After 67 years, 90-year-old WWII pilot Merv Karl takes flight in B-17 bomber plane

A ride in a vintage World War II B-17 - the famed Flying Fortress - makes you appreciate the comforts of modern aviation.
At 90, Merv Karl of Park Ridge, Ill., once again took to the skies in a B-17 bomber - this time as a passenger rather than a pilot; Karl piloted 35 combat missions in World War II. The ride on the B-17 was part of Wings Over Waukesha activities.
#aviation #wisconsin #worldwar2 #wwii #flight #planes

[@DrMcCoy-et6rz]

The men that fought in WWII were made of steel. They were the greatest generation. My father was one of them. Thank you for your service Mr. Karl. Some Americans still remember.

[@vermilion4609]

Dr. McCoy I'm not American but even the RAF had horrible times back them and I'll never forget the men who risked their life's for our countries.

[@WildWildWest30000]

My generation is probably the most embarrassing generation of all.

[@kroakie4]

My grandfather fought in WWII. He died before I was born. I can't wait to meet him in heaven one day.

[@paulm5197]

Americans have always risen to whatever occasion faces them. Still, as a veteran myself, I thank Mr. Karl for helping to keep us free. It took tremendous courage to fly those dangerous missions; we lost tens of thousands of airmen over Germany!

[@gwiersma5764]

I 'm from holland. And i still remember these great men and woman. And i'm greatfull to these fantastic servicemen and woman! Thank you!

[@PhlyDaily]

He looks great for 90

[@spyc4892]

First like, first comment sup dude

[@Levina28]

omgggggg :O

[@oversecus833]

PHHLLLYYYY!!!

[@maxsalazar8222]

i'll be honest, he looks like he is about 71. for real he looks great for 90!

[@machia-mw1lm]

Thank you Sir . My Uncle was a B-17 pilot too . I have nothing but deep respect for you men . Thank you .

[@antares4s]

That you Sir for 35 missions risking your life for a nation that today that could care less about what you did. You service is very much appreciated as one of those who have truly earned the title of the 'Greatest Generation.'

[@EgbertWilliams]

antares4s A lot of people care. You're not as special as you think. And it's "couldn't care less."

[@thomasromano9321]

Flying the B-17 took guts, and lot of courage. I knew a guy who'd flown in the front of a B-17 as a bombadier. So many of those guys didn't come back. The missions could be a so-called "milk run" in other words an easy mission, or a highly dangerous mission with antiaircraft guns and fighters coming at you. Hats off to this man: 35 missions! Holy cow!!

[@brandonthomas303]

Greatest generation ever!! Thank you sir and all who served! SALUTE!

[@MrGreggl61]

Wow what a gentleman and so sharp. Love these men and grateful for what they did

[@pasteywhiteboy8137]

He looks good for 90 and his mind seems sound considering all the shit he's lived through

[@GeddyBre]

SO glad Merv got to go up also, this time into friendly skies. My dad was also a pilot, 35 missions in the 385th BG. I got to fly in a Fort with him 14 yrs ago, also his first time flying in a B-17 since WWII. Unfortunately I had no camera, as it was spur of the moment. My dad is still living, tho his dementia is pretty bad, he remembers those days pretty well still & talks freely now. This generation is leaving us so fast, so glad you have those memories of your dad, may he RIP.

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Thanks for your selfless service Sir, you risked your life to protect ours!

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Yes I see the stats, the infantrymen had it pretty rough too.

[@JimTom.]

to protect ours?? u sure?

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Don't think I understood your question (if it was directed to me).

[@janebook294]

jimmy y FUCK YOU ,YOU LOW LIFE SHIT BAG

[@natebit8130]

Jane Book why are you calling him names and cursing at him just for thanking a soldier who risked his life in a war? why are you cyber bullying him?

