Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress - Jay Leno's Garage

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. WW II's iconic four-engine heavy bomber.
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Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress - Jay Leno's Garage
• Boeing B-17 Flying For...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@wolfmanradio]

RIP Mr. Olivari (March 17, 1918 - January 05, 2017). We all thank you for your service and bravery.

[@aethervortex]

Saved Europe from tyranny? For Christ's sake they turned over half of it to the Communists!

[@gabbyhayes1568]

@@aethervortex That's a fairly simplistic viewpoint bordering on the inane.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

@Marius Ipad What would you have had the Allies do? Enter into a protracted war with the Soviets just to save Poland and the Eastern block? And I suppose America should've have initiated a preemptive strike against Japan as well? You have no understanding of the history and complexity of the world at that time.

[@remcodenouden5019]

@smaz eleu trying to view the world in black and white is bordering on stupidity. There is a LOT of grey in between. For example, atom bombing a city is bad, but if killing 70,000 people prevent the killing of a million, is it good or bad?

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Gabby Hayes amen brother, probably never had a real history lesson in his life

[@rockiemountin7535]

Sad to say almost all these brave men are gone today, my dad was one of these great men, he passed away in 2008 he was my hero

[@ToreDL87]

Well then he's my hero too!

[@glennhecker4422]

God bless him, and you as well!

[@stevedrinkard7297]

Love and respect

[@dixfer203]

Jay is genuinely humble and does a wonderful job interviewing the senior war heroes...showing them great respect and admiration.

[@soaringvulture]

Yes, he had proper respect for people who saved us all.

[@Toolman999999]

The free world salute these heroes.

[@paulzammataro7185]

He seemed like he was rushing them. IMHO.

[@OfLegendBorn]

@@paulzammataro7185 I would imagine someone like him is always in a rush at these sorts of shows. As soon as people hear "Jay Leno" they're going to start migrating like lemmings to meet Jay, packing in around him etc., ruining the experience and getting in the way. It's just the harsh reality of it.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

@@OfLegendBorn I've never met Jay. But once at a Waffle House out in the middle of nowhere. I was eating breakfast and talking with a Dude about cars. Thinking i know this guy. A third wheel called him out. The guy I was conversing with does a lot of the car shows on what was then TNN. I was disappointed the Dude left. The good celebrities are just normal folk.

[@jitterbugtom]

Sad to say, this plane crashed with loss of life yesterday, October 2, 2019 while giving rides outside of Hartford, Connecticut. I'm glad they were able to memorialize the plane and veterans for posterity.

[@black_squall]

I had a dream Oct 1st where I looked up into the sky and saw a b17 with lightning bolts flashing around it. I sensed it was in some danger. I am not a plane guy so I didn't know what to think of it. I actually had to google an image of the b17 to remember what it looked like. I thought nothing more about it until today this video popped up in my recommendations and then I read your comment. Anyways, it's probably silly but I thought I'd share.

[@roycelane8318]

My name is Gregg Savage I'm here in Connecticut, I'm A Private Pilot and know this aircraft fairly well as I've admired it since childhood and been inside several, it was very sad to see this happen to witness it first-hand. These planes Do Not Crash ! they're used to coming back with one engine and have half the tail shot out. I'm going to guess and say the. Because it was an exceptionally warm and humid day the mixture was not right or fuel selector might have been in the wrong position but they just don't fall out of the sky ! Not this aircraft !

[@gertraba4484]

sad day, tragic...................

[@townsend7]

@@roycelane8318 The incident happened about 10am. It wasn't particularly warm at the time. I work at BDL. Some of my coworkers witnessed the takeoff and noted the aircraft was slow to gain altitude. One of my contractors witnessed the approach and impact. He indicated the aircraft didn't sound right and was visibly unstable before the crash.

[@northeastadventuremotorcycleri]

I was in Florence Vermont 2 weeks ago and saw this plane fly over, I was in such awe, And now sad to hear that it had crashed.

[@junky7524]

Jay shows yet again a level of respect that is usually unheard of from stars of his level. this is why people love this guy, what a great man. to all servicemen everywhere thank you for your service.

[@EngineeredAdapters]

The “909” just went down today in Hartford, CT claiming the lives of seven of the 13 aboard. Such a sad day not only for a loss of such a phenomenal and rare bird but for the families affected.

[@theguy81642]

Yep very tragic poor souls on board and the bird itself. Any word on what happened? I heard it lost an engine and crashed in to a warehouse on approach.

[@littlenuggetfilms6235]

@@theguy81642 it had engine problems mid flight I saw the smoke from it because I am half a mile away from bradley

[@theguy81642]

@@littlenuggetfilms6235 that sucks it's a shame they couldn't land it, prayers to victims and their families.

