Bennett, Dewayne "Ben" B-17 Pilot

[@ejennings816]

DeWayne "Ben" Bennett is my hero, will always be. I am his granddaughter. He lived till 92 yrs old. He was the greatest man I ever knew. Ty for this vid!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You are very welcome and thanks for your comment. Raymond

[@jkuk21]

This interview was both beautiful and painful. You see my Father was a B-17 pilot. Captain Joseph McCullough who was hit by flack on his last mission. He was crippled as a result. He never talked about the war he kept was a closed book. When I was 12 I came home from school and all excited my science teacher was explaining that this Day December 7th was Pearl Harbor day and that her brother had died on that date in December 1941. She asked the class if anybody’s father had served in the Second World War and I raised my hand.. she said when you see your father today you tell him he’s a hero. I got home from school and dad was at the kitchen table and I told him what my teacher had said.. he looked at me and he said son, I’m not a hero, I was scared on every mission, scared to death, Son. It wasn’t till many years later, that I realised how much of a hero he really was. Thank you Mr Bennett for your incredible story. You have given me a Firsthand Account of how incredibly brave all of you men were. Your story about how you came to name your Airplane! is priceless.. you’re the smartest damn plough boy I ever. God bless you, God bless your family and thank you..

[@marksheetz7488]

My dad flew P-51s and P-38s in the South Pacific. He never spoke about it, either. But,I remember waking up hearing his hollers from nightmares.

[@music4dages]

Jkuk21, My father, too, was a B-17 pilot. He flew 35 missions and was a member of the Lucky Bastards Club for having completed 35 missions without ever being shot down. He NEVER would talk about the war. After reading “Masters of the Air” I can understand why. The only time he opened up about the war was when we both happened to be watching the movie “Slaughterhouse Five” and the narrator talks about Billy Pilgrim, the film’s protagonist, surviving the Dresden Fire bombing. My father erupted with rage and anger saying, “the fucking media has no fucking idea what they’re talking about.” He was cursing the media that claimed that the 8th Airforce committed a war crime by bombing Dresden. My dad, who flew that mission, explained that (1) the mission was an RAF lead mission, (2) the RAF was out for blood and payback for what Hitler had perpetrated on the British people with his Blitzkrieg and indiscriminate bombing of London, and (3) the mission of the 8th Airforce was to target marshalling yards and industrial sites that Hitler decided to locate in the city. After this one outburst about the war, my father simply refused to talk about what he had experienced. The fact that he entered the war as a 2nd Lieutenant and left as a Captain says a lot about what types of missions he had to undertake.

[@jkuk21]

@@marksheetz7488 God bless your Pops. He had to carry his war alone like so many of that amazing generation…

[@davidlord7364]

Amazing story,Thanks for your service

[@gordkenworthy616]

In my airline career most of senior Dc8 and B747 pilots were bomber pilots I had the privilege of flying with guys like your dad jkuk21 .In 2015 started talking with one of bomber pilots who at the time was 95 at the time . He told me had not talked about at it much since the war ended of the 20 pilots he started on his bomber sqn only 3 survived

[@kilcar]

After this interview, I' d follow him anywhere, anytime.

[@jondough4227]

What an amazing man... I come away from this video wishing that I had had the opportunity to shake his hand. He was born the same year as my father. And while "Ben" flew over D-Day my father was driving up onto the beach in an M4 Sherman. And because he 'made it' I sit here typing now, 76 years later. These men, were so very special in their humility and love of country. It was a different time.

[@kcomst]

Thank you Dewayne Bennett for your service. He "just did what he had to." I wish most everyone would do that.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@MrShenyang1234]

Modesty at its best! Dewayne Bennett deserves accolades for what he & his crew accomplished during WW 2. He may not feel he is deserving of the praise. However, I for one feel he & his crew deserve so much more. Thank You, Dewayne!

[@edwardodower1027]

One of the best most candid interviews I've seen!

