Cowboy 57 (1959) James Stewart short on B-52 Crew

[@wrmckay54]

My dad was the aircraft commander, Jerry McKay. He was a wonderful and loving person and just a great guy. I remember everyone in his crew. They were together for a long time. We looked for this film for years and years. The McKay kids are happy and grateful that someone posted it. And Jimmy Stewart was a true gentleman.

[@gkennedy2998]

Were the family actors or your real family? I suppose that they were actors but your dad was terrific in this.

[@wrmckay54]

@@gkennedy2998 It was our family and our real names. It was my 3 older sisters, my mom and dad and me, “The little monster Billy.” The house scenes were our house. The only inaccuracy was that my dad didn’t have a motor scooter.

[@gkennedy2998]

@@wrmckay54 Gosh! Thanks. Must be nice to have this footage of yourselves at that age. Kind regards.

[@bluetickfreddy101]

Awe The “monster” Thx for sharing Cheers

[@steveturner3999]

What a very beautiful family. Thank you for your father and your family’s contribution to protecting freedom and our country.

[@mitoys3628]

Hi again, I was the co pilot and this was the best crew I ever flew with. Great memories with this crew. Still licking at 88 years old.

[@marknelson9069]

I had just Googled your name and found you on mylife. It says you are a retired military pilot so I assume you put in at least 20. Amazing what you stumble across on KZbin and the internet.

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

Thank you for your service.

[@mitoys3628]

Guess I am the last of our crew , so R.I.P. dear brothers

[@skcyclist]

Thank you, very inspiring.

[@jharris0341]

Respect.

[@bobschmitz7488]

I cannot believe this !!! My dad was in this show. He is the ECM operator. Master Sergeant Bob Schmitz is my dad. We were stationed at Westover for around 5 years. I am so happy you posted this show !! Thank you so much !!!!

[@jcheck6]

Too cool Bob!

[@rjrestorationstation4402]

We are still proud of our B-52’s and their crews!

[@RemoVegas]

Now THAT''S GOOD Shit Right There - "WOW"..! Getting To See Your POP @ The Office , I Can ONLY Imagine How YOU Feel Having Watched This... The Thought Of YOU Sharing This Clip Of Grandpa' With YOUR Children, Has Brought A Tear To My Eyes... I'm SMILING Ear To Ear For YOU My Friend..! - God Bless America & All That Have Served...

[@spinav8r]

Here's the time link to go directly to Master Sergeant Bob Schmitz: 4:26

[@bobschmitz7488]

My dad stayed in the Air Force until ‘63. After Westover we left New England and went to Homestead. He joined a new crew that was one of the first to break in the ‘H’ model. We were there during the Cuban missile crisis. We stayed in Florida for the entire time during that crisis. Dad’s crew flew to Michigan and flew out of there during that time. We did not see him for over 3 months. After this experience, he retired from the Air Force and we moved out west . I had very fond memories of my dad flying on B52’s. He passed away in 2005.

[@Darren4352]

Jimmy Stewart is a perfect example of how our nation used to be and now should be. What a great American and patriot!

[@fridayray8891]

unfortunately, we have obummers "B" team. God Save us

[@All_you_need_is_love2018]

Do you really want to go back to the 1950’s? Before the Civil Rights movement. A time when opportunities were only open to white men.

[@frankdenardo8684]

Jimmy Stewart was a retired Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserves.

[@steveb6103]

He's a hero with 25 missions in B 24s and he didn't have to fly because of his rank! Yet he took on the most dangerous ones. He was also qualified in the B 52.

[@fridayray8891]

@@steveb6103 He was one in million..Top shelf quality

[@jason60chev]

SAC Troop, here, Castle AFB, Ca 1989-1993. B-52G Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Specialist. Salute to Brig Gen James Stewart. One of the Finest Americans to ever live and serve. Took great pride in his military service and in his Country.

[@daleeasternbrat816]

The reason he did these was he was a true believer in the Air Force and America.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

As a reservist, brigadier General and a celebrity he did not have to fly any missions over Vietnam. During one of his active rotations he did fly a mission as an observer in a B-52 over Vietnam. If you look at his salad bar and his career as a pilot and an officer, there's not much that he didn't do. Of man of tremendous courage, duty and honor. I suggest you watch the video of him talking about his stepson who was killed in Vietnam.

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

As a kid in the 60's, I remember sonic booms and I watched many B-52 go around Mendota and then head back to Castle. Many with their gear down and landing lights on. My friend's dad was beet harvesting (Tracy area?) when he saw someone leaning on his truck. It was a crew member who had jumped out of the Buff that crashed in the area (Yuba City/somewhere?) The chute is in the Castle Air Museum. Later, his family was invited as honored guests to a Castle Air Show. They drove up to the base in their pink 52 Plymouth.

[@deadstick8624]

I worked on the KC-135 Simulators at Castle between 1975 and 1979.

[@jbg43]

I flew with one of the Yuba City survivors in SEA/arc lite. It was around 3AM and we were on our bomb run when three engines caught on fire. We thought we were going to bail out and Bill mentioned he had already bailed from a B17 in WWII, and the Yuba City plane, and that this would be his third bailout. Fortunately we finished our bomb run and orbited over the South China Sea for five hours to burn off fuel to get below our max ldg wt. Landed at CamRanh Bay, drank a lot, and hitched a ride back to UTapao the next day.

