RADIOMAN FLYER: Taking a WWII Aircrewman back up in a TBM Avenger

This featurette is available on the "Eleven" Blu-ray at: www.ElevenTheMovie.com/
"Radioman Flyer" is a short documentary featuring U.S. Navy Carrier Air Group 11 veteran, Verg Bloomquist from Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11). Bloomquist was an Aviation Radioman 1st Class in the TBM Avenger flying missions off the USS Hornet (CV-12) in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Filmed on-location in Peru, IL at the 2nd Annual TBM Avenger Gathering on May 20, 2017.
#ElevenTheMovie
Copyright © 2017 Lazy Panda Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[@charlie1571]

God bless you. My dad just passed away. He was a turret gunner on the Avenger and he would have loved this video. I really miss him.

[@michaelmorgan9824]

Why am I crying? I'm 68! It's so emotional and I think of all his memories written in his face.. Thank you for this video. God Bless you Sir for your service!!!

[@seansky2721]

You aren't alone, Sir.

[@doncarlson8391]

It happens when you're 62.

[@grantrichards4950]

Thank you so much for posting this. My father served as a radioman/gunner/radar operator on the TBM as well and I see him in this gentleman. My dad passed away at 84 but I had the opportunity to take him to a local air museum where they had a TBM-3, similar to the ones he flew in. The first thing he said when he saw the plane was "Well I'll be!" He had a big smile on his face. I cherish those moments with him. If you are blessed to have a WWII vet in the family or your neighborhood, take the time to talk to them. You'll be richer for it.

[@bwhip]

One of the most under-viewed, under-rated videos on KZbin.

[@benrosumny6037]

I was just reading my Dad's flight log from 1943, he was a radioman/tail gunner on USS Essex in VT9 squadron. He was in the campaigns at Marcus, Wake, Tarawa, Rabaul, Truk and the raid on Kwajalein. They did mostly bombing on the islands (one 2000 lb. or 4 500lb. or 12 100 lb. bombs) They successfully torpedoed a heavy cruiser in Rabaul harbor. What can you say, our Dads were heroes.

[@johnfoster535]

My dad was an Avenger radioman and gunner, too. I still have his flying helmet , log books, and even his hand drawn schematics of the radar system. He was in many of the same places as your dad.........we are lucky to be here !! I was always so proud of my cigar chomping WWII all the way dad !!

[@jestioko8741]

This is amazing. Watching his reactions and putting myself in his shoes, I got chicken skin. Speechless. Truly a different breed.

[@charlie991956]

watching that mans face brought tears to my eyes.

[@laurajohnson8958]

My Dad who is still alive at 95 was a pilot of this plane. He flew off aircraft carriers in the Pacific in World War II. He was also a pilot in the Korean War!!!

[@pappyodanial]

Wow. That's amazing.

[@williammawk1720]

A very dear friend of mine who passed a few years ago was the tail gunner on one of these TBM's. These mighty warriors stepped up back then and accepted the challenge. Some of the things they must have gone thru. These men and women and what they accomplished must never be forgotten. God Bless Them All...

[@larryfinley9221]

great video....I think that old warrior could go on a mission tomorrow, and still get it back to the carrier! 72 years ago or today, it doesn't matter....he was definitely cool and composed.

[@jamesschrang3712]

God bless all our combat veterans from the Revolutionary War till today!!!

[@jimtownsend7899]

Love it! Watching the flight reminds me of my last flight on July 7, 1995, which was 20 years from the day I enlisted. It was also the last flight for my XO, who was one hell of a guy. We taxied in under the spray of the firetrucks, and after engine shutdown, I lowered the ladder one last time, and we deplaned. All my aircrewmen were there to douse us with champagne, and then to rinse off all the "salt" (from 20 years of Naval service), the firetrucks hosed us down. Just glad it was July and not January! To listen to Verg talk about his airplane, it brought a tear to my eye just to think about mine. I understand exactly how he felt. All these years later, I can close my eyes and in my mind, I can walk through the plane, seeing, feeling, and smelling everything along the way. Thanks for all your work finding these guys and making the documentaries. You do great honor for them, and you help us honor them and appreciate what they went through. We owe them a debt we can never repay. J. R. Townsend AWC(AW/NAC) USN, Retired

[@diannejackson9558]

Loved watching this. My dad was a gunner on a TBM off of the Hornet CV-12 and in the Marianas Turkey Shoot, among others. He left us way too early at 77 but it warmed my heart to listen and watch this wonderful man reminiscing with this aircraft. Such brave men from that amazing generation, lest we forget! Thank you for this!