[@bobralph5072]

These interviews are priceless. The young men that flew or flew on, these planes. Well there's reason called the "greatest generation", my uncle flew B-17 as copilot. Mission somewhere between Sicily and Italy. Never came home. He was one of those "farm boy, airmen" . God bless you guys.

[@mileagemaker9925]

I had the privilege to take a flight in a B17G a few years ago. Sat right behind the pilot. Got to walk all through the plane during the flight. I can't imagine what the crews went through! The cold, the flak , the fighters coming at them . Seeing the planes with you being shot down wondering if you were next. Those guys, still kids, were all heroes!!! No shame in being scared to death! I would have been very proud to be one of Ben's crew 👍! Thank you for that outstanding interview 👍👍👏👏

[@johnnybailey8929]

.

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

I'm sure the Masters of the Air show coming out this year will do those fellas justice for their heroism.

[@Kefuddle]

Amazing. You lucky SOAB :D I would sell my grandchildren for that experience!

[@leftylimbo]

Thanks for sharing. Do you remember which plane it was? I was able to walk through the "Nine-O-Nine" B-17 from the Wings of Freedom tour, but couldn't shell out the $$ to take a ride (I think it was like $400). Unfortunately it crashed and was destroyed in 2019 in Connecticut-during one of the tour flights! I also couldn't imagine what the crews went through on those planes. I stood at one of the waist gunner positions and took a look around me...the shell of the fuselage may as well have been made out of paper when it came to protection against flak. What a harrowing experience, I'm sure.

[@johnlowe2943]

I had the same opportunity as a kid I believe it was owned by the confederate air force. One of the best memories I had with my grandfather who was a world war 2 and Korean war veteran.

[@mellowsunshine2724]

I am bummed the interview is over for me. That was the fastest most fascinating account of the air war I think I ever listened to. Mr Bennett is one special man and I can see how he and his crew thought of each other as family. He won’t give himself enough credit for his smarts and carefulness that brought everyone home. I would choose Mr Bennett as my pilot any day. I have so many thoughts bouncing around my head, I need time to digest everything. I am left in awe… Bless you sir.

[@chrisfisichella7665]

That was excellent. I am glad he took the time to do the interview.

[@billconklin9222]

I’ve watched a lot of interviews of pilots and other members of crews, and this was the most outstanding interview. What a marvelous man. And the interviewer did just a super job of getting him to open up which he probably ws done. It was a very worthwhile experience watching and listening to this one.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thank you for your kind comments. Ben was a docent at the 390th Museum in Tucson. So he was accustomed to sharing his stories everyday. This made him a very easy interviewee. Thanks for watching.

[@knifelore1647]

@@raymondmcfalone26 thats kind of you to say. Very humbling on both of your parts! I truly mean that in the absolute kindness way! Thank you and thank that young man in the B-17.

[@joejeweller7614]

Thank you Ray for these interviews. I have enjoyed several of them so far.

[@Leo_Pard_A4]

The interview was good but this man is very unlikeable.

[@williammarkhart7047]

I worked at the Pima Air & Space Museum. I new Ben well. He's was one of the best friends I had. He could tell a story. I know of no one who didn't like Ben. He worked at the 390th Museum. The visitors loved his stories .

[@MM-1225]

Oh that is wonderful thank you for telling us about him and you! What a fantastic interview that was he really is an amazing man! God Bless you all!!

[@stormwulf117]

You speak of him in the past tense. Is he gone? If so, when?

[@marine4lyfe85]

@@stormwulf117 Born in 1919, he'd be 102 if still living. I'm pretty sure he passed on.

[@williammarkhart7047]

@@stormwulf117 I don't remember the date it was about 10 years ago. He was in his late 90s. He went to the VA here in Tucson. They couldn't get to him . he waited 8 hrs. went home without seeing the DR. His neighbor found him on the floor the next day. He didn't have a funeral. He had donated his body to science. I found out about when I went to have breakfast with him & other B17 crew members. I was the youngest there. at 60.

[@davidklingston5633]

@@williammarkhart7047 how sad that the VA couldn't find the time to see this great man when he needed help. I'm curious what did he do for a living after the war? Did he marry the girl he was having the picnic with on 12/7/1941?