[@steveturner3999]

I’m watching this 63 years after it was filmed and not only is the ‘’Manned Bomber’’ still in use but the B-52 is too. Amazing!

[@Firebrand55]

....and will be to 2050!

[@thomasayer7511]

The BUFF is amazing 🤩

[@stephen4121]

The US certainly got its moneys worth from that $8million

[@indycharlie]

I just read that they are testing some new engines for the 52's . Said the new engines would keep the 52's viable for decades to come . Loved watching the Buffs drop Arc Lights in RVN . Awesome sight from the air , and scary on the ground and feeling the earth move :D

[@caffeineninja4139]

IT SURE IS AND I AM VERY PROUD AS A USAF VETERAN! (FEMALE-one of the first in SAC.)

[@hossenfeffer8383]

This film brought me to tears. Where have men of their ilk gone? Serious, dedicated, professional, studied and sure of their mission. And fathers of families. My Dad was one of their kind. I mourn him and them, the last of the greatest generation. 🇨🇦

[@gus473]

There's a new generation out there, equally impressive and well prepared. 😎✌️

[@ditzydoo4378]

God I truly loved Jimmy Stewart. The man could read a phone book and make it sound like an epic drama. God bless the memory of this great man.

[@jonnyq680]

I would PAY General Stewart to read a phone book!

[@ditzydoo4378]

@@jonnyq680 Here, here... ^~^ (edit) gods my spelling is utter rubbish.

[@MajorCaliber]

And he SERVED... in *3* wars!... unlike the loo-HOO-zer "entertainers" we have today.

[@ditzydoo4378]

@@MajorCaliber He was indeed a stud.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Delusional as well as an anonymous coward!

[@joethebumbler]

Freedom isn't free. Great video and thanks to all of the patriots that kept us safe.

[@charlesnickerson4812]

The words of a man who had been there and did that a true Great American General Stewart.

[@josemoreno3334]

I love seeing old Cold War stuff like this. I'm retired Air Force and a Cold War Veteran. God Bliss You Sir and my you Rest in Peace.

[@rockslide4802]

The older I get the more I appreciate servicemen like you. Thanks to all who serve!

[@DELTA19ACTUAL]

Jimmy thank you for greeting our Douglas DC9 at Norton AFB when we came home from Vietnam....... ever our HERO and a member of the GREATEST GENERATION !

[@11277mikey]

My husband met Jimmy in Guam at the O'club one year while stationed there. Said he was on heck of an officer! A people person!

[@angerousbatman3322]

On behalf of the Schmitz family I’d like to thank you so much for posting this video. It made my entire family’s night to see my grandfather again. I cannot begin to express how deeply emotional this was for everyone in my family. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@JustAnotherJarhead]

I am excited for you. so cool.

[@maryshanley329]

I had an uncle who flew with Jimmy Stewart, head of a bombing group. Uncle Johnny said that the actor was just as nice and kind in real life as he seemed. Stewart had a form of PTSD after the war. He was distraught because he knew that his bombs had killed innocent people, especially women and children. It was Henry Fonda who helped him. Few actors now have anything in common with the likes of James Stewart. Faithful in marriage, a gentle and humble man, a good father. He adopted Gloria’s twin boys, on of whom was killed in Vietnam. Yes, Jimmy Stewart, one of the greatest generation. There were millions just like him. Yes, we are blessed with many great men, but not the number we once had.

[@eiros59]

Right we have even more great Americans.

[@45baldeagle]

I went to Cathedral High School in Sprinfield MA with the McKay girls. They were all the talk when this came out and i had a crush on Cherie. Loved the movie and am a retired USAF pilot/officer. Great memories. Stewart.was a great pilot, patriot and actor.

[@gus473]

We passed Westover on our many drives to and from Pittsfield, MA. Always a thrill to see the USAF at work! 🫡

[@Kimballsp]

Unbelievable. My dad had told me about this episode, and that his father ; SMSgt. (Ret.) Stephen Kimball had been part of the B-52 crew that was featured. I had been trying to find this episode for YEARS. Even contacted CBS back in 2011, it was “Revue Studios Schlitz Playhouse of the Stars Season 8, Episode 17 which aired on July 7th, 1959”, in hopes of acquiring a copy. Happened to google “Cowboy 57” on a whim yesterday and you had uploaded it 3 years ago!! Thank you so much for doing so.

[@doomsdayman9117]

Cheers sis! ~P

[@greenheart524]

Well, my dad was in a years training at Westover in 1958 and I was nine years old! By August 1959 we had transferred to Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico when the first B52 G landed there. He was the commanding officer of the FMS and took me out in one of the squadrons trucks to watch her land. I had just turned ten years old. Our next station was Loring AFB, top o Maine on a flight line more than twice the size of Ramey. The sound of the B52s initiating their roll, then that timed roll and takeoff was like blood in everyone’s mind.

[@sdgardner1954]

I worked for the Airforce as a DoD civilian for 39 years...I have the greatest respect for all the military.., James Stewart led a quiet life, and was a badass warrior IRL.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

61 years after this film was made the B-52 still plays a major role in the defense of America. Now that was an excellent use of tax-payers money!