[@tonydeleo3642]

Thank you for giving Verg such a wonderful gift, he is a hero, as are all who have and currently serve, they deserve our respect;, reverence and, most of all, out thanks!!!

[@fredvanduyne8684]

My dad was a gunner with VT- 10 the "Buzzard Brigade " loved this

[@Querencias7]

O U T S T A N D I N G ... to see and listen to this kind veteran of WW II, visiting an old, loyal and dear friend, the TBM. Quite an emotional experience for him, for us. Many thanks for posting this video. And thanks indeed to you Mr. Bloomquist.

[@jchantw]

The old breed.. never again, never repeated.. God bless you sir for your service n sacrifice for our freedom...,🇺🇲

[@davidryan4127]

These stories give me strength in times of doubt. Without their testimony most of us would not understand the sacrifice and determination a human being can have. I pass these on to my children and grandchildren so they will know and also never forget.

[@stulynn2005]

Inspirational and heart warming to hear him talk about his time with a TBM. I will remember him the next time I fly in Avenger309

[@secretagent86]

respect to this veteran .... thank you for your service

[@terryrussel3369]

These interviews are so well done. PRICELESS. God Bless America

[@doncarlson8391]

Thanks to all that made this happen.

[@davidgpeterson]

Beautiful. Imagine what he must have been feeling.

[@butchyshoe]

This was very emotional for this man. And I felt it to.

[@JoseHCornielesYV5COR]

Wooow, the feeling of emotion of seeing that veteran relive those moments again has no comparison with anything. He immediately reminds me of my father, incredible. My admiration for the family of Mr. Verg Bloomqist

[@christisking1316]

Awesome Story! God Bless All our Veterans! My Dad was an Armourer on 17's & 24's in Egypt & Italy! Lost Him in 1997.

[@handy335]

Thank you for an excellent presentation! Just fabulous! Plus, I haven't seen two TBM's in formation since 1966!

[@fedos]

My grandfather was a TBF Avenger radioman/gunner on the USS Antietam (Cv-36).

[@gene2200]

Thank you so much for your service, my fathers squadron had trained for night missions then sent to the USS Enterprise, he was also the radioman. I've wondered for yrs what is was like, now I know, thank you so much. He loved that plane! Luckily I live very close to Smartt Field in St Charles, Mo that has one that's restored along with a B 25 that do a " pumpkin drop" every October. It's an army vs navy competition of gord bombing a bullseye, it's a blast from the past, Dad would of loved it I know. He was a great photographer, have photos of their formation from his view and many on the ground. Don't know how to post them here

[@curtgomes]

For some years I worked with a gentleman by the name of Clyde Harris. One weekend I saw the movie 'Tora Tora Tora' and told Clyde about it. He said he saw it too and he startled me by stating "they can never capture the smell of cordite during a battle". Clyde too was a radioman-gunner on a TBM. I pressed him further and told me that he had participated in the Battle of Midway. His description of the scene was incredibly interesting. His plane was one of the few to survive, but had plenty of battle damage. He said it was so shot up that when they got back to the carrier (Hornet I believe) they pulled out the radio equipment, etc, and pushed it over the side. They were flying the next day in a different plane. He referred to the .30 cal machine gun as the 'stinger'. He flew quite a few more missions with the same crew and had lots of close calls. Coming back to the carrier was especially hazardous because CAP would jump your plane if all was not exactly correct. Clyde passed away about a dozen years ago. His family posted many photos of him as a young man in the Navy. He also had many decorations. He told me how he actually saw a Japanese carrier listing and men and equipment sliding off the deck. So much more. That generation is rightfully called, "The Greatest Generation". They earned it many times over.