[@mzm1011]

I could listen to these stories all day...😊

[@patricknoveski6409]

This Dude is an amazing human, and a total hero. He was so scared, he sweated and it Froze ! Brother they should have given you a million bucks for what you did. Thank you ! We are free because of guys like you. P.j. Carpinteria Ca.

[@Moshavnik7272]

My father was born the same year and served in the British Army in the war. What a generation! It is due to those heros that we are alive today.

[@markbattista6857]

Raymond , this was by far the best interview I have seen on your channel , Ben was the coolest guy and just so honest in every way . I enjoyed it so much , Thank you , Mark Battista

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it! Ben was the best storyteller.

[@bobhsohi704]

The Working Man Pride of the country

[@titasantiniE]

Fantastic person. He’s story was fascinating and full and of great emotional details. Humble. Great great interview.

[@rickashayrabbit1]

"Ben" is an awesome American and has to be one of the best story tellers I've heard. Ben had to be 89 or 90 years old at the time of this interview and has an incredible memory for details at this age. My father was also served in the Army Air Corp but fortunately the war ended before he was sent overseas. Thank you Ben for this outstanding interview and your service to your CREW and your country.

[@David-q1k4k]

This is priceless , so glad that this great man did an in depth interview before he passes. Most WW2 Vets are now 100 years old, those that are still living anyway , but sadly there aren’t too many around anymore 😢

[@patrickgarrett2927]

What an incredible first hand account. I soaked up every single word he said. Humble and focused and respectful of his crew. A real honor to have this great mans perspective.

[@DM-qp7do]

I could talk or just listen to a WW2 vet for hours and hours, id never get bored listening to them.

[@charlesmcgowen7238]

I had two uncles that fought in the war. One on Iwo Jima, the other Normandy. Neither wanted to talk about what they had experienced. Another fellow I knew fought in the Vietnam conflict, and was part of the Mekong Delta sweep. He was wounded three times, and came home a shattered man.

[@gc2879]

I’ve seen many of these interviews, this one stands out ! This guy told it like it is… or was.

[@Fifty8day]

I have also listened to many of these interviews. I love them all but this guy knocked it out of the park, his descriptions made me feel like I was there. Amazing!! Just goes to show you can be a farm boy and be so articulate . He looks like a movie star in his flight suit. Thank you so much Ray for these interviews

[@jaysandstrom1359]

Agreed. I wish this interview could have gone on for hours and hours. Lucky people that got to spend time with this guy. He opened the door for a book to go in many directions. If only Hildebrand could have gotten with him.

[@giffbeavins2622]

@@Fifty8day q MX hahahahahahahaha Qfthhgggh

[@cjmatulka8321]

According to my Nebraska/Kansas plow hand parents Iowa was God's country during the dust bowl, what a hoot. I got my taste of dust during the early 60's droughts. Sand drifting like snow, square miles at a time, dark skies for a week at a time, still grandma laughing told me it was nothing like the old days. These men and women will always be Mame's and Sir's to me. God Bless!

[@mrshoashe]

My sentiments exactly-wow what a guy

[@KiwiofTheCoast]

that has got to be one of the best interviews I've seen..funny..honest..afraid and very lucky.. I'm a farm boy too...

[@edotis3389]

I got chills when he said that he could see planes as far as the eye could see, and he knew that this was historic.♥️✝️🇺🇲

[@ulrichjackisch7637]

WE WERE ON THE RECEIVING END CHILDREN AS WELL LOTS COPT THE 88

[@eaonhendrickson8666]

​@@ulrichjackisch7637Don't start a war that you can't finish. BTW, I am German

[@vinoman123]

How do they😊 make such men!! His honesty and openess is incredibly revealing. From intense fear to pure toughness, this special man is so emblematic of a tough farmer who is singularly determined to get the job done. They don't call it the "Greatest Generation" for nothing. Dewayne is a perfect example why. God Bless you, your crew and all the brave airmen of WWII.