[@whirltech8031]

The Boeing products of that era made that company's great name. It's a shame Boeing's culture has been corrupted by traditional MBA execs over the past ~15 years. The latest products, from 787 to Starliner, are a fiasco. Too much focus on the stock market & not enough on the product. Short-sighted like the rest of America.

[@markrossow6303]

company was ruined when HQ moved to Chicago. with MBAs instead of engineers in charge and then 787 fiasco with non-inion SC plant, with zer0 pride in work since it is N0t a Career to them, just a current job then 737 MAX fiasco ...

[@ConvairDart106]

I disagree! We chopped the tails off of 250 airframes, so the soviets could confirm they were not flyable. We have less than ten, for spares now. We could have put them in storage, by disassembly, but scrapped them instead. Just think, how fast they could be re-assembled, compared to building new. We have wasted hundreds of Billions over the years, on weapon systems, that served less than ten years. A great example of waste, would be the Zumwalt, and Littoral ships being retired after just 6 years, after spending Billions, for each one! With new bombers costing over 1 billion each, saving those 250 airframes, would have been like buying penny candy again!

[@downhilltwofour0082]

@@ConvairDart106 I agree. But we still have 58 active and 18 in reserve and the ones you mention are all being used for parts. It's the best investment we ever made in an aircraft, next to the A-10.

[@airgaborpara3824]

Was a waste!!!

[@madgeburch1769]

This kind of show needs to air in every Jr. and Sr. High School in this country at least once every two months!

[@thomasklimchuk441]

They should but it seems certain people want to dismiss what it means to be an American Remember on Beffalo channel 7 before its children programs began They would play The United States Airforce song showing various aircraft

[@Rod3E900]

Outstanding...Love General James Stewart, he's the greatest. Brings charm and expertise to this presentation...Well Done, Sir !!!

[@john-nx4xn]

And a real combat pilot 😊

[@theresaa7510]

My dad is the co-pilot, Lewis Van Bibber

[@marktaylor8659]

Wow. You have to be proud. My dad was also in the USAF at this time as a flight instructor.

[@theresaaswad2923]

@@marktaylor8659 Very much so...

[@rostamr4096]

That is awesome, I hope all is well with him.

[@theresaa7510]

@@rostamr4096 he's ornery as ever thank the Lord

[@rostamr4096]

@@theresaa7510 :)

[@davefellhoelter1343]

If anyone loves History? James Stewart the MAN was the "Perfect" voice for this! He cashed every check he Ever Wrote in Advance, he put every dollar where his mouth was with Interest!! Hollywood should learn a thing or two from This Greatest Generation!! RIP boys and Thank You!

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

A GREAT actor and patriot! Unlike many "pretenders" who stayed home and just made war movies in Hollywood, he ACTUALLY served with distinction! Flying with the angels now for sure!

[@paulbriggs3072]

Along with Clark Gable who quit when he was the most famous Hollywood actor in the world and at the age of FORTY became a waist gunner and sergeant aboard a B-17.

[@geoffreytudor5674]

Jimmy Stewart was an inspired choice for narrator. As a former bomber pilot in some of the most taxing raids in WW2, he has an empathy for Maj. McKay and all those who fought our "Cold" War. It rings through most clearly in those closing lines, I think. An excellent reminder that military duty is hazardous all the time, not just when the flak surrounds you or the missiles are flying. Bravo for posting this!

[@oDon44]

Looking for this comment - I imagine Jimmy Stewart is speaking from experience as much as narrating.

[@bsean3484]

Jimmy Stewart directed and narrated this documentary. The daughter's piano recital was in the auditorium of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school, Breckwood Blvd @ Boston Road, Springfield, MA - Beginning of film is Navajo Dr ... neighborhood of where my parents' home was in 1959. I attended OLSH '56 - '64

[@m1t2a1]

He was in the movie Strategic Air Command a few years before.

[@davidmondello6504]

He retired as a Brigadeer General.

[@frankwarden5146]

Dad was a Crew Chief. USAF ‘51-‘73. I grew up on Ramey & Mather. Good days. I wish I could go back. Thanks for posting.

[@jeancoughlin5490]

My dad was with SAC and was stationed at Mather around 1953-56. From there we went to Travis and Beale. And he too workers on B-52's. We were at Beale when the SR-71's flew in. I believe the B-52's have outlasted the Blackbirds.

[@theresaa7510]

I was born on Barksdale AFB....and my sister right here where the movie was made at Chicopee Falls....my parents divorced when I was young so didn't grow up a brat....but he says I am one any way 😁

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

I worked at McClellan on H-53's. We shared the ramp with T-39's and the atomic sniffers, WC-135's.

[@alanhyamamoto]

Frank Warden and Pietri Guitars, Check out Ramey Air Force Base Historical Association on Facebook. We have a Reunion every two years in Puerto Rico if you would like to get back there someday.

[@fnln544]

I'm an Army LTC (former SSG). Blessings to you, BG Stewart and all the men, and women, of the Cold War to include the Air Force. I wonder about the named air and ground crew. Heroes absolutely all. Blessings to the Air Force and all our Uniformed Services.

[@robertlassiter907]

Blessings to you too. I’m a former SSGT in the AF.