[@SURFLifeHard]

Merv, I really enjoyed seeing you fly on a B-17 again after so many years. My Dad finished his 35th mission on his 23rd birthday, 5 April, 1945. He was stationed at Debach with the 493rd Bomb Group. What group did you fly with? Your smile reminds me of my Dad's-he passed away just over 2 years ago. But his smile still lives on in my heart. Thanks so much for sharing this video. And thanks so much for stepping up and flying 35 missions-most people don't know what that means. I do. Thank You!

[@Eshayzbra96]

Those notes are priceless. Fine piece of a primary source.

[@TreeTop1947]

That pilots notebook..._Priceless!_ Semper Fi, TreeTop

[@paulmartos7730]

My last flight instructor was a WWII pilot in his 80s, a former Navy and airline pilot, physician AND local corn farmer. He was bent with age but a magnificent and beloved flight instructor.

[@udoworner4399]

No matter as friend or foe,I have respect for these brave peoble who helped that we can live,as we just do it. I'm a german guy.

[@jamescrane6908]

Udo Wörner:Guten Tag...and thanks...

[@scottjess1426]

this guy is what you call an American bad ass take note we need more of them and everyone should show respect to this guy way to go 35 missions is bad ass most of them did not make 5or6 missions before being killed or shot down to become a POW you sir have my respect salute.

[@brafovetterlanen]

during WWII,my grandfather used to hide english pilots&crew shot down over Belgium,for the occupying germans at that time, and the only thing those men were thinking about was getting back asap to England and fly again.Unfortunately the germans caught him and he was send to a POW camp in Germany.He was lucky and survived!!So,for all of those men:RESPECT!!!

[@davidmarshall1259]

thank you to you, and to your grandfather, from Nottingham, UK. my Great Grandfather fought in Belgium in WW1. he survived by the grace of God.

[@JungleYT]

Fantastic... Glad to see that he appreciated that ride. He looked a good 10 years younger than 91 - Wow!

[@gerdesoto262]

It was good to see and hear the veteran pilot that flew the B-17 in World War II, and what he remembered was good to hear from him. Just one thing to bad he didn't get to fly again personally himself when this video was being made. That would've ben great to see that, because he didn't forget how to fly a B-17.

[@Dave-vc4mh]

I’ve been on that B-17 !!! Godbless you sir thanks for your service!!!!

[@brandond5209]

They should have let him take the controls. What a true hero!

[@TALIZ0RAH]

He sounds and looks far younger.

[@bcstechnologylimited896]

Great that Mr. Karl could take one more spin in a B-17 and not have to worry about ME-109s, flak, engine failure, getting off course or a host other dangers during a mission. Thank you, sir, for your service to the USA!

[@cbl3839]

Engine failure is still a risk. Been there in the B-24 a few years back . OK coming in on 3 though.

[@stevedrinkard7297]

Thank you Sir for your service.

[@wesleystearns6638]

My dad, Edward Stearns flew on 47 missions over Europe during WW2. He was a top turret gunner and flight engineer. He also flew on 48 missions during the Korean war in the A-26 ground support. He put in his time. DFC metal and 6 Oak Leaf Clusters are among his metals. He passed away 8/15/2015 at 92.

[@scotttait2197]

Metals? Oh medals gotch ya

[@nor4277]

He is,my hereo ,I have the most respect for our world war two military,we owe them big ,they have my respect always .I wish you well sir .thank you for your service.

[@Indzeosko]

Great story. How anyone can give a thumbs down to this video is beyond me. Thank you for your service.

[@leerich8758]

Wow! Massive respect to a true hero.

[@robertgary3561]

I just read his obituary. Sounds like he lived a couple years after this.

[@LawFj]

These videos bring so much joy ❤❤❤❤❤

[@VOOODOOO37]

wow 35 missions, very lucky to survive so many, it was a brutal air war. True hero

[@umami0247]

What a honor to take these pilots up for a ride in the aircraft that they used to defeat Germany and Japan and yes for being 90 years old he looks great..

[@ronaldpetrin5823]

October 2, 2019 sad day for all of US.