[@kevinhuber8723]

Salute and much gratitude to Mr. Bennett. I am humbled to be able to live in the country you served. Thank You.

[@daveestes-z4q]

about one of the best interviews I have watched from start to finish

[@christophercoupe5006]

What an impressive memory! The world won't be the same when this generation passes!!

[@robh4671]

This is why I’m proud to be working class , because without the working class you have nobody to plough the fields build houses lay tarmac, and of course fight wars, we working class men have been the backbone of every nation since time immemorial, this man typifies us all, respects to this man, he’s quality..

[@Adam-rv1ue]

Tell this to these Woke Demoxrat party and Rinos who want to destroy the middle class with their Communist policies

[@whosonfirst1309]

@@Adam-rv1ue 🌈

[@jim351861]

@@Adam-rv1ue They are too damn lazy to work. They want everything given to them. I never wanted anybody to give me anything. That's what a man was back in the day. Now a man wears a dress.

[@ralphshelley9586]

Plus it's fun.

[@ady3328]

I’m subscribing ❤

[@realwealthproperties5671]

Man I could listen to this guy go on forever. Such a great, descriptive story teller.

[@GRATEFULNEIL]

What a humble guy, not embellishing and overstating his experience trying to appear like a hero, He was lucky to complete 31 combat missions unharmed. He was part of the greatest generation that suffered through the depression having to leave school after 9th grade to work on the farm and the USAAC needed men with his profile because the college educated did not want to fly for 10 minutes in flak.

[@RealMav1]

As I watch the introduction pictures I find myself thinking about the pilots and crews of all those B17s and how many are actually being interviewed here. Totally Awesome Men !!!

[@LetreJete]

Having grown up between Torrington, Wyoming and Elkhorn, Nebraska, I recognize the characteristics he describes. I spent 20+ years among combat arms people, and I know the military can't make people like this; only parents can.

[@peterkoln2837]

It is an honour to listen to this man! Thank you for your service.

[@C00LWhip]

This is a gem of a interview . Wow I love this guy .What a great guy , great pilot , great story teller . very good entertainment !

[@rogerdailey9357]

You have no idea how much I loved listening to him. I now know so much more how pilots were selected. Get this my Uncle was a Farm boy from Iowa also. He was a B17 pilot also flying the F version. His story can be found on KZbin “3 Days in May 1943”. His body was retuned to Iowa in May 1949. To me it was like listening to my uncle talking to me. Thank you so much.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for sharing your family story and thanks for watching. Ben was an amazing guy.

[@rogerdailey9357]

@@raymondmcfalone26 yes he was and he will never be forgotten thanks to you. Good job keep their memory alive.

[@jegesmedve2276]

This was wonderful, proof of how extraordinary, ordinary people can be.

[@bobbarron6969]

One of your best interviews Raymond. He's the type of man I wish we had for a leader in this country.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@vanislefan]

That would be great.

[@timstradling7764]

A powerful story by a humble man with a great sense of humour. A lesson for the ‘sophisticates’ and ‘powerful’ amongst us.

[@author1982]

My Dad was a B-17 navigator. Oxygen and electric suit gone, went into a coma, and frostbite. Took about a week in the hospital. Then back up. Shot down after 4 missions. I wrote a book about it and his stay as a POW in Stalag Luft I. Thank you very much. This is the story that I am sharing with my family, my brothers, my children. My father didn't talk about his missions. I got out of him what I could. He couldn't talk about the flak and the fighters. He had many nightmares for years. Captain Bennett's story is so well done. Now I can fill in a piece of my Dad's story that was missing. Thank you so very much. So well done. I salute Captain Bennett and Raymond Falone for a job well done.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@author1982]

@@raymondmcfalone26 I appreciate your thanks and I see that I misspelled your name. Sometimes all that we get is name recognition. You deserve to have you name spelled correctly. And how it is. Thanks, again.

[@author1982]

**and now it is

[@ddtrahan]

What was his name?

