I Survived 33 COMBAT MISSIONS Over Europe | 8th Air Force | Bernard Nolan

Bernard Nolan had a passion for planes and flying from an early age and dreamt of one day taking to the skies and becoming a pilot. Coming of age during the Great Depression Nolan left school to help support his family. When war broke out, Nolan saw an opportunity to pursue his passion and in 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps.
After training he was stationed with the 487th Bomb Group of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Lavenham, England. He would pilot both the B-17 and B-24 Bomber Planes in combat over Germany and France and by war's end he would fly a total of 33 combat missions.
Nolan would retire from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1965 and go on to work for NASA as a geosciences program manager.
Bernard T. Nolan passed away on November 30, 2021. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Interview recorded on January 9, 2018
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[@philosopher0076]

95 years old and well spoken, all there and sharp as a whip. You'd think he was a 67 year old man. Incredible.

[@TheFunkhouser]

WW2 bomber crew were some of the bravest warriors in that fight!!

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Pity some of today's youth couldn't take a leaf out of these incredibly brave men

[@kuhusna-afiffhaziq1830]

95 but still sharp?geez!!men like this a veryyyy rare sir!!like hell this man is incredible!he must hv a VERY good and happy life!!we need to VIDEO documented veterans experienced as many as we can.because these brave mens are rare and sadly many had pass away.

[@casualobserver2305]

This guy is 95? Holy hell...he’s sharp as a razor.

[@robynn144]

He is. Totally sharp for 95. He appears as if he could 25 years younger. Nice to see. Great that he has such a perfect memory of all his experiences of his entire life. Thank you for your service. God bless you and enjoy your retirement, Sir.

[@rid-rat-ross]

The sharpest ones often survived, the not-so-sharp often did not survive. My uncle (Dad's older brother) was there in Europe in the USAAF during WW II for a few years of war and came home in one piece.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

He doesn't drink too much, smoke or eat junk. Also gets some exercise.

[@etherdetroit1977]

I never get tired of hearing our heros tell their stories. God bless them and God bless America!!!!

[@korosuke1788]

Warcrimes! WOOOHOOOO!

[@jackpinesavage1628]

My dad and my uncle Keith are like this guy. Both loved aviation. Dad built model airplanes as a kid, winning several trophies in contests. My uncle Keith joined the U.S. Navy and became a Lt. jig. who flew a Corsair fighter off the U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12).

[@kyle9335]

Truly the greatest generation. A real hero.

[@tamaramorton8812]

I think they’re called the greatest generation, because the Allies won that war. I feel bad for the Vietnam veterans because the war was so much harder for the average person. They didn’t speak the same language as their allies, the fighting conditions were so much harder with the heat and the jungle plus they didn’t have the complete support of their own country! They were risking their lives for the country’s sake, but people were blaming them for the war! It was terrible. I was ashamed of the way people were talking about them and treating them. It must’ve been so hard serving in the military during that time and then having to reconcile all that in your personal life after your service is over.

[@jasonhiggins8909]

He is one of the sharpest 95yo vets I've ever seen. Bless them ALL!

[@logansmith9231]

This man's mind-set and personal paradigm are what made our Republic and their Generation such winners. Thank you, sir. God bless...

[@mypainispleasure]

wow. Men like him are a blessing to our country. He called several of his assignments blessings while taking no credit for the fact that he was blessing our country with his service. Part of a lost generation. God just doesn't make em' like that anymore. But I still have to say, EVERY veteran is a hero in my eyes.

[@sheilatruax6172]

I am the neice of an Iwo Jima Marine, the daughter in law of an Army soldier on Europe and the daughter of a Korean vet. A cousin saw duty with the Navy off North Vietnam and two uncles were USAF, retired. I have nothing but mad respect for this gentleman and his comrades. I adore B17s. I went through CAF's Sentimentaal Journey and was blown away. Thank you, sir, for your service and bravery!

[@peterfeltham5612]

A wonderful generation of exceptional people.

[@stevesvoboda9404]

I hope he lives another 20 yrs educating the generations behind him. Sacrifice and call to duty are character traits that are rare to see these days.

[@Impailer67]

you cannot honor these men enough !

[@robynn144]

What a career. Talk about "the right stuff". Thank you so much for your service, col. Bernard Nolan. You are a true hero of aviation.

[@shirleylake7738]

95 years young. Thank you for your service. My dad was in the 13th army airborne in the South pacific theater. 2yrs 2mos. and 2 days.1942-1944

[@curtislarson1487]

Wow what a man they truly were a great generation.