[@daleburrell6273]

REALLY SAD- AND THE SAME THING OFTEN HAPPENED EVEN WHEN THOSE AIRPLANES WERE BRAND NEW-!!

[@wb6162]

@@littlenuggetfilms6235 First off, God bless and RIP to the souls lost. Wasn't this plane known for flying through almost anything? I've seen the pictures of them all shot up, pieces missing and the plane still making it back to base.

[@walteralter9061]

I love that Jay recognizes these war birds as giving him the freedom to be who he is. We romanticize the thrill of aerial combat, but it was in your face do or die real for the kids who flew in them. Thank them in your heart. As a 3 year old tyke, the happiest, most intense memory I have is being hoisted up through the nose wheel hatch, alive with excitement, into my dad's B-29 and going through the bomb bay tunnel to the radio compartment.

[@brucegodown6128]

Was up inside of one of these a few years ago and it’s amazing how small it is. Those guys that flew them are truly the greatest generation of people that have ever lived!! My utmost respect for them!!

[@stevematz7354]

My Dad was a B17,24,25 mechanic over in England during WW2 with the 8th Air Force. He was only 16 yrs old in 1941 and had to lie his age to be able to join the Air Force back then. In fact he has 2 Grave Markers at our local cemetery. One from the American Legion showing him born in 1924 and his real Plaque with 1925. Americans back then didn't run away to Canada or where ever , to serve their Country. Many young Boys/Men lied about their age because they wanted to fight for their Country.My Dad loved the B17 and told me many stories growing up about how great of an Aircraft the Bomber was. He told me many of the Planes that came back from Bombing missions would be shot to pieces yet still made it back to base. Also said a few of them made it home flying on only one engine.I still have a couple B17 & B24 Manuals that he brought home after 1945. Many of these brave souls that were only Boys going to War but quickly became men. Real American Heroes, most of which are Gone now. I still like to go to air shows that have these old restored Bombers and be able to tell people my Dad worked and repaired these planes in the war. I'm am still very proud that my Dad cared enough about this Country that he even lied about his age to be able to serve it. Love you Dad, you'll always be my Hero....R.I.P.

[@joekaliel2810]

Steve, my Dad was a little older than yours. He had enlisted in the Army but switched to the Air Force in 1944 .The story of their courage is legendary.He was a turret gunner in B-17s WWII over England. He was in the Hells Angels Squadron. We have his mission books, photos, etc. He only spoke to me of his Air Force service after 20 years. Even then it was difficult for him to share his memories of those days. He said all the bombers left England flying in such a tight formation you could walk on the wingtips plane to plane. He said the ground below was darkened by their shadows. He was almost in tears just telling me this. He, like your Dad made it back. We wouldn't be here now if they didn't. His plane was pretty damaged but they made it back to England. Thank God. Thank our Dads. Pop left us in 2009. Our Dads stories are shockingly similar. They were the best. R.I.P. Our personal American heroes forever.

[@stevematz7354]

Yes Joe, Real Heroes in every way and hopefully like Vera Lynn's song from WW2 "We'll Meet Again, Don't Know Where,Don't Know When"......I'm counting on That !

[@ilikezappa3268]

Like I said above Steve and Joe , guys like your fathers are Heroes to us in England , not just America. Ask anyone over here ( providing they aren`t a Pokemon playing ,spotty teenager) . Bless yer old men , and may Jesus pour them a pint of warm beer from us . Love from UK

[@georgetidman9235]

Jay Leno's cars

[@gerrynightingale9045]

Yeah...good job we did in Dresden, huh? And Bremen. And Berlin. Every City in Germany, really.The total losses of U.S. Army Air Corp. (later 'Air Force) was 26,000 in May of '45. The 'Mighty 8th.' managed to burn to death 44,000 CIVILIANS in one raid in 1943 on Hamburg...what a'Heroic Battle' that was...yes? "We had to fight them Nazi bastards!" (and of course. the best way to do that is by dropping incendiaries on thousand-year-old cities packed with women and children...instead of killing Hitler at his 'Wolf's Lair' in East Prussia)

[@johnwhalen9499]

Thank you Jay: Wish my dad was still alive to see this video. He did 33 missions in the B-17 and B-24 as a flight engineer.

[@danshelburne1948]

PS. Still miss Jay' s tonite show.

[@joshuaod80]

That man was so sharp for 90 my God. I can only hope I'm that together.

[@SteverRob]

My great uncle was a top turret gunner in a B-17G. His crew was shot down over Germany in 1944 and he spent six months in a POW camp. When released, his only possession was a spoon.. He lived to be 92.