[@gc2879]

Very humble man. I’ve watched many of these interviews. My dad was a B24 belly gunner, I watch these to get a sense of what he had to deal with. This interview is probably one of the best.

[@andrewlewis3486]

What an awesome American Hero. Don't know if here in 2023 if you are still living. I wish I had known you. I salute you, sir.

[@markharnitchek2009]

Ray, i have watched many of your videos ... they're all good, but Mr. Bennett's best -- another great American ... many thanks to you for creating these important oral histories.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Mark - you've very welcome. Of all the veterans we interviewed, Ben is probably the best storyteller we encountered. An innate talent to make thinks interesting. Thanks for watching.

[@winstonchurchill3597]

I've watched a ton of these WW2 veteran videos and this was the best. Only thing that's comes to mind is "my God, where do we get such Men?"

[@brownspot9]

A story teller. A man with grit. An American 🇺🇸 Thank you sir.

[@Igzia.B]

Come on Steven Brown, he just told us he was not that kind of "American with the flag and shit" and that's why we love him, he could be from any other country, some poor guy drafted during war time making the best out of it, getting lucky and making nightmares the rest of his damn life.

[@williambenedict7581]

This was worth every minute, thank you.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You are welcome and thanks for watching. Raymond

[@Snaproll47518]

Great interview!

[@ronhaworth5471]

A plow boy who was a GEAT TEAM member.Salute!!

[@helmuthoess3737]

Best teller of his story ever. Thank you Bennett Dewayne

[@r.p.vanloon6403]

What a magnificent human being. He probably thinks he was just a scared simple plow boy in that plane, but for most of us he is an absolute hero and we owe him and all the others who were fighting for us a great deal.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

On one hand, Ben was modest about his wartime experiences. On the other hand, he was the best storyteller I've ever met - you were just captivated listening to him. Thanks for watching.

[@r.p.vanloon6403]

@@raymondmcfalone26 yes, absolutely a great storyteller. I was captivated too, also because of his charisma. Love people like that.

[@ralphshelley9586]

As a ten year old did he ever imagine being in such a war in a b 17? How the army put this together is impressive. And deadly for both sides.

[@elosogonzalez8739]

It's a shame so few of these stories are told. Thank you for bringing this to us.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're very welcome.

[@SimonClaringbold]

the most insightful interview that I have had the privilege to watch - fantastic perspectives

[@kimberleyvantol6600]

What a great man. And he probably doesn't even consider that for a second. He is the personification of humble. All the other ingredients are there to earn him a title that would most likely not sit well with him. He would more than likely not agree.....but dare I call him, a hero? Those of you that are agreeable to that..... please let me know!

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting and informative. Glad pilot Bennett returned home to inform the viewers of his experiences.

[@1961kickboxer]

What an honest man,great character.

[@fasst5511]

I don't care what he thinks of his time over there He and every one of those men that would go up day after day, look death square in the face, lose friends that they just ate breakfast with that morning, not knowing if they would return to base that day, and fly those missions are true heroes. You have nothing to be embarrassed about when someone shakes your hand and thanks you for what you did. You ARE a hero and are part of the greatest generation. My father was in the 390th about the same time as you were flying your missions as a Bombardier and flew 35 missions. He was probably in some of those massive formations you talked about with you. I know he also bombed Berlin on those same dates you talked about. May 7 and 8 1944.

[@michaelcraven8205]

Outstanding interview of an outstanding man. The coolness and no nonsense in his voice is really something to hear. Thank you for you service sir!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deafmusician2]

Bless you, sir. Thank you for your service!

[@jrprimo5372]

Wow, awesome interview!!!!!!

[@apachecatcat3495]

Great people. My Dad was a Farm Boy from Oklahoma that was on Bomber Crews at the same time.

[@IntheBlood67]

One of the best and informative peaks behind the "curtain of History"!

[@GamerWildWeaSel]

I had the honor of meeting this great man in the Pima Air & Space Museum back in 2000. I was coming all the way from Belgium to see the museum and meet him. He took the time to tell me about his missions and showed me the interior of 'I 'll be around'. Forever gratefull.