[@maxasaurus3008]

The greatest generation, Thank You Sir.

[@SURFLifeHard]

So lucky to get to fly in a Fort with your Dad. Flew with dad in single engine planes a lot with him as pilot, but never lucky enough to fly in a Fort with him again. Also so glad to hear he can remember those days and share them with you. After a while Dad's dementia gutted those memories. You might want to record or video those 'talks'. I'd give anything if I had. I'm not sure what time frame your Dad flew. But he was one of those who had to complete 35 missions.

[@SURFLifeHard]

I have a friend who volunteers at Debach. He can probably tell us if the 385th & 493rd ever 'collaborated' on any missions. Or were part of the "bomber stream" on a particular day. He has brought me a better understanding of many aspects that I never knew before or thought about.

[@JD-gj2rj]

God bless you sir! A true hero!

[@griffulance]

God bless him and all the other veterans of that era that fought for our freedom.

[@SaltyDawg-wu5kr]

THANK YOU SIR.👍🇺🇸

[@tygerman797]

One day back in the 80's I was inside watching TV and heard what I thought was an incredibly loud, well, some sort of engine. Went outside and looked up and there was a B-17 and four fighter escorts flying directly above my house on their way to Dayton, Ohio. They were too high up for me to tell what type of fighters they were. But it was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. How I wish I had a video camera back then

[@FantaZ4U]

Jeff S I was lucky enough to have a B-17 fly over my house this Month. I still stare in aw after being aboard 4 Flyable and 2 on display, in my life, I still stare and dream! Captain Karl, I thank you for your service and you have my utmost respect Sir.

[@raymondjokerst2860]

late post, I know. Neat to see warbirds above. I have had similar experience. Regards.

[@FantaZ4U]

Raymond Jokerst The Collins Foundation does great work. I saw a B-17 a few weeks fly over a few weeks ago and it is still a Thrill to see a 4 engine heavy bomber fly! If you ever get a chance, you HAVE to see it for yourself. I've been lucky and have seen many. I even stayed over at airshows to help push them back out before they had room to crank them. Even helped prime an engine by hand once. Just got in line and got a few turns pushing a prop around for priming. At one Airshow at PDK Atlanta, I helped push a tire out when they changed one. I always stay late and help all I can. At a Beechcraft fly-in a the Beechcraft Museum I stayed and helped Clean Staggerwing's engine Cowls at the end of the day. "If a Radial isn't leaking oil it needs more!" If you are interested and love these aircraft, Stay after the show and help, you will be amazed how much you learn helping as a Volunteer when you work hard. Nothing can take away the memories I had with my Hero that day.On HIS aircraft again.

[@raymondjokerst2860]

+FantaZ4U Heck, the whole bunch of folks attending the airshow would have paid to turn the prop over . I saw the Liberty Belle in Omaha a day or so before it set down in Illinois and burned. Dad was a ball turret gunner.

[@FantaZ4U]

Raymond Jokerst I appreciate and respect your dad's service. That duty was the toughest there was. Must have had Balls of Steel. I couldn't sit in ball turret 2 minutes on the ground! Much less being shot at and seeing the long ride down if anything went bad.

[@libertyforever4270]

A great way to honor a true hero and patriot!

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

My god, did they even need radar? Talk about loud. And with 50 or 60 in formation, They had to have been heard from miles away... That was awesome guys. And to Merv thank you sir. We wont forget......

[@Snipeyou1]

notice the look in his eye when he asked him "were you glad when your 35 flights were over" and he goes "oh yeah" makes me think this old dog has seen some shit. thanks for being the hard ass you are sir.

[@mathiasdolk1706]

RIP, mr. Karl.

[@fredsalfa]

Brought back memories good and bad

[@robertbegbie2907]

This generation just doesn't have the appreciation or even understanding of how much we owe these courageous men who were just kids back then flying into hell to fight for our freedom, instead their too busy trying to be social influencers and becoming rich and shameless, congratulations to you sir for making it back alive with your crew, thank you for doing what these spoiled and dillusionaal kids of today could never fathom in a million years doing themselves

[@ewanfoley2120]

I wonder how many B-17's are still operational. I'd love to be in one. They are amazing planes. Thanks America!