[@GaryPClark]

I had the high honor of the friendship of Captain Tom Taylor, a B17 pilot, 29 missions over Germany and France. I took him out to the Palm Springs Air Museum and he had a great time. I took him to casinos quite often and he was the best blackjack player I ever saw. We went out to eat, just drive around, hang out at the apartment club house with several other WW2 vets and listen to those guys tell stories. All of them have died now, best group of guys to spend time with since my time in the navy. That was a great plane and a great video. Wish Tom could have seen it.

[@662wc5]

Another plug for the Palm Springs Air Museum. Highly recommended.

[@wrightflyer7855]

What an excellent, moving and poignant experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@geraldtracy]

my dad is now 88 and still very active.ball turett gunner in the morning star B17.0n his 25 mission over Germany the morning star was blown out of the sky.5 servived.P.O.W.has never talked to us about it.my mom says let it go.but for what its worth, when he retired he dedicated his retirement to D.A.V.and P.O.W.S.and rewarded a lot of them with benefits they never knew they had.What a hero to us 5 boys that dad and mom brought in to this world.Imagine how mom felt in 1944 when she herd of dads plane missing in action.Gods speed Frank C. Tracy.We love you and mom.

[@w.a.mproductionsinc9340]

This gives you a whole new level of appreciation for the courage and bravery of these veterans. God bless them all

[@wb6162]

It's clear to see that Jay was raised right. Kudos to his parents.

[@bicyclist2]

Those are stirring shots of the bombers flying over. Its great to see these planes still flying after all these years. My grandpa saw the tail end of WW2. At least in those days, they knew what they were fighting for. Thanks.

[@sshannon1948]

I am very happy that Jay gave these vets the respect that they deserved and thus honored their bravery and their participation. LTC,USA, Retired

[@4thArmoredVet]

Gotta' love Jay's respect and appreciation for our greatest generation. Thanks Jay!

[@harryhopkins7798]

It would be impossible to give this wonderful video enough likes. Thank you so much for this. My dad was a tail gunner for 8th Air Force and flew 32 missions over Germany. I have seen missions in this aircraft described as the worlds most dangerous job. Thanks to the Greatest Generation and thank you Jay for highlighting this!

[@schoolingdiana9086]

My great uncle, my grandma’s fav brother, was a pilot in the 8th.

[@mrrice5274]

My Dad was a waist gunner on a B-24 and flew and got credit for 33 missions. They bombed the hell out of Germany. His ship took flak nearly every mission and once they barely made it back to England because they were so shot up. God had his hand on them that day. He watched many planes go down in flames and he was scared to death on every mission but he saddled up and went regardless. He was in the 458th bomb group stationed in Ipwich England. I guess I really don't have a point I'm trying to make other than brag on my Dad. His name was Staff Sargent William Nathan Rice and I named my son after him. God rest both their souls.

[@ncdave4life]

I am very sorry for your loss, Sir.

[@kenmoll2896]

How many christian woman and children did he kill on each mission? Was your son blown to tiny bits like your dad did to other peoples families? Good thing he made the world safe for the slaughtering communists.

[@Rayman-cd8bd]

ken moll Only the CHRISTIAN women and children matter?

[@kenmoll2896]

@@Commando0333 you must be Jewish with that level of crudity

[@jettysplash]

floyd green . My Dad said basically the same thing and that they would drink until they were blind the night before going out on a mission. He said the flak was so thick you could walk on it. He flew a mission over Burma. Those guys took off for the mission knowing most of them were not coming back and it was like that for a lot of missions..

[@Saxy64]

Wow. Thanks Jay. Here's to all the guys that didn't make it back from their missions. May they rest in peace always.

[@roostercogburn809]

My dad flew B 17’s during WW2. I got to ride on this B 17 last year in Dallas, great experience, thanks Jay for featuring...

[@dojmike]

Thank you Jay for this tribute. My Dad, TSgt Douglas Case was a radio operator and gunner in B-17s based in Chevelston, England. My Dad survived a crash of his B-17 in 1944, otherwise I would not be here. My Dad passed away at age 88 in 2012 and in that same year, I flew in the 909 at McClellan Air Base in North Highlands, CA. It was the greatest experience of my lifetime and the best airplane ride I have ever flown. I cannot adequately express my pride in my Dad as well as all the other airmen that flew these great airplanes. There is a reason they are called "The Greatest Generation." Thank you again Jay. Mike Case

[@danuhr8826]

The crews that flew on these planes were true heroes. I had the honor to meet a few of them when I was in Savannah. There is a great museum there for the Mighty 8th. Some of them actually extended their tours and flew over 30 missions. Thanks Jay.

[@glyne1939]

Great to see that 90 yr old who defended our way of life. Hats of to him.

[@MrNotebookguy]

How was ww2 about your way of life?