[@dfusco73]

That was a really good interview with that b17 pilot, those guys are brave men , total respect to the usaf

[@redwingone]

Thanks for letting the hero talk uninterrupted. Great interview

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. Raymond

[@justonsullivan3807]

Thank u so much Mr Bennett for everything you have done for our country, you are so important to our country, it's men like u that make our country great. U are a real hero. 👍🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲👍

[@drstrangelove4998]

Absolutely brilliant, can’t say any more, just brilliant. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@axeaddiction796]

One of the best interviews I have heard. from flight training to war, it was loaded with details

[@mikeamaraln1mx]

Ray: thank you for capturing this interview. An excellent job! The story behind the Squacking Chicken and German fighters laying off to read the nose art was fabulous. This guy did an excellent job describing everything. Peace to all

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@karljacobson1575]

What a great man and the story of his experiences. What a great generation . Anyone should be proud to serve with him!! Much respect to you sir....

[@leesherman100]

Perhaps one of your best interviews of them all. Men were men during those most dangerous and doubtful times. I won't soon forget this incredible interview. Thank you RM.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for watching.

[@jeffreycarroll5920]

What a great interview! Impressive guy!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Ben was such an exceptional storyteller that he was probably the easiest interview we ever did. Ask and question and he took it from there. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffreycarroll5920]

Thanks Ray for all of these interviews! You do an Awsome job of getting the stories out of these great men.

[@brianrobertson1211]

Thank you sir.

[@kilcar]

What a Man. A real MAN

[@realwealthproperties5671]

Wow another great interview! While he was talking I could really visualize where he was and what he was going through. Thanks again for these interviews. That one served me well listening to it on a whole drive to Texas. (Edited to read I COULD visualize where he was as he spoke) Love this guy. Such an amazing interview and such great recall!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@howitzer8946]

This man is amazing. Tells it like it happened. Salute sir. Another American hero.

[@davidlucas6701]

I can totally relate to this unassuming ,honest "hero" his words and deeds are humbling .As a son of a normal working man ,my whole attitude to life was shaped early on by my parents . To "him" and them eternal gratitude!

[@johnscull1142]

My father and my uncle served in the war. My dad on a destroyer, he always wondered who came up with that name for a "Tin Can with a few guns" (his description) and my uncle was a rifleman. they would talk about funny things they had seen during the war, but never much else. They did tell me some things as I would always give them the look after one of their funny stories. The look of seeing the darkness those stories would bring back to mind, and they both after a while would thank me for seeing and understanding. They and all those that fought in that war had seen bad times and they were strong and tough. Thank God. I have toured a B-17G and as a vet I was amazed at these men who flew them were encases in simple aluminum sheets less than a 1/8" thick. No armor or such just aluminum foil between them and the air and bullets. And having flown in modern military aircraft that are pressurized and heated. I am amazed at their spending 4-12 hours or more at 20,000 + feet in such frigid temps in no pressurized or heated planes with only some aluminum foil around them. As someone said the world is a lesser place as those who were in the war are fading away. I do not know if I could do what this man or the rest did. (Being honest) I will say this though If a war broke out today ad was fought with the equipment from the wa this man and the rest fought in it would be a short one as I doubt we have the people with the strength or stamina to do what they did. I miss my dad and uncle. I have always considered them my heroes, and now Ben is in that group. I have no doubt they are all together in heaven looking down on us shaking their heads, but at least they are all together again

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Your comment is very good and got me thinking. If we were to go back 41 years from now to 1980 - this was when Post-it notes and Rubiks Cube were introduced; John Lennon was shot; Mt. St. Helens erupted; and Dallas was on TV - doesn't feel like that long ago. Then if you go back 41 years from when these guys were flying B17 bombers in 1944 - which would be 1903. That is the year the Wright brothers made the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk. The progress in airplane technology between 1903 and 1944 staggers the mind. And when you look at the progress from 1944 until now - my gosh - they are sending tourists into space. When these guys were flying in 1944, they knew they were flying the best bomber in the world (no disrespect to the B24, Avro Lancaster, etc.). Your point is very well taken and one that the veterans often pointed out when they were reminiscing - that is, you could easily put a screw driver through the aluminum skin of those old bombers. But....at the time....this was cutting edge technology. In 1944, the Wright Brothers would have been amazed. Again, your thoughts on the topic are most appreciated.