[@aaaht3810]

Jimmy Stewart played a big role in PR for the USAF in the Cold War years. A real American hero. He quit a successful Hollywood career (one of the first stars to enlist in the military), joined the USAAF as a private and advanced to Col. during WWII. Flew combat missions in B-24 bombers and received the DFC. Even flew along on a Arc Light mission during Viet Nam war. Every time I see him, I think about his commentary in the documentary "World At War" in the episode about strategic bombing of Germany, where he opined that, for him, the German fighter pilot was the biggest threat because, unlike flak, "the pilot had eyes, and a pretty competent fella at the controls. And when he latched onto you, you were in trouble lots of times". And from what I know, he was a fine gentleman.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

Not too many people address him by his rank anymore. When he retired from the Air Force Brigadier General USAF Reserves Ret. was his official title that he deserved for all his years of service and dedication to the Air Force and the USA in General.

[@njjeff201]

Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@johnbailey5304]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1 Stewart's rank was promoted to Major General Retired by President Regan

[@user-xz9hu4rd2v]

I was an Aircraft Commander of C-141s 30 years ago and this video brought an immense sense of pride for my nation and my United States Air Force. God bless the Cowboy57 crew and Jimmy Stewart.

[@jamesalexander3530]

A Starlifter out of Quonset Point RI delivered my unit of Navy Seabees Security Platoon safely in Dang in 66. Thanks Skipper. A long but flawless flight. Respect to you and your flight crew Salute!

[@k.s.7104]

Wow, today this serves as a powerful piece. It reinforces my belief we are in troubled times and at a crossroad. Peace through strength, importance of family, and true patriotism. I feel as though the importance of family, respect for our elder generations, and love for America as it was founded is under attack. Certainly men like Jimmy Stewart today in Hollywood are vilified, at a time when men like him are not only missed but needed. God bless the USA 🙏🇺🇸👍

[@charlesnickerson4812]

Now the Grandchildren of those men are flying those planes. God love the B 52.

[@juliancrooks7559]

Great grandchildren, some of those B52s are 70 years old.

[@kenster865]

Jimmy said the B-52's cost $8M each. That's in 1959 dollars. In 2021 that's equivalent to nearly $72M apiece. Still a lot cheaper than the average cost of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Think those came out at $2 Billion each.... let THAT sink in. ;)

[@thefederalist9982]

@@juliancrooks7559 Correction: The only B-52 model still flying is the "H" - model which were delivered to the Air Force from May 1961 till October 1962. All "A" through "G" models were either scrapped or in a museum.

[@PacTel54321]

I worked with a former B-52 driver at an Aluminum Company in the 90s. We called him “Wild Man”. He had some good stories about his time in SAC. Whenever we flew commercial, he’d instantly fall asleep as soon as the plane took off. He said it was his Air Force training; sleep when you can. I miss you Charlie!

[@billtbailey]

DRIVER????

[@PacTel54321]

@@billtbailey That's how he referred to himself....

[@JM-oj4wg]

My dad was a crew chief on B-52's at CEF from 56 - 60. He followed that up with 40 years at the CT ANG at BDL. RIP dad.

[@sgtokie]

These guys were some hard ol' Bastards and I say that with all affection. The men of the Strategic Air Command kept the wolf away from the door for many years during operation Chrome Dome. Awesome footage of a B52. I never got to see a B36 but did get to see a B47 around 68 or 69, however, the B52 is a magnificent old girl that has done her share and still keeps on going. I was born in 1964 and the threat of nuclear war loomed all of my childhood days. My father was a WW2 mud Marine 44-45 & a China Marine 46-48, brother was a Vietnam Army Soldier . I am a Proud Marine Veteran and I'm damn proud of the men who went before and after me. I honor all USA Veterans no matter what cline or place they served. Great story and made me proud of the land I call Home of the Free because of the Brave!

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

God bless America and stop the leftists from taking over our country and destroying it.

[@jimfling2128]

A great depiction of a B-52 mission. The one error is the de-breifing. That usually took another 2 hours. The heavy helmet and relieve in taking it off even for a shot time struck home with me. The earphones seemed to be driving into your scull after 4 hours. most of our missions were 12 hours long. Americans have no idea of the sacrifices and security that SAC men and women gave to their country. Planes in the air 24/7 365 days a year for 30 years.

[@tonyv8925]

Thank you for your service, sir...I was ground maintenance at my last PCS and we serviced the B-52H's loaded with nukes. Our pilots and crews were a great bunch of guys. Hated the ORIs and alerts.

i debriefed crew once

[@Selvikus]

Thanks for confirming, I play a simulator game that is quite realistic, and I always wondered whether spending 12 hours for a B-52 mission was realistic(this is why I only play on sundays).... Anyways, were you a B-52 crewman or ground technician during the time?

[@jimfling2128]

@@Selvikus Crewman with 92nd bomb wing

[@Selvikus]

@@jimfling2128 92nd out of Fairchild? Cool. Also did you serve during the 60s or the 50s?

[@gardbjj24]

As a" SAC Brat" I really enjoyed this. Dad wad a Line Chief in SAC following B-17, B-24, and B-29 flight engineer in WWII and Korea. Served at Smokey Hill ( Schilling) in Kansas and Greenham Common England

[@jameshafner1442]

My Dad was attached to Westover about the time this was shot. Among my earliest memories are of B-52's in nose docks. Thanks to all the cold warriors, we owe it all to you.