[@MrNotebookguy]

SamuraiPie8111 I hardly believe anything would affect the "way of life" of the US citizens if US government stays out of it. Especially when you are the invading and interferring part of of the war. If you were a French, British, Dutch, Russian, Polish or Jew that would have been OK. Your government decided to declare war simply for economic reasons where the other countries were invaded and citizens were seriously threatened. I am Turkish and WW2 hapened just next our next door. Yes it affected our economy but our government decided not to take part so there were no threat to our way of life without firing a single bullet. It is strange that you are living in a remote area like Australians do which is also a part of a seperate continent but constantly whining about the affects of your "WAY OF LIFE" where every terrible thing happens just next to us and nobody is complaining as much as you do about safety issues

[@chriskelly331]

MrNotebookguy Well there was not a way out of WWII after the Japanese and Germans declared war on us(The United States). We did not declare war on them. Either way if wouldn't have interfered, which we didn't want to in the first place after WWI, then The Nazis would have effectively taken over most of the world should we disobey our proclamations of independence, and The Americas' would fall due to our lack of allies supporting us. Germany's conquest in WWII were acts of aggression, and frankly Turkey would have eventually been taken over by Germany.

[@MrNotebookguy]

ELECTROSTATIC DISC LIFTERS That would only explain the pacific theatre.

[@azul8811]

MrNotebookguy After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the USA declared war on Japan. After our declaration of war against *Japan*, Germany *declared war* on the USA.

[@johnkangas8916]

Just seeing the original flight crew puts a patriotic lump in my throat. I can't give more respect and gratitude to the men of these missions. God bless America and those that honor our soldiers sacrifices. Gulp.....

[@dougg1075]

I was fascinated with the Rosie Riveter signed panel

[@kimosabbe50]

Me too, but Jay didn't seem too impressed.

[@haywoodwildlife]

All the women riveting where “Rosie the riveter”’ it wasn’t one woman. It was very common they would sign a plane

[@craftpaint1644]

@@kimosabbe50 I would have shown him one of the engines, that's more his comfort zone curiosity wise.

[@samburkes7552]

@@kimosabbe50 Leno has very limited knowledg of alk things aviation war-related. Had no clue that aircraft was bristling with Browning M2 .50 cal machine guns. He's a great "car guy" and comedian host..but, this stuff.. ehh. You can tell by his interspersed retorts.

[@sonnylatchstring]

3:22 an absolute hero. Hope he hits 100.

[@Gims110]

May God bless those men...Thank you from all of us that live free.

[@Bob-vc6ug]

+trueman mann- Really? Why dont you tell us all about what really happened? Im sure you know all about it.

[@johnnydeville5701]

What a gorgeous aircraft and a great video! I've been on that B17G and sat right where Jay did! That's awesome! What was more awesome is I actually got to meet and shake the hand of a real Rosie the Riviter! She helped build over 700 that went down her line in Renton, Washington plant! I met her while she was sitting in the radio operator seat on another B17G visiting Olympia! I also got to meet several other heros that flew in B17 and B24. I was talking to an Army POW and I'll never forget his words "when I saw a P51 flyover the POW camp I knew seeing a free American that far into Germany we were winning the war". God bless all of the combat veterans and civilians that served so bravely!

[@davebowles1957]

I have an enormous amount of respect for the service men that flew in these magnificent flying machines!

[@steelwheels327]

Those guys were amazing no complaining , no bitching ,they had a job to do and just did it .

[@jirodriguesjirodrigues1642]

Balls of steel

[@booster0636]

Took a flight on Aluminum Overcast about 2 years ago ...words can't even explain ......and it was my first plane ride ever ..ever and I'm 38 .....ya really something else

[@booster0636]

Right ! Lol I liked it that way ....

[@derekobidowski3301]

as of oct 2 2019 Sadly Nine 0 Nine was lost today in a crash in Windsor Locks Ct at Bradley Int Airport. when it tried to abort a takeoff as it failed to gain height and the #4 engine sputtering and smoking. it said 5 are confirmed dead and the NTSB is investigating.

[@thor15601]

Unfortunately as most are aware from later update, seven dead and six injured of the 13 souls onboard. The captain had over 7,300 flying hours specifically with the B-17. Tragic loss for all. RIP for the seven that died.

[@KonaMan62]

I found this video looking for information on "Nine-O-Nine" that went down today. What a tragic loss, my heart goes out to everyone touched by the incident. Thank you, Jay, for this outstanding look at the plane and people who flew them. My Dad, a WWII Navy veteran, was laid to rest Monday, their passings are the end of an incredible era.

[@PineValleyDigital]

I was lucky enough to have flown in all three of Rob Collings bombers, a once in a lifetime experience. Bless you Rob Collings for keeping them flying! And Thanks Jay for the great video.