[@terrymiller6879]

Great interview heroe, had an uncle whom was a naval pilot , shot down over the Pacific. The greatest generation God bless them all!

[@gt4viking789]

What a fabulous character 👍🏼 Bless him and thank you Peter

[@19211926]

God Bless you sir and thank you for your service.

[@sajjaadhabeeballah701]

What a personality, thought process and a philosopher. Top interview, lecture on discipline, attitude towards duty, sense of responsibility & life's lesson. Everything in it's proper place. Respect and Salute 💕

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ShempBob]

Not called "The Greatest Generation" for nothing. I used to think that notion was a really arrogant title to name a lineage. But hearing account after account of people of that time, they’re the real deal. I get in a fetal position if I have a hang nail (ha). These people...during the depression and ensuing years, they'd have been grateful to eat hangnails.

[@martinmoffitt4702]

what a character! God Bless you sir Thank you for your service!

[@flymoon24]

One of the best accounts if not the best account from a genuine lovely guy Bennett Dewayne about airforce life in WW2. Thankyou Bennett Dewayne or Ben as he was called.

[@jameswebb4593]

Without doubt the best interview of the series , broaches on matters some prefer to ignore. The Berlin mission on the 8th May is the topic of the History guy. 800 Bombers escorted by 600 Fighters .It was a failure as no targets bombed and one group badly mauled thru poor navigation.

[@pgroove163]

great interview sir..

[@brianjarvis313]

Amazing man. Love his perspective.

[@gandalfgreyhame3425]

Lots of interesting historical info. I didn't realize that the ball bearing works at Schweinfurt were bombed total of 22 times. Most historical accounts of Schweinfurt only mention the first two raids, which resulted in high losses. It looks like the high losses continued into the next several raids as well, but the part that usually gets lost is that the 8th Air Force did not give up in trying to bomb the ball bearing works.

[@Ronbo710]

I loved this gentleman's description of the upper ranks. One of the few officers I would be honored to call *Sir*

[@mikericketts7057]

Outstanding interview!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Raymond

[@tonyc223]

Its amazing how sharp he remembers the flight overseas to England.... Much less combat missions....

[@rcoupe5796]

Great man there and excellent interview

[@NEMES1-S]

This item is so good I would have paid to view it. How unbelievably brave these men were? After a short flight as a passenger in a Spitfire from Biggin Hill two years ago, it hit me how special these young men must have been to be in combat in these fragile aircraft.

[@Legnerps]

This guy is FANTASTIC! What a great example from The Greatest Generation!

[@tonyc223]

Mr. Bennett,s memory is amazing, his missions are burned into his memory....

[@Robslondon]

Such a privilege to be able to watch this incredible interview. What a man.

[@Friedrich-ms4ll]

My father's friend was a German 109-Pilot in 1944. Outnumbered as they only could be they had to fight the Bombers Killing German civilians without a limited number of Missions. They flew until they a wooden or Iron Cross. He was shot down twice in 1944 . After the German surrender on May 7, 1945, He took his plane with the Last fuel , flew home, landed behind American lines and was Not taken prisoner.

[@edpritchard3001]

Great interview!!!. All these men had steel ones. Incredible story

[@mrshoashe]

I’ve read Grapes of Wrath three times and been listening to ww2 vet interviews for the last couple months and this was all of it brought to life by the most honourable and lovable, best story telling bloke! Whew…wow

[@raymondmcfalone26]

I agree with you completely. Ben may be the best storyteller I've ever interviewed. Thanks for watching.

[@alnam1194]

Finally, the interviewer improved his tone, what a difference!! Also, pilots are different you can tell. Amazing.