[@larryhudlemeyer2617]

SAC Troop for 15 yrs....1974-1984, 410th BMW K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI....1984-1986, 8th AF NCO Leadership School, 305 ARW Grissom AFB, IN....1987-1991, 8th AF then 15th AF NCO Leadership School, 633rd ABW Andersen AFB, Guam....1991-1992, 28th BMW, USAF Hospital, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Lived under the direct flight path of the B-52's and KC-135's while at K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI. Our young sons would often ask what all the noise was. Told them (with pride), "It's the sound of Freedom!" Served for a total of 25+ years in the USAF and those 15 years in SAC were some of the best!

[@theresaa7510]

Thank you for your service

[@larryhudlemeyer2617]

@@theresaa7510 It was an honor and a privilege to serve plus a grand adventure, all 25+ years!

[@robertjames302]

Incredible bit of history! These sorts of gems need to be shown to everyone to remind them of what it was like for previous generations

[@damienmilk3025]

Thank you for posting this; what a wonderful piece of filmmaking. It is mind-boggling to think that this was filmed with a real crew. True heroes, everyone.

[@kennethandersson4325]

When I was a teenager, James Stewart was one of my great idols. Later I heard that he was a warhero and it make me like him even more. He was one of the brave mans fighting against dictators all over the world. to give us a safe world to live in. They are cruing in there heavens when they see what happends in the world right now. I love and never forget all this brave soldiers, fighting in WW2. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bobklahn42]

We used to follow up, "Peace is our profession", with "War is just a hobby". It took me a very long time to understand that the motto was true. You don't see piles of radioactive rubble where cities used to be in this country because we were ready, and peace really was our profession.

[@jeancoughlin5490]

I clearly remember the Russian Missile crisis. I'm not sure that people outside of the military, their families and with the federal government know how close we came to WWIII.

[@Selvikus]

Peace is our Profession, but War is our Game.... - an old SAC Captain I know

[@emiliogonzalez2947]

de

[@i.r.wayright1457]

Good Ol' SAC, Peace was our profession, bombing was our hobby. R.I.P. General Stewart, we miss you.

[@Redmenace96]

Haven't heard Jimmy Stewart's voice in a long time. What talent he had! The dude was amongst the greatest, of all-time.

[@turkey0165]

Brigadier general James Stewart truly a Great Great American Hero! “American Patriot”

[@H.pylori]

James Stewart, real war hero. Always wished I could have met him. Got to witness the "BUFFs" at March AFB (B-52D) from 1977 to 1981. Wonderful sight and sounds. Thanks for finding this and posting.

[@theresaaswad2923]

My dad says they wanted to pay them but they weren't allowed to accept so Jimmy Stewart gave them all transistor radios. He was also one of the pilots in the flyover for the 2nd inauguration for President Eisenhower

[@sparky6086]

That was a huge gift in 1959. People today don't realize it, but even though the transistor was invented in the late 1940's, transistor radios didn't become inexpensive enough for regular people, until around 1965. During most of the 1950's, they didn't really have a good transistor manufacturing process, so for every 10 transistors produced (or something like that), only 1 worked. They likely cost $35 or $40 dollars each, which was a lot of money in 1959, when a grown up's lunch was 40 cents! $40 back then, is around $360 today.

[@theresaa7510]

@@sparky6086 yeah....he told me the same thing....said it was the equivalent to getting a state of the art iPad nowadays....I guess that was approved since it was a personal gift from Jimmy Stewart and not direct payment from the movie producers

[@christianmotley262]

My transistor brought me terror at night when Whole Lotta Love first played...

[@rcpmac]

How much did a transistor radio cost in 1959? The more modest radios were around $70- about $1,050 today. By the 1960s TV had already become the biggest home service. However, the portable transistor radio was all the rage and cost a premium for such a small piece of equipment. A Sony 8-channel transistor radio with batteries cost $49.95.

[@theresaaswad2923]

@@rcpmac it was quite a wonderful gift...none of the guys could have afforded them. They were even more special because they came from Jimmy Stewart.

[@1776TomPaine]

This is a surprisingly well done movie. Very exciting. And Jimmy Stewart's narration is just right. Love this!

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Never saw this before 😲 The 52 was and still is an awesome and magnificent military plane. Jimmy Stewart knew his stuff as a man who flew many missions in WW2, what a great man he was 😊 🇺🇸

[@m33rogers11]

My Dad was the navigator on these planes. Great video.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

Dear God please send us some more Jimmy Stewarts.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

11:34 “You’ll be the last one out, or ride the bomber in” If only today’s politicians had that sort of moral fibre..

[@navblue20]

I don't know any politician who would do that. Only the professionals would.

[@frankgeorge7809]

You have touch so many hearts of the yrs...Sadly today there are FEW who could even fill your shoes.....R.I.P.....

[@agilemonk6305]

I have always loved Jimmy Stewart. He completely brought this to life. Great video.

[@GFK256]

The Old "D" model, had many happy hours in them flying out of Utapo in Thailand. By then the preflights were not as complicated as depicted. Flew Gs out of Guam during Linebacker 2. Sure brings back memories.

[@cyriaquecharles]

Thank you for your service, Sir. I hope you have had no complications from Agent Orange.