[@Bru946]

That guy is really cool lol he doesn't look 90 lol

[@twoeightythreez]

They had to be of the best human stock possible to even survive that many missions... They aren't called "greatest generation" for nothing. My grandfather is same way. 90 years old and healthier than most 40 year olds today. His only issue is his body is worn out. He is on his third hip and third set of knees. He would have WALKED out of the hospital days after the operation if they would have let him. They just dont make men like that anymore.

[@mohyaldeenalhomsi3980]

@@twoeightythreez Actually thanks to bionics technology which will soon be optimized and mainstream, they'll make men way better than them and ever man who has ever lived

[@samburkes7552]

@@twoeightythreez Amen!! So very true!!

[@gregson99]

@@mohyaldeenalhomsi3980 ya humanoids that sounds great. Ill be back!

[@gregson99]

Never would of guessed he was 90 but I was like he has to be older than he looks if he flew missions in the great war.

[@weneedtermlimits]

I got to fly in the radio operator's seat out of Burbank Airport awhile ago. Fantastic flight out over Santa Monica and back. Absolutely thrilling. Rob Collings is a really great dude. He let me fly the P-51 dual control trainer out of Camarillo Airport the following year for a few minutes. I had the honor of chatting with several crew and have the highest respect for what they did.

[@chevelle68100]

My husband and I crawled thru one of these. They had it in the shop rebuilding the engines. That was in Palm Springs. It was really amazing. Very sparse and nothing extra. Those guys that flew in these had nerves of steel!

[@DeltaSniperZRR]

Can you imagine to see and hear hundreds B17s in the sky, must be an amazing view... unless you are standing in their target-zone.

[@TheJabbate1]

Not hundreds... about thirty

[@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd]

Imagine being a kid cowering in terror as your home is bombed ? We need to stop glorifying war.

[@OutSideTheBoxFormat]

mirrored window WTF are you on about. Nothing said was glorifying war. People probably want to choke the virtue signaling out of you.

[@igkgigoh]

Sounds like a good story for a grandpa to tell. We heard the sirens and grabbed what we had, ran into the bunker. Except Hans, he enjoyed the view of the B17s in the sky. Hans is dead now.

[@user-jg6wx3lh1x]

Up to 1000

[@reneandre1174]

Do your research on the losses of the B-17 bombers and crews during WW2. Many of them were brand new aircraft, on their first mission with a crew that was on their first mission as well and all were lost on the first time out. Most do not know that the loss rate was horrendous. My Dad fought in the Pacific, and was part of the Army's 96th Dead Eye Dispatch division that fought to take back Okinawa. He was shot twice! He was just 19 at the time.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

My great uncle was listed as a first mission when he got to Molesworth but he’d been a crackerjack pilot for 12 years in the Missouri National Guard and an expert parachutist, so just because the Air Force said it was their first mission with them, doesn’t mean they weren’t seasoned and stellar pilots.

[@bcstechnologylimited896]

Climbing in and around the B-17 in this video is very interesting and offers an excellent glimpse of what aviation technology had achieved during that time. One can only imagine what the Wright Brothers, looking back to those halcyon days when powered flight was something new, exciting and dangerous, thought of the B-17 and its to fly great distances carrying thousands of pounds of destruction with it. However, what really makes this video is Jay Leno taking the time to speak with some of the brave airmen who flew these planes and took the fight back to Germany. That these men were seemingly nonchalant about what they accomplished tells me how humble, yet great, they were. As my one-time boss, himself a waist gunner who survived 13 missions in a B-17, once said, "When the pilot pushed the throttles to take-off power, we were hearing the sound of democracy thundering down the runway." Sadly, since this video was published, Messrs. Olivari and Perez have passed on, as have many others of the "Greatest Generation." God bless all of them!

[@bryantbridgewaters7177]

One day back in 2014 I was studying at the top floor of the ARC library in Sacramento and saw 909 and Witchcraft fly by the window. I think they were taking off from McClellan since it's nearby. That literally made my week. Sad to know the plane is gone now. Rip.

[@picosdrivethru]

True heros. Can't even imagine what it would have been like. I salute you!

[@johnmiller2290]

Total respect to those guys who flew in those

[@thomass4965]

Thanks for this video. I went with my dad to see these planes that the group you featured here tours around with back in 2000, a year before my dad passed. I knew he was a B-24 mechanic in WWII, but only learned shortly before his death that he went on the missions in the Pacific to keep things working while in flight. He casually mentioned his plane was "lucky 13" because they always returned with both wings. Typical of him to understate the risks. I especially enjoyed the interviews with the vets who were similarly matter of fact in their recollections.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

My grandpa was an aeronautical engineer who worked with Pappy Boyington to make improvements to those. Good to see you here. 👊🏽

[@patmancrowley8509]

I was working in a small warehouse when I heard an aircraft flying into the small airport that was near by. I knew immediately what it was and hung out the dock door and watched the B-17 fly by. Wow, what a thrill!

