@paulbriggs3072]

Honoring your father is more important than all that other stuff- even if he was a garbage man.

[@stevenfairless4931]

You are a sharp guy Mr Carroll ... thanks for sharing your experience ... My father was in Corpus with you, CWO4 Aerographer, retired in '59. My draft was immanent in '71, served in the navy through '75. This is an inspiring account of discipline and advancement ... Thanks again.

[@jag524]

Ward, I am so glad you took the time to put this together. I was never in a position to serve in the military and and am so grateful for the freedoms I enjoy because of all those that have. Watched the whole thing without intermission.Great stuff!

[@bitspieces3885]

That’s “The Right Stuff”. Fantastic story, fantastic history. Much appreciated. Thanks for sharing. 🇺🇸👍

[@briancompton7592]

I love how Col. Carroll has his son's books on his shelf. A proud dad!

[@jimsteinway695]

Wow what an interview, tho I was enlisted Air Force, I did become an engineer and then a Naval Scientist and worked the Harrier Program for 7 years as a Marine scientist. My Marine test pilots were some of the best I’d ever worked with and I could not out drink them!

[@70aca]

I have the feeling that Col. Carroll could jump in an A-4 today and put the hurt on the enemy. Great video!

[@jamesmcintosh1521]

Fabulous story, Mooch! Thank you for sharing your Dad with us…he’s a remarkable man, and you’re so fortunate to have him as your Dad. His memory is incredible! It reminds me of a friend I recently lost. He was an F6F Hellcat pilot in WWII, and lived beyond his 100th birthday. I would sit with him as he recounted in great detail his experiences, including being among one of the first squadrons to perform night carrier operations.

[@billgund4532]

Hello Ward. My dad was a Lt. Col. in the USAF. In the late 50's, early 60's he flew navy exchange (NAVEX) duty. During that time he flew A4D Skyhawks off the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42). He had great memories of his "Navy Days." Dad retired in 1970, flying the F-104 Starfighter.

[@EfficientRVer]

If you ever want to see a gorgeous F-104 display, there is one aimed skyward at a very steep angle outside the Stafford Air and Space museum in Oklahoma. General Stafford was commander of Apollo 10, and Neil Armstrong credited him with making the first moon landing possible by doing a great job of checking out the landing site and spacecraft systems on the rehearsal flight.

[@olemansailor6519]

Hi Ward. I’m also in a military family. Mom’s Oldest brother served the last 2 years of WWII in Europe, US Army. Her second and third oldest brothers served in the post war Germany, US Army. Dad’s brother served in 1971 Vietnam, Navy. I retired after almost 21 years in the Navy as a Naval Air Crewman, P3-A/B/C Flight Engineer. My sister retired after 20 years from the Navy and her Husband retired from the Navy after 23 years. My brother retired after 20 years in the Airforce. We are all proud that we were able to serve.

[@jimgutshall4855]

This reminds me of listening to my father about his experience flying combat missions in the B 17 during WW2, then later after the war P 51's. Thanks

[@chuckprice4541]

Ok, Dad was a true damn warrior. Thank you to a family of service members everywhere,

[@lloydryan7716]

Fantastic! Your Father started in the fifties when I did. only I was an enlisted Marine who only served a four-year hitch. Colonel Carroll is an outstanding example of a United States Marine.

[@Borzoi86]

What a privilege, Ward, to interview your dad! Sincerely wish I had had the same opportunity with my pater.

[@SmokinGoodd420]

You are absolutely blessed to have your father in your life. I lost my father 2 years ago . and i wish i recorded all his stories because it was truly priceless memories . I wish you and your family the best!

[@kcpilot63]

Very Cool Ward! Your Pops is an Officer and a Gentleman just like you are. I thoroughly enjoyed your talk with your dad.

[@eddiemoreland5604]

That Was Great. Even though I didn’t serve The Navy was served by my dad, his brother , my two first cousins. My dad turned 18 June 11, 1944 off Utah Beach Normandy France lending fire support to the landings June 6 via his battle station twin 40 mm bofors. He said his guns over heated multiple times and his destroyer ran aground 4 times. He’d already been to North Africa and Sicily. He’d seen more by 18 than I have in 65 years.

[@petertarantelli]

God Bless you Colonel and thank you for your service. Simper Fi.

[@fj9460-lr]

When I was a mechanic stationed at El Toro in 1970-72 thought I was on top of the world; VMA 121 was my family; I miss those days !

[@robertburns3014]

Fascinating! I have long admired the Marine Corps and especially Marine Corps aviation. We are so fortunate to have the caliber of officer that Colonel Carroll exemplifies in the U.S.M.C. and other branches of our military.

[@jcriseling5781]

Tremendous Oral history from a journeyman Marine Aviator and combat veteran, made more important by the fact he is your father. Well done.

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

Your dad is still very sharp, Ward. This is such an enjoyable interview.