[@jcheck6]

Michael I was going to say. "really, 2 hours to preflight?"

[@GFK256]

@@cyriaquecharles Hi Thanks very much. Was not in country in Viet Nam so was really never exposed. Take care.

[@GFK256]

@@jcheck6 Hi..When I was flying them the crew chief did a lot of what was shown and the aircraft commander or copilot did a walk around. We normally arrived at the aircraft anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours prior to takeoff time.

[@jcheck6]

@@GFK256 That sure makes for a long day! Took only 5 minutes for me to walk around the F-4 and later DC-10 with the airlines.

[@paulsuprono7225]

. . . ' on the glide path,' speaking my language . . . being once an Military Airlift Command airman, some 30+ years ago - Detachment 7, 37th Air Rescue Recovery Squadron - Minot AFB, North Dakota ! 🇺🇸

[@ekris4817]

Wow, every detail of every minute of what goes through a loyal father’s mind. Thanks Jimmy!

[@robertbenjamin7728]

I used to hear the phrase "good old days" from my parents having been born in 1949 and roll my eyes.. But the 50's and 60's truly were the good ole days. Jimmy Stewart was the epitome of class and what a true gentleman was. He was a quiet unassuming man who not only flew bombers out of England during WWII but entertained millions upon millions afterwards. His poetry reading on the Johnny Carson show can still be seen on U-Tube. I am a grateful and proud Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force.

[@riosomar7826]

Thanks! Major General James Stewart! According to google! He retired 2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️

[@LocoFan611]

There are a lot of very good comments here already. I praise all of you who served in our military and speak of your service. I praise those who are serving now, under challenging leadership, and still approach their duties with the same patriotism and professionalism as is shown in this film. Nothing thrilled me more as a young teenager, when visiting Florida on at least two occasions in the 70's, when B-52's were either taking off or landing across the Beeline (I believe) at McCoy AFB in Orlando. It was really cool to see civilian airliners on one side and B-52's on the other.

[@Two4Brew]

I grew up under one of the flights paths into and out of Westover. When I was 6, both the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels came in, in formation to participate in the yearly airshow. Both teams were flying F-4 Phantoms. They came over my hometown (West Springfield, on the west side of the Connecticut River) at what I now know is FAA minimum. It was wonderfully earth shaking. Later on my brother was a loadmaster on C-130's after Westover became a Reserve/National Guard Base. From 1986 - 1991 my wife (a USAF Captain) and I (a USAFR Staff Sergeant) were stationed at SCA HQ, Offutt AFB, NE.

[@brucecapecci2526]

WOW...this was great to see.... I worked on ECM equipment from 83 - 86 at CASTLE AFB which is now closed...they trained the crews there when I was there...Thank you for posting, brings back a lot of good memories

[@billtbailey]

I was a tail gunner radar turret in 1957 at Westover AFB

[@michaelfisher7170]

Great exposition of what a commander of a plane like the B 52 has to keep in mind constantly. My best friend from high school...he went through Air Force training beginning in college...he graduated, got his pilot slot, he initially wanted to fly A 10's but I got the news that he'd been slotted in F 16 training and a year later he was stationed in Korea. Today he's a Southwest pilot. Still dealing with the same mind bending equations and decisions as he was in the military, I suppose, with many more lives depending on his training, competence, and judgement. Nothing but respect for the men and women who train and master what I never could. God bless.

[@sanfranciscobay]

Most people would choose the F16 before the A10, but the A10 is like hand to hand combat.

[@victorbailey6233]

My dad was station at Westover AFB in 1953 and my little brother was born there we went from there to Dover AFB,then to Berstrom AFB,Tx just outside of Austin Tx then Travis AFB I grow up in the Air force God Bless the Air Forces and all the military people

[@billtbailey]

Brings back fond memories of my B52 Air Force service at Westover, Mass 1956 to 1958

[@josephdupont]

I was in my 1966 Corvair with the windows up over 100 feet from a b-52 starting its engines. i thought my head was going to blow up!!!

[@firstsgt279]

Jimmy Stewart, not just Actor playing a Part in the Military, A real Major General serving 27 years in the Army, Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

[@ninadbhave5133]

Brigadier General, I believe.

[@warplanner8852]

@@ninadbhave5133 correct.

[@360Mike]

@@ninadbhave5133 Promoted to MG by Regan

[@ninadbhave5133]

@@360Mike Nice! I didn't know that

[@josephdudich4287]

My dad always talked highly of him.

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you. A reminder of the sacrifices of our military personnel. One we all need.

[@markhugo8270]

Reading that these were the REAL PEOPLE in a real circumstance, makes me TREMENDOUSLY HAPPY for the 25 minutes I spent watching it in 2024

[@thomasmartin2660]

Outstanding short film! Thanks for posting it!

[@Blustone60]

I was in SAC in Minot AFB, ND. I was a B52 mechanic and the upgrades to these Buffs is incredible since this was made. I've talked to B1 and B2 pilots who Flew all and he said he preferred the B52. Impressive. im amused by the over dramatics. These birds have way better Engines and navigation and coms and every single aspect is 10 times better than they were. I was in Pnuedralics and fuel systems. I built everything from brakes to shuttle valves and spoilers and flap actuators. I've seen tires explosions on landings and Bombay doors ripped off from low altitude bomb runs at high speed. Around 250 mph they fold up below 1k ft. Lol! It will be a good day to see all weapons of war turned into plow shears. God bless everyone here and thank you for your service too.

minot - you poor thing

[@zelphx]

After watching this, I am truly embarrassed at what the US has become. However, I will NEVER be ashamed to be an American EVER.