[@luckyguy600]

A fine tribute to a job well done so many years ago, before I was even born. Nice.

[@calvacoca]

Guys never forgot the time they passed in the army during war. It was a so intense moments. It was also the case of my grandfather, after ww1, and my father, after ww2...

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for posting

[@e2tHesquared]

my grandfather was in the same position on a TBM based off the USS Saipan, so much respect

[@gringofett3944]

Brilliant. Thank you very much.

[@zepedrofd]

Very touching video!

[@cameronhansen3775]

Excellent video, thank you, and great job!!

[@beachcityboy02]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing this great man's story. God bless him !

[@johnharris7353]

God bless this wonderful gentleman. Boy it didn't bother him a bit to fly again, up there where he belongs! He was just going home again.

[@TheHuntercamper]

Thank you

[@sarimeltzer599]

BRAVO! Tear in my eye. Beautiful video and tribute.

[@dennisjay3277]

Thank you for your service!

[@timshull59]

Thank you Sir

[@billdewahl7007]

Thank you for this. A rare account from the men who got them there AND got them back.

[@johnwriter8234]

My Dad had the same job this man did..great vid!

[@mikedillon7268]

FANTASTIC VIDEO !!!!!!

[@keithlawrence7682]

Bless you sir. My dad was a radioman in that plane and was on the uss hornet.

[@ericreinoehl9402]

My grandfather was the same guy different squadron, just went throughhis log book and stuff. Thanks for sharing this

[@kevinballenger1211]

I Love Listening To Their Stories! ⚓

[@markgordon2260]

Thanks you.

[@philbrooks3506]

Wonderful!!

[@Road38910]

Priceless.....

[@brianhuss9184]

Water cannon salute was a nice touch and very appropriate.

[@fullborev8906]

Salute! Hats off to you.

[@Ionalito]

God bless all of those brave men.

[@petebjerkelund5088]

That was beautiful.

[@jillchandler8532]

What a precious man. Only he knows what those blue eyes saw!

[@joesmith3501]

Wow. That was awesome

[@jantuk5131]

Nice vid

[@PaulAdamssongs]

I think I was there that day and spoke to you. My dad was a pilot on the avenger

[@CSRIII]

Got me misty for sure. My dad was AMM for Avengers on USS Franklin. Greatest generation for sure. Thanks mom and dad. Sorry kids.

[@blusnuby2]

Honor Flight with a very PRECIOUS cargo....Hoo Rah !

[@thomasmusso1147]

Salute .. Respect 👍.

[@AnthonyTRiggio]

I think it must be dusty here. My eyes are watering.

[@Limbwalker1000]

Dang it.....And I also forgot to say that at least when you went up this time no one was shooting at you and trying to kill you......Just a nice peaceful flight.

[@cbroz7492]

...my dad's business partner, Jack, was a radioman on an Avenger

[@charlescasey9799]

tbm used till about 1960 for on board delivery of mail light cargo passengers vr 24 cod detachment Naples Italy turret was changed to passenger seat

[@paulw176]

wow!

[@bluesmokerH1]

The good ol' days when you dispensed chaff right out the door!

[@600joe]

My grandfather on my mothers side and my aunt on my fathers side helped build these planes in West Trenton NJ. My aunt was named Rose. And she did the riveting. A real Rosie the.......

[@fleafleaker9992]

What is this water comming out of my eyes

[@tomservo5347]

Head still on a swivel while flying as he'd been trained to do all these years later.

[@DividedByZeero]

Ah, One of the hornet’s fliers which might have saw the sinking of the IJN Yamato along with the few more that are still around A veteran reuniting with an aircraft that saw the Second World War Lets reunite him with the ship he served on someday with his little time left

[@Zarastro54]

What was the hose for?

[@paulhightower9086]

It's usually for a service person or aircraft making its last flight.

[@calvacoca]

😥

[@user-pe8gz7mx6rtank]

Great Hero!