[@cbl3839]

11 give or take and depending.

[@davidmarshall1259]

how can he NOT remember doing this shit? such a modest man. the young of America have such a lot to learn from MEN such as this. but remember, he's probably seen such things that he DOESN'T want to recall.

[@SURFLifeHard]

I read a bit of the history of the 385th & noticed they went to Merseberg. Dad did that in some of his first missions. One of his hometown friends was a B-17 Pilot who was shot down and was POW watching the bomber stream come in and get shot up headed in to Merseberg from his window.

[@worthtech3249]

A true American hero....these men are a National Treasure

[@scottmclennan6114]

His last entry in that notebook said “no flak, no fighters”. I bet there weren’t many of those flights.

[@robdonnelly1015]

Great video thank you !

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Enjoyed that!

[@worldwarwill1278]

Very poignant, thank you to everyone involved.

[@ferrari884]

Oh come on! Your not going to give him the controls for a few minutes???

[@paulcrombie9623]

Greatest respect to these men, all very well just flying the thing, but imagine the flack, the 109s and190s coming in at you! Unbelievable.

[@jaywinters2483]

Glad they did this for him. They should have let him have the controls for a while

[@DeputyDeppe]

I want to ride in one of the turrets, cramped, but great views I’m sure.

[@macski6924]

Awesome guy.

[@BadenCityFire]

wooooow.... no words needed !

[@johnbrown-rm8kc]

Awesome !!!!

[@i-tiyahman6519]

Respect

[@styldsteel1]

Boy, that's nice to see. Just a slim chance he could have given the current pilots a suggestion or two.

[@TheAznative101]

"It was the greatest flight ever since they were not shooting at us".

[@critchley3819]

A very lovely no crap man, I would love to sit down with him and talk about everything..

[@Joseph1NJ]

And? What are you waiting for? There are vet organisations all over the country. Visit one, maybe do a little volunteer work. Trust me, it'll be rewarding. The WWII generation is pretty much gone now, but that shouldn't stop you.

[@Bull_10RR]

They should arrange for a restored p51 and fw190 or bf190 to fly with the b17 when they do this, have the german aircraft show up to grt chased away by the mustang :D that would get the vet's heart pumping

[@Lordofzeldafed]

Worstname evar probably kill him

[@GeddyBre]

Excellent, very nice to have someone on the inside. I notice that the 493rd has a pretty nice website. Also from that I can see their mission history. The 385th is not so fortunate to have their missions recorded in single place (that I can find anyway. Feel free to PM me if you feel we are boring the rest of these folks on youtube... :)

[@GeddyBre]

I'm pretty sure he went to Meresberg. one of the nastier places for 8th bombers.I will check what records I have. Cool story about your dads friend, must've been hard for him to watch them getting mauled. My dad was there, Oct 44 until the end of the war. I'll try to see if the boys from Debach ever flew with the boys from Great Ashfield. Your dad was 3rd Air Division/93rd Combat Wing, mine was 3rd AD/4th CW, they likely went to some of the same targets, maybe even both groups together?

[@crushmonkey801]

I don't know if my post is relevant to this video, but I'm a grandson of a 493rd member who was stationed at Debach. Can anyone direct me on how to get in touch with living survivors of the 493rd, and/or the reenactors who perform at events at the decommissioned RAF Debach Airfield?

[@ronlal652]

I thought 25 was the magic number,why 35,the belle crew went home after 25 missions I think.I went inside one during an air show on memorial day.I would hate to be the ball turret or tail gunner in one of these.One of the safest and most rugged planes ever made.I could not believe how big the wheels were on the landing gear on this bird.Most of the pilots that flew these during the war were barely out of H.S.God bless them,and their families.