[@dennisboisvert3143]

In the 1960s, I was a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. Every year, we had a two-week encampment with Air Force orientation to encourage us to join the US Air Force. During one such activity, we got a tour of a B-52, climbed inside, and sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats. I remember when I was waiting for my turn and an Air Force Master Sergeant was in a panic, trying to get through the cadets. It turned out that the ejection seats were armed, and the Cadet in line could have thrown the wrong switch. Due to this, I didn't get to sit in the pilot seat, but I did get to fly a simulator. I'm grateful to the sergeant for ensuring our safety. At that time, my older brother was in the Air Force, stationed at Loring Air Force Base, where he worked on the Hound Dog missile, the precursor to the cruise missile guidance system. I was a Cadet in Civil Air Patrol in the 60s Every year we'd have a two-week encampment/Air Force orientation encouraging us to join the US Air Force. As part of our activities, we got a tour of B-52 climbed up inside, and sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats. I had made it through the line to where I was the second person in line to sit in the pilot or copilot seat. As I was waiting for my turn an Air Force Master sergeant Was literally in a panic clawing his way through the cadets. What was the issue the injection seats were armed and all the Cadet had to do was throw the wrong switch needless to say I didn't get to sit in the pilot seat. But I did get to fly a simulator. Thanks to the good sergeant no Cadet was splattered against the hanger ceiling. My older brother was in the Air Force at the time stationed at Loring Air Force Base he worked on the Hound Dog missile, the precursor to the cruise missile on guidance system.

[@badguy1481]

This is a PRIME example of "Gethomeitis". Risking a bad weather landing...to get home, that day! What Jimmy didn't tell us: The crew day doesn't end when a B-52 crew climbs off the aircraft. It's a least another 1-2 hours to attend a "debrief" meeting with maintenance and fill out the necessary crew training records. The normal "crew day" for a training flight was 2 hours, prior. 8-9 hours in flight, 1-2 hours debrief and paperwork.

[@jcheck6]

I am sure the plane was Code 1.

[@radiofreealbemuth8540]

You sound like you’re being a Debbie downer, but you’re 100% right. I knew a Navy CO who had gethomeitis and made the pilot fly despite low gas. The engine sputtered off when they were taxing off the runway. That could’ve been 5 dead men bc he “needed” to get home.

[@jcheck6]

@@radiofreealbemuth8540 Navy certainly does things different. In the AF the aircraft commander is in charge and in the Navy it is whoever the highest ranking person regardless if they are rated or not.

[@radiofreealbemuth8540]

@@jcheck6 That is exactly correct and that was what the power dynamic was in this instance I referred to. An O-5 pressuring a very junior O-3 pilot to do something unsafe.

[@badguy1481]

Before my time at the base I was stationed at, I was told they had a Squadron Commander (or Ops officer, I don't remember which) who ran out of gas, in his KC-135 (B-707) on final approach. He managed to glide the aircraft in to the overrun, hit it, and bounced up on the runway. "Gethomeitis"....ANOTHER almost fatal case.

[@lincbond442]

This video is a wonderful time capsule. Too bad this short film was not included with the DVD & Bluray release of Strategic Air Command.

[@gtopp9619]

Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Big.Ron1]

I was Navy but my best friend was a B-52 Crew Chief up in the UP Michigan. He has told me of some of the things those big birds do. When I was in I spent time at Barksdale AFB in the 70s. An active SAC base. It was very cool and interesting to be on the ramp with those big beasts. The Airforce put us with the MPs to keep us from getting killed by crossing the wrong line. All worked out well. It was really cool to see them work and fly. Last it was cool to see General Stewart narrate this. I hadn't seen this.

[@lewisvanbibber1206]

Hi all. Co pilot at that time , Lewis vanbibber. Jerry McKay was the best AC I flew with. Best crew too. Not known secret , but Jerry was a Captain as were the others on the crew at this time . There were Majors and Lt. Colonels Aircraft Commanders at that time , but we were the best . General Stewart arranged for temporary spot promotions . He thought it would look better for a field grade to be AC.

[@theresaaswad2923]

Hi dad....thanks for the extra info

[@daletesson4630]

In 1959, my family lived in Oklahoma City directly under a glide path into Tinker AFB. I remember the B-52's coming over the house, shaking windows and dishes and my mother about in tears. The kids thought the sight of a '52 was terrific. Good times!

[@BobFarnell]

Absolutely wonderful narration, great story too thank you for posting this

[@podaly]

This was so cool. I was a flightline jet mechanic on B52s and KC135s at GrandForksAFB 319thBW (SAC) in 70s. Peace is our profession...war is just our hobby!😂

[@-.Steven]

Absolutely love this video! I felt as if I were watching a mixture of, It's a Wonderful Life, and Dr. Strangelove. Today is 1-07-2022 and we watched It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Day, 12-25-2021. I own an original 1945 Life magazine with Colonel Jimmy Stewart on the cover, it's a real treasure. I remember that day also buying a 1945 Life magazine with Audie Murphy on the cover, and a couple others, all for $5.00 each. As I watched this video, it was poignant to me to reflect that Jimmy Stewart was a real WWII combat bomber pilot.