[@blah646]

Thank You Sir, my Dad was born in 1920, and graduated from high school in 1938. The war broke out in 1939, he too joined the Air Force - in Canada we call it the Royal Canadian Air Force ( RCAF ). He was raised on the Prairies in Western Canada he was trained in East Coast Command and became a Flight Engineer on a PBY Catalina. Just watching and listening to this man, has put tears in my eyes. The multitude that gave their All in this terrible World War II is beyond our comprehension. This was a grand interview with Mr. Bernard Nolan, a survivor. Sir, I was born in 1946, in a free world - because of the Service of You and Your Colleagues. You know the toll in tragic waste of primarily men and a multitude of Aircraft in the years of your Service. The popular Vera Lynn song, “ We’ll Meet Again” is very appropriate, where I believe a Your Creator will,once again put you in with your former air crews and ground crews. The North Atlantic was the theatre of operation for my Dad, and he too was a survivor and went on to live in the Freedom we have come to know because of people like You - Sir. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, God loves You and so do I.

[@cjovaras5566]

Great comment ... so much sacrificed in that time and now being squandered with such little respect ... these soldiers believed in their cause for Freedom , today its wasted on superficial idealism that lacks basic morals

[@RubyBandUSA]

Nicely stated

[@GaleHill-Crock-we5pl]

My dad was born Sept 27, 1920. In the Battle of the bulge

[@jontonal3150]

I would be the most inquisitive grandson if he were my grandpa. Boy do I absolutely love war stories told by those who lived it firsthand. My goodness is he sharp! Thanks for everything ,Sir!!

[@paulcowart3174]

Unfortunately my Dad wouldn't talk about it so I didn't press in it Same campaign Normandy

[@bret9741]

Thank you for a professional video and thank you Col. Nolan. Not many 30 year olds have minds as sharp, how remarkable for 95!

[@LiamTaaffe]

He's like a 55 yr old man and is extremely sharp and articulate for a 95yr old. Amazing man - representing the great Irish New Yorkers of Queens!

[@ppumpkin3282]

Come on, he'a in great shape, but he doesn't look 55.

[@AstroEssexGirl]

When I was growing up in the 80’s most of our grandfather’s either were instrumental in giving freedom to Europe in the services, or did important work at home but many didn’t talk about it. I wish I had asked more questions. The generation of these selfless men are nearly gone and it’s incredibly sad

[@Muhammad-uu3nu]

What a sharp minded veteran. Salute sir

[@Terrie1949]

Thank you Colonel Bernard Nolan for your Distinguished Service to our Country! I am a friend of Dr. Joseph Gutierrez, who speaks so highly of you and was himself stationed in Vietnam during the TET Offensive.. Nice to get to know your history! I am a former USO performer in Vietnam - and am presently an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, Arizona.

[@paulcowart3174]

Surprised he wasn't attached to Strategic Air Command like my Father was at MacDill AFB He retired in 69 Unfortunately my Dad passed at age 76 in the 90's Good man like most of their generation God Bless Them

[@martinmaloney7294]

Great video , another hero , thanks for your service .

[@RubyBandUSA]

anyone who was in the 8th Air Force during WWII is a hero in my (and many others') book. And that's whether they flew combat missions or not. But the ones that flew combat missions are a special class of hero ... their bravery and courage and endurance are beyond description and comprehension.

[@realwealthproperties5671]

So sad to see that Colonel Nolan passed away November 30th. 2021 at aged 99. Legends never die, they just fade away. R.I .P Colonel. You fought so we could live in freedom. Thank you from a grateful nation. I hope you are flying as much as you desire in heaven.

[@Danzaxe69]

Amen

[@leewithey2014]

Incredible. Thank you for your service sir.

[@tutts999]

A massive thank you to all US servicemen for your sacrifices during this conflict from us Brits.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

One Hell of a resume/career for a high school dropout. An absolutely amazing brave man. God bless him.

[@moldyrefrigerator]

Thank you Sir

[@paulcowart3174]

God Bless you Sir My Dad was a bombardier/radar navigator Normandy LtColn later John C Cowart...received the DFC for the Invasion Real Hero thank you for you service

[@12gauge1oz]

Thank you Sir!

[@ChrisH930S]

My uncle flew B24s, he passed 10yrs ago, never talked about it. My dad was a Navy Surgeon, passed 2 yrs ago at 94. My mom grew up in Regensburg, worked in the Messerschmitt factory.....bombed by my uncle several times.

[@davidgray3321]

I would also add note the Colonels temperament, very collected, professional, and calm. Obviously a first class officer.

[@TRKEWEENAW]

what a priceless critique of the B24 and B17 by one who flew both. Who can argue with him? I salute you, sir. Thank you!

[@abtechgroup]

Amazing. Thanks Col. Nolan and thanks for recording him.