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Thanks for doing this, Jay. I got to tour a B17 G that came to the old Oxnard Air Force Base near Camarillo. What a treat. My wife urged me to go up in one of their flights, but we had bills to pay and that was expensive entertainment! She was British. I always appreciated that she could see the importance of it. At least we got to see the plane inside and out. Thanks, Jay. "Good show!"

[@ingerlander]

I am British. My mother who lived through the war would always refer to soldiers, sailors and airmen as "Our lovely boys" and indeed they were.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

The British people back then were tough, to say the least -- and had the stoicism to live through the Battle of Britain, and survive. In such a way, this Yank has always admired and respected the spirit of the British people during the Second World War.

[@ziggystardust1751]

Those young boys grew up lightin fast...they had too.I'm so glad they did. Boys into tough men.God bless them and the United States of America.

[@remingtonsteele3220]

Nice! Great to see the plane....even better to see the men who were on them! Thanks Jay for taking the time to talk to these men from the "Greatest Generation."

[@MarinCipollina]

I had an uncle that was a B17 pilot. He didn't survive the war, he and his crew were shot down on a bombing run over Germany in 1944. He's buried in France at the US servicemen's cemetery over there. It looks like Arlington National cemetery. That entire generation of men went to war. My father was a young naval officer stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack. But he never talked about the war much. Thanks for this video, Jay

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

I wish my grandpa was still around so i could ask him about it..He was in the Army Air Corps and was in Italy during the war. My mother told me he made friends with a high ranking German officer and they came over to the house when she was little. I am so interested in that time and glad they fought and died for us and we didnt have to experience the same. Unfortunately his records were burnt down in a big fire along with many others.

[@clarissagun5581]

I AM FRENCH THANK YOU GUYS . YOU ARE HEROS AND BRO FOR EVER

[@andrewconlow5627]

My High School teacher, (Mr./ Major Brown) was a B-17 Pilot. He flew multiple missions over Germany. He would tell us how lucky we are. On one mission, he flew "coffin corner", meaning the last bomber at the rear of the formation. His plane and crew took heavy damage from the Luftwaffle. He someone managed to drop his bombs and head back to England. His B-17 damaged, with two fatally injured gunners and losing power. He gave the order to bail out over the English channel. He was the last to jump. Being a young kid listening to his stories , (1986), gave us a strong appreciation to their sacrifices.

[@rt2255]

If it has a engine jay loves it. Jay is a natural treasure to all us gear heads.

[@peterlarsen7779]

When I see the photos... original film footage...see these men... including the ones who fought on the fields, I think of how scared those young men must have been knowing the odds were against them returning home. We have so much to thank them for.

[@iant720]

One of the coolest things I remember a few years ago was having one fly low over my house, can't forget the 4 props, polished aluminum and big US blue and white stars on the underside!

[@vavon44]

I AM FRENCH THANK YOU GUYS . YOU ARE HEROS AND BRO FOR EVER

[@STho205]

Vive la liberté !

[@andytc11]

Forever!

[@Chris-yy5pj]

mabey tell your younger generation to respect my grandpa who got 2 bronze stars and 3 purple hearts in ww2

[@ibXCVs-Mom]

Thank you France for supporting us in our Revolution against the British. Also I heard the French Foreign Legion did very well in the Gulf War (1991).

[@dansneyd4646]

im English. Thank you America and France for helping us defeat the Axis powers

[@jjs777fzr]

My uncle flew with the 353d Bombardment Squadron, 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Lucera, Italy. He was the waist gunner. He was credited with flying about 49 missions on the B-17. On one of those missions his plane and crew were saved by The Tuskegee Airmen when they came under fire. Powerful stuff.

[@jayyoung5423]

That last gentlemen flew 54 missions...what an extrodinary individual, especially considering that when you reached 25 you we're officially retired from missions.....thanks Jay, love your work.

[@MartinWibert]

Thanks Jay! I rode on this plane about a year and a half before the disaster. I learned more from this video than I did the day of my flight. RIP to the crew and passengers that perished.

[@JessicaTG2008]

Whew, a 500 lb bomb gets hung up and someone has to go back and "kick" it out... that's gotta be one serious game of rock, paper, scissors right there.

[@jewman303]

Balls of titanium. Steel isn't tough enough.