[@islanderATP]

So many never returned. 35 and lived to tell about em.

[@johnnylee5664]

很開心能看到這些影片！

[@Simon_r2600]

1:45 Straubing in Germany isnt that far away where I live

[@familyfuller5650]

I saw that exact plane not too long ago

[@familyfuller5650]

And sat in the pilot's seat

[@davidgmaster]

Why can't they let the honored man fly by himself? He still has a co pilot besides him if something happens...

[@griffulance]

He doesn't seem 90.

[@jayamrajoo5086]

He told me the stories that no man should have experiences

[@thomasdalton2042]

What kind of miserable person gives this a thumbs down

[@SchutzePhilip]

My first thoughts exactly!

[@Idahoguy10157]

Knew a retired AF Colonel who flew B-17’s in India and the Mediterranean

[@leemcginnis738]

Hello Robert, do you know what bomb group he flew with?

[@Idahoguy10157]

@@leemcginnis738 .... unfortunately no. He was a patient in an Air Force hospital I worked in thirty years ago.

[@leemcginnis738]

@@Idahoguy10157 oh thanks. Sad that these WW2 Veterans are disappearing.

[@Idahoguy10157]

@@leemcginnis738 ... yes. I’ve lost my father and all my uncles. All WW2 vets

[@outandbak]

Bravo

[@Mike9201984]

very cool camera angles from the nose!!!

[@benjohnson9150]

MuhfugginMike has 9

[@Cjramone69]

Has the note book been published anywhere .

[@orangutanmaster2982]

my grandpop created the B-17, Victor Rosica.

[@Joseph1NJ]

A generation of real men. Wonder what they think of today's pampered and coddled twenty somethings living at home with mom, heads buried in their cell phones, worried about getting the latest pair of sneakers, growing beards and wearing man buns. MAN BUNS!

[@av8tore71]

I have 30 hours flying right seat (co pilot) in Aluminum Overcast with S. Hartwig

[@northflower423]

Those things are the sight of True American Power...

[@m2858]

Is Merv still alive?

[@jayamrajoo5086]

My grandad flew the b 17

[@caravanstuff2827]

The average life expectancy of a fighter pilot in Europe at the height of the war was 5 days...and for boomer crews 5 weeks...and still thay went up...that's why there called the "GREATEST GENERATION"!!!.😎❤🇺🇲

[@energyzone242]

NOISY !

[@thomasschoon8407]

😀😀😀😀😭😭😭😭🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 🥉🥈🥇🏅🎖️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you sir and all the crews who flew with you, the ones that came back and the ones that didn't, for giving me and my children and my grandchildren, a free country to live in. You are truly a member of the 'Greatest Generation', and because this war was really fought against the actual Devil himself and I believe it to be the most significant human event in history since the birth of Christ!

[@isukaman4092]

Captain Picard?

[@rb67mustang]

1:20, Sorry, it was 25 missions. The interviewer made a mistake by asking if Merv was glad after his 35 mission were complete.

[@stephenj8576]

God bless

[@jayamrajoo5086]

Flack was heavy

[@rb67mustang]

1:20, Sorry, it was 25 missions. The interviewer made a mistake by asking if Merv was glad after his 35 mission were complete. OK, so I see where Merv wrote 35 missions, but it was after 25 missions they were able to go home.

[@stevefaix8173]

By 1945, 35 missions were required before returning to the USA. My Dad flew his 35 missions as a navigator with the 15th Air Force, 483rd bombardment group, based just outside Foggia, Italy.

[@sudaev]

Those bombers dropped high explosive and incendiaries on civilian populations. This is nothing to back-slap about.

[@bcstechnologylimited896]

What's your problem, mister? Yes, these bombers killed a lot of civilians. However, they didn't kill nearly as many civilians as did the Nazis in the death camps.

[@jlobuglio6807]

Ewan - Check out the Commorative Air Force. They have flying B-17's and also the ONLY flying B-29 in the USA - "FiFi"Support is always welcomed.