[@dukecraig2402]

My mother's cousin was a navigator on a B24 that was shot down and killed, the pilot made it out, one of the 3 parachutes that came out of it, the pilot also went on to work for NACA and NASA like this guy, he flew test flights with Neil Armstrong and other future astronauts and was himself later a part of the space program including Apollo. I'll bet he knew this guy.

[@OmegaTrooper]

Brilliant story. Thank you, Colonel!

[@qballcc7]

Thank you for your service and for sharing

[@Damian-qu2fg]

Wow that dude is fresh and sharp as a tick for 95!

[@dionlindsay2]

When there's a good story to tell, the quiet authority of interviewees like Colonel Nolan make it compulsive listening!

[@rickyt43515]

Thank you for your service Sir. 22years Army Vietnam Vet here. My father was a waste gunner on a B17

[@David-ic4by]

I love his dispassionate comparison between the B-24 and the B-17, with the pointed caveat that he was speaking specifically of the ETO. Simple, specific, to the point from the perspective of a flying man. So much better than all the technical stuff so many arm chair air marshals want to spout.

[@robertshanks3674]

I really appreciate the interview format...

[@gogoplata464]

These men are/were once-in-a-thousand year men.

[@MrJamesjustin]

This is such a great channel. Listening to all these heroes is as humbling as it is educational. The men and women you interview represent the best and most selfless people in our history. God bless them, and your team from bringing them to our attention. Thankyou.

[@michaelmoore234]

Thankyou sir , our lives we now live.🤗🥰💯✔️

[@firebird866]

The interviewer is as impressive as the men he interviews!

[@av8tore71]

Bernard T. Nolan NOVEMBER 7, 1922 - NOVEMBER 30, 2021 RIP Sir

[@iananderson1848]

To Philosopher 007. You ain't wrong . Suprisingly detailed and lucid delivery to questions . No discernable lack of detail. Convinced it's all genetic predisposition to life's challenges . Bloody amazing . From an Aussie in Qld.

[@motivationalquotes7195]

Just Awesome!! 👍👍

[@markjamison9677]

Very sharp and well spoken.

[@Mrbfgray]

7:45 he describes feathering props wrong, it's not about stopping rotation but dramatically reducing *drag* on said engine(s). Turning the blades into the wind, intuitive. Otherwise spinning dead engine prop like a porous disk in the wind if you can't feather it. Nitpicking but for those who may have been confused.

[@bruceterrell9287]

He's sharper than whoever wrote the caption calling him a figher pilot.

[@philipsmith3084]

This man is awesome! I really enjoy these interviews. Thank you.

[@jimhoward8298]

The greatest generation ever,they were all the greatest American soldiers. This country ever had,past and present... With out them..we wouldn't have a country to call America...these very, very, young men saved the world.defeating armies. That couldn't be beat...hell yea !!

[@nikreikalas6886]

God bless you Sir.

[@svenred6eard757]

Fascinating. Brilliantly told.

[@kuhusna-afiffhaziq1830]

this old man must had a VERY good and happy life.because at 95 yrs old but still sharp like this are soooooooo rare!!and i meant it!!to me..men or women like these are the real LEGENDARY X MEN!!i envy the interviewer to hv met in person with living legends like this!! i salute you Mr.Bernard and tq for your service.

[@sniper60605]

Wow sounds like you’ve had a great life! Thank you!

[@PBAR_B1B]

Wow, he went from flying B-24s to being in the Air Force when the XB-70 made its first flight. Nowhere near that rate of change in aerospace today...

[@muimasmacho]

Col. Bernard Nolan, Thank you so much for your service, Sir. Did you happen to know Major Jack Brake? He flew B24's in that theater, in that time frame. Jack survived the war and was my best friend. Sadly, he passed in '95, a casualty of the VA. (I don't have it in me to say he passed of 'natural causes.' Incompetance is the nicest way i can express what they did to him.)

[@juliemerritt5144]

Thank you sir for your service

[@steamer482]

Thank you for your service

[@myroncoleman9825]

I'm amazed at just how he's able t o remember sl the details of the mission's he flew at age 95. God b less all those brave men who riske d there lives to fight for the USA. I'm going to the Aviatiom Museum to see a B-17 they flew in to Blueg ass Field Lex Ky to display. this w eekend.

[@aaronseet2738]

The more emotional an event, the more likely the brain "burns" it in and thus the stronger the memory. There is no doubt the combat missions by nature demanded a lot of emotional response from the crews.

[@rptrj1384]

This guy is incredibly lucid.

[@tonykeast9966]

What a life! Wow

[@teammagnaparte1112]

Perhaps you could edit out the brakes for people listening on KZbin? Thank you for the upload. And what a great man. Sharp as a whistle!! Thank you for your service.