[@asarand]

JessicaTG2008 It's self-preservation. Either you get that bomb out of the bay, or it explodes and kills you and your ship-mates. I think anyone in that position would do what had to be done to survive. I wonder how many did not get the bomb out before it exploded.

[@mrlowtide1]

They didn’t wear skinny jeans back then because their balls wouldn’t fit💪🏻🇺🇸

[@richardgreenleaf3259]

More like they didn't want to carry it back to base. You try landing with that still in the bomb bay and there's a good chance it's going to dislodge and explode on the runway, taking the plane with it.

[@tomservo5007]

old comment, but didn't the bombs have proven fail safe mechanisms?

[@deeppurple3489]

Thanks Jay great video! My neighbor served under Gen. Patton and said he remembered seeing the sky full of these bombers and it was truely amazing!! The men knew we were winning the war as we had 1000's of planes at one time fly over and Germans may have 3 or 4 at a time! These WWII vets are truely great heros.

[@robwilsn3219]

I was more impressed with Mr. Olivari then the whole rest of the video. He's 90 years old and healthier than most of us at 50 and above. Gotta give the man props to dropping a few bombs, shootin down a few attack planes, and takin one for the team. "Right on with the Ride on" Mr. Olivari. Your what we call a "REAL HERO"! Thx for keeping us free.... Nuff sed!

[@johnsmithh9341]

True warriors, hero's many thanks for your service to U.S. servicemen from the UK

[@howardrickert2558]

I would have some respect for the entertainment field if the had more like Jay and a few others. He’s just a decent guy.

[@jccarranza96]

Exactly one year ago I had the opportunity to fly in this B-17. It was one of my “bucket list” items. Thanks to the “Collings Foundation” for keeping these gems in flying condition. If you have the chance (and the dough) to take one of these flights, don’t hesitate. Once in a lifetime experience, well worth the price. And you will be contributing to keep these historical birds in the air.

[@Charles-pq7ez]

Thanks, Jay Leno. Enjoy your program. Fighting back the tears thinking about these men and my Great Uncle Jim Buglioni who was a radio man on a B-17. I have lots of B-17 pics from Uncle Jim. Also have his medals. He referred to the B-17 as a "ship". Funny that Uncle Jim brought back to Brooklyn a taste for scotch from his time in England. It became the family go to. Good, cheap scotch. You knew you were an adult when Uncle Jim starting including you in the pour...even though you were only 13. I miss Uncle Jim and Aunt Jay. Good people.

[@x86guru67]

It's a sad day for this B-17. She crashed on 10/02/2019

[@davidvance6367]

x86guru, What went wrong with the flight

[@JoeFlation]

@@davidvance6367 bad fuel

[@greggarner4477]

All this tech and bad fuel was the blame???? 🤬🤬🤬🤬 NO EXCUSE

[@CrustyRustysRestoration]

It crashed in the next town after it made a stop at my town

[@robertthomas5906]

Wasn't bad fuel. Here's the report - www.ctpost.com/local/article/FAA-says-no-passengers-on-Collings-Foundations-15157635.php Here's a man going over findings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppzbh4akrZaIqsk

[@JackCallSports]

RIP to everyone who lost their lives on that plane

[@burroaks7]

Out of respect for the crew, passengers and all of the veterans who flew these aircraft Please demonetize this video. nobody should profit or gain from tragedy

[@JackCallSports]

burroaks7 to be fair this was made a long time ago but I get your point

[@ImpendingJoker]

@@burroaks7 You're an idiot. I bet you watch war movies, and guess what that is? War turned into entertainment, so stow your unrighteous indignation. I bet you sit around and play Call of Duty, too, and yet never served in the military. You are exercising your right to free speech but I am willing to bet you've never done anything to actively protect it. So go back into your hole you precious snowflake.

[@saularevalo9028]

@@ImpendingJoker i agree with you mate

[@danilo16410]

More rip-s should be for the civilians killed by that flying crap

[@adamm1902]

Thank you to each and everyone that has served in our military. May God bless you.

[@jerryberryhill3619]

There is no way Americans today would step up and do what that generation did back then, most do not have the pride or respect for our country.

[@kskeel1124]

32 missions as a ball gunner that man has balls of steel!

[@ZicajosProductions]

A gorgeous aircraft; and thank you to the airmen of World War II. I salute you.

[@nealany3206]

So sad she crashed yesterday thanks you 909 for all your years of keeping the memory of the greatest generation alive for so many years with rides and airshows

[@animalyze7120]

To see these craft still flying nearly 80 years later brings a tear to my eye, what an awesome and terrifying sight it must have been to see a few thousand of these roaring over your town back then.

[@ed1g1tal]

That was a nice touch painting your ceiling sky blue and adding the airstrip murals, Jay. That sector of your garage really does have that military airstrip vibe to it now.