[@David-wu7jj]

What a very beautiful and touching film GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR Family's Jimmy Stewart was excellent

[@alwojtas3730]

When America was great and men served proudly.

[@hbmarcott]

12 years after this movie was made, I was stationed at Westover AFB and left during the transition of the base to the Air Force Reserve. I started as a B52 Fire Control Maintenance tech. Then cross trained to the B52 Fire Control and B52 Electronic Warfair radar Simulators tech.

[@darkknight1340]

I've never heard a take off run narrated so intensely,Jimmy Stewart was perfect for this.

[@bret9741]

I miss Jimmy Stewart and his generation of generous, honorable and intelligent men.

[@TVaughan667]

Another great work by James Stewart (as he was billed in all of his movies). While his on-screen work was without parallel, his narration or voice-over work, including his radio series and guest appearances were also stunning. Look up the old-time radio series, The Six Shooter. He plays Britt Ponset, a roving cowboy who seems to be pressed into righting wrongs wherever his travels take him.

[@TVaughan667]

I read a transcript of a radio interview, or perhaps a recording of the interview - some time back, of Mr. Stewart, after his retirement from the Air Force Reserve. The interviewer asked him, "Of your careers in Hollywood or the Air Force, which was more important to you?" Without any hesitation, he replied, "Oh, the Air Force, of course."

[@kimberlyokeeffe5360]

I was born at Westover. These days when I head out west on the Pike I look to see what's in the air and where it's heading. Great film! Thanks for posting and the reminder that we owed a lot to those men who flew those planes.

[@770valiant]

If it was anyone other than James Stewart narrating, it would seem like just propaganda( yes i know it is actually propaganda!!!). He has an emotional attachment to this story and you can tell. Absolutely wonderful to see comments from the relatives of Cowboy 57 crewmembers. Heroes to you, and to me too.

[@gkennedy2998]

I am thrilled by this "short!" BG Stewart is my favorite actor / air force officer / patriot. He rose from Private to Brigadier General. An amazing man. Thank you for posting this. If you have more, please post those as well?

[@Edgy01]

I recall watching B-52s taking off and was always fascinated with how they stayed level-flat. No traditional ‘rotation’ like on other a/c. Was lucky to avoid being Sacumcized through my career when flying, with TAC, and later Electronic Systems Division. This brought back a lot of memories. We’ve come along way. I still recall hearing the Cowboy calls signs when flying throughout the country.

[@brianjarvis313]

I have always noted that too. It’s like they lift off tail first, strange aerodynamic forces at work on the 52

[@shackman1306]

Thank you for sharing this video. My father was the tail Gunner on a B36 Stationed in Rapid City South Dakota. I love too learn as much as possible about the men who are you the tip of the spear in our national defense. As well as that of our allies. Thank you all for your service and your sacrifice.

[@joez996]

19:51 - see a black airman in the audience, sitting with everyone else - in 1959. I wonder who was the first black SAC pilot? I know Robert James Thomas (the father of the late KC Chiefs LB Derrick Thomas) was a co-pilot of a B-52 on a raid over Hanoi in 1972, and was KIA.

[@TheRoyalBavarian]

This whole film is fantastic but no one could have brought it to life like the legend Jimmy Stewart.

[@kaliberimaging5579]

A few tears before this, Boeing introduced the B-52G. I think I was a sophomore in HS. Anyway, I decided I wanted to be an aeronautical engineer because of it. Many detours later including six years in the army and ten years in broadcasting, I went to work for Boeing as an Infrared Engineer/Radar Engineer. About a year on that and I was TDY to Wichita to work on the B-52 smart jammer. I thought it was nice of USAF to keep it around until I got around to working on it.

[@smarterthananatheist]

Very thoughtful of them.

[@zimmerave]

From what i hear they intend to use the 52 until after 2050.Damn.I wonder if any original parts are still on it.You can rebuild anything for a real long time if the core part isn't corroded.

[@kaliberimaging5579]

​@@zimmerave The last I heard, it was 2040, but that was before the re-engining program. It could easily last to 2050. There are a bunch of airframes at Davis-Moffett. When I was working on it, I was told that there were 12 miles of unused wire on the plane.

[@TralfazConstruction]

I saw a B-52 at an airshow at McGuire AFB in New Jersey in 1959. I was three years-old. My parents embellished my memory of that airshow over the years and also there are home movies (somewhat washed-out and dark in places) that reinforce what I remember. The aircraft was gleaming in its silver tones and still had that new B-52 smell. 😉

[@tonyv8925]

I was assigned to the base where Mr. Stewart did the filming aboard the B-52. Our operations center has autographed pictures of Mr. Stewart and other actors and film crew. I got to actually see the B-52 that was used in the movie. It was not a flying aircraft, just the forward section. But it was so cool to see it.

[@captainlegs1]

In 1970 I was a student at nearby Western New England College. This was a busy time for the BUFs out of nearby Westover. I’ll never forget some professor’s frustrations as they had to interrupt their lecture for several minutes as these loud low flying monsters overflew the campus! Despite their angst, it was music to my ears as a future professional pilot!