[@Hi-lb8cq]

I still build models...mostly B-24 & B-17's...different scales...my most favorite bombers/planes

[@almontepaolilli4909]

Great experience.

[@sandrad9695]

Amazing to hear his experiences.

[@timgelder4263]

Excellent interview with a most excellent man. Well done!

[@harmankevin43]

Wow. As a WWII AAF historian this guy is a top class act..

[@Johnlee0513]

I salute you sir

[@brianrobertson1211]

Thank you sir.

[@joesantamaria5874]

Astounding.

[@IslamicRageBoy]

Another gem

[@wolfzwizdom]

My grandmother was born in 1923 and during the war effort was a tac welder for these very bombers.

[@richardhayward7274]

Mr. Nolan, Thank you for your highly astute recollection of past experience. You are an inspiration and I hope I shall be able to be as enlightening as you when the time comes. Thank you.

[@jordanestrin505]

Is he missing an eye? Glad to hear his stories many that went down are not able to tell their story.

[@vrosi1963]

Complete respect for his generations accomplishments

[@dc8052]

Looks good for 95.

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Think he got bit by a vampire lol

[@dawnsokolik7837]

MJ SOKOLIK It's great to meet these real men through their stories, this man was a living history book. This kind of thing should be taught in public schools.

[@crashnburnxvx]

*that's a long story you don't want to go there* Me- I want to go there hahaha.

[@robertshanks3674]

ill bet he is a cool cat under pressure

[@jehugo66]

Wow, Westover AFB in Chicopee, MA in 1986 was my first base and I’d always wondered about who served there in the earlier decades.

[@deanhueter2866]

Hi! I joined in 56 and Westover was my first duty station after basic. It was 8th AF, SAC during my four years of active duty. I did a year at Thule AFB, Greenland, then elected to return to Westover for the remainder of my time.

[@paulcowart3174]

Wow yes my Dad was stationed there in the mid 60's.....I was in the 4th and 5th grade

[@paulcowart3174]

@@deanhueter2866 Did you know John C Cowart ? Not sure what rank he was...he ended up Lt Col in 69 Was in the Normandy campaign and Korea We we're at Westover in the mid 60's

[@deanhueter2866]

@@paulcowart3174 I don’t recognize the name, sorry. I left the service in 62, and opened my own business.

[@paulcowart3174]

@@deanhueter2866 Hey thanks Dean I appreciate it God Bless

[@mattbeondi1186]

These men are leaving us. 😢

[@joemack1988]

Cool story but bad production as far as the lighting goes. Thanks for documenting these stories before these heros were gone.

[@RubyBandUSA]

Nerves of steel. Laser Focus. Hardened Steel Balls. Keep the plane on course to target, ignore the flak. Ignore other B-17's falling out of the sky. Ignore the messerschmidts. And as a side benefit, bring back the crew and yourself alive.

[@n2deep637]

The lighting is so bad it looks like hes missing his eye lol.

[@chucksullens3974]

Great interviewing skills. This guy has a wealth of information and experience but he needs a little prompting. Well done.

[@shawnpa]

Bomber crews had the second most dangerous assignment in the war behind submariners.

[@dukecraig2402]

Not in the US military, the 8th Air Force alone lost more men than all of the Marine Corps in the Pacific, and that just the 8th, the 15th had similar losses and then there the air group's in the Pacific.

[@lafeeshmeister]

The video's title and the interviewer both indicate that Nolan was a bomber pilot, but the video description and the screen text indicate that he was a fighter pilot. Why this confusion?

[@fiftystate1388]

Great man in control of his destiny

[@philbydoodle6199]

A true generation of invincible heroes-mostly just folk

[@1492tomato]

I know 60 year olds who don't look as good as this guy!

[@ppumpkin3282]

Did the allies ever make a concerted effort to bomb the batteries that were putting up flak?

[@themegaforce810]

Good lord, he's 95? he seems 30 years younger.

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Damm hes 95 ??look at his hair its all there !! Guy is sharp as a tack he found the fountian of youth lol

[@lostwizardcat9910]

I grew up around freeman field i lived in a tiny place called Dudley town about 15-20 miles from Seymour most of my life before moving it was and still is a town of about 20 people, I used to fly into freeman field all the time. The military closed it down on the 30th of December 1946 and it was later turned into the city airport for Seymour. Used to be could go to the edges of the property and use a metal detector to find all kinds of junk, old shell casing old ammo plane parts medals buttons generally just everything. I don't think they still let you do that though. One of my cousins children actually stole her car and ended up getting caught on the airfield in fact lol.