[@BJBFOREST]

Forget the arm chair critics, the bitching and the self appointed opinions, just sit back and admire the aircraft, respect the men that flew in them and the reflect on the dark times of that conflict.

[@bcgrittner]

Amen, BJ

[@lcobb5214]

There was no part of flying this thing that was any way easy. Thanks for including these amazing men in the vid!,!

[@freddaly9379]

met a fellow yrs. ago[my girlfriend's dad] that had to bail out of a B-17 hitting his back on rock...could never stand up straight after the jump, we owe them so much

[@donb7113]

It breaks my heart knowing the fate of this beautiful aircraft. And also Texas Raiders.

[@RunningSwimmingMan]

Jay is such a class act...

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

such a tragic crash...! Glad there we some survivors..!!! RIP to all that died...............I went for a ride in this plane at Moffet Field years ago

[@digitalstyx_est.2018]

I'm so glad Jay did this episode. The 909 was my first B-17 I was able to see and tour in person. I believe it was her I sat under as she came in from several flights many years ago in Jenks, ok. I was able to fly on the Liberty Belle in 2008. I am forever grateful of the work these foundations do keeping this history living. Now days air war is largely a matter of pushing a button to launch a smart weapon. These men faced something far different on a daily basis. The more people who can appreciate their bravery and service and the pure grit it took the better.

[@thomasbeck9075]

Love seeing the heroes of America and their legendary aircraft great job Jay Leno

[@TheBudgetGunCollector]

B-17 is my favorite WWII Bomber.

[@CHUUMPASS]

Al Olivari..... 26 air campaign missions during WWII. some 50+ years he talks to Jay about his heydays, man, what an amazing gentleman. certainly puts most of us today easily to shame. :)

[@Dunstire]

Jay Leno is such a down to Earth man.He has more money thay i would ever dream of having but has a genuine passion for all things mechanical and doesn't talk down to us 'normal' folk. More to the point, he actualy uses some of his hoard from time to time rather than just 'moth-balling' all of it some air-conditioned garage forever never to see the light of day again

[@jasonbeavers3832]

Nine O Nine you will be missed. Prayers to the families of those injured and lost.

[@13thmistral]

9:43 something tells me 17 was in fact the right answer

[@isaaclang6031]

13thmistral yeah, I doubt he'll get in trouble at this point.😊

[@Mudpuppyjunior]

My Dad joined in the summer of 41 before Pearl Harbor and was discharged in late 1945. He was a master sergeant crew chief on B-17s, first in the UK in the 8th Air force, then to Algeria and Tunisia in the 12th and finally into Italy as part of the 15th. I had the privilege of viewing and climbing around in Nine O Nine just a few weeks ago in Sacramento with my daughter who was only three when Pop died.. Many thanks to the Collings Foundation for keeping Nine O Nine and their other birds airworthy and showing them around the country and for preserving so much of Jacques Littlefield's incredible tank collection.

[@drowningin]

i have so much respect for these guys among all the others in different branches of the military. they were so young going out risking everything. it's frightening to even think about what they had to do. i highly recommend going and meeting these men while you have the chance since very few are even still alive. listen to everything they have to say.

[@troykane]

So sad we lost this plane and it's crew. My wife and I had the privilege to fly in this plane. What an amazing experience. It took a lot of courage for these men to fly into harms way for our country. I say men but most would be considered by todays standards to be boys. Age 17-25 mostly. If you have children think of them doing something like this at 17 years old. That's why they are called the Greatest Generation. Thanks to all Veterans!

[@stoneblue1795]

Very sharp fellers yet that so gallantly served. To say "thanks" is hardly enough.

[@PokemonHaloFan]

I have always loved the nose art on WWII aircraft and B-17's in particular. The crews were just so creative with it.

[@TheSlowoldman]

Always a highlight of my year to hear the Collings Foundation planes fly overhead on their approach to John Wayne Airport. I would always run outside to watch them fly directly overhead as I live on the glide path when the land. The sound was indescribable, the sound of freedom! Sadly I won't see this beauty come in any longer. Godspeed to those who lost their lives on her last flight. Prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation to all the brave men who served on these beautiful planes back in World War II.

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

Holy crap that guy is 90 years old and still kicking. What a hero.

[@georgeforall]

Awesome video. It's so great to hear from the guys who actually flew those planes . Those are precious interviews because, sadly , they are so few left. The greatest generation!

[@SailorDon01]

6:15 "Not exactly a 747"..... There is always a comedian in every crowd. Thank you for posting this part of American history. An awesome good video!

[@alanladdseinekatze859]

Being a german born 1974, I actually have to thank these veterans for their service. So, so grateful here. True heroes.