Gilcrest, John B-17 Pilot

B-17 airman stationed in England during WWII with the 390th Bomb Group describing his training and missions. Gilcrest enlisted into the Army Air Corps after graduating high school in 1943. Before beginning the depth of his training, Gilcrest went to the University of Minnesota as part of a college training detachment. His training after included pre-flight training in Santa Ana, flight school in Arizona, advanced twin engines training in Texas, and training with the B-17 in New Mexico. Gilcrest came together with his crew in Iowa, being assigned to be the pilot for crew #21, 568th squadron. Gilcrest and his crew deployed to Europe via a ship in 1944. By the end of his tour, Gilcrest had completed 28 missions.

[@realwealthproperties5671]

We owe so much to men like Mr. Gilchrist and hundreds of thousands others. They are also humble. He is in such a person worthy of respect and admiration.

[@KHKH-os6kt]

I had an American cousin who flew B17s during ww2 in Europe, it sure had an effect on his life. He was always very quiet and never argued with anybody.I felt his spirit was broken.

[@davidkimmel4216]

Wonderful interview. Thank You

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. Raymond

[@richardpark3054]

Thank you, Capt Gilcrest and Mr McFalone.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're very welcome and thanks for watching.

[@burtthebeast4239]

Thank you Sir, God bless you ALL 🙏

[@artswri]

Good CRM ,way before it became a thing! An exceptional individual!

[@leesherman100]

If this gentleman settled in Lafayette Cal. then I lived directly across the street from him when I was in my teens. That family was named the Gilcrest's. I knew that he was a B-17 pilot and worked for Kaiser. My address was at 1165 Glen Rd. I regret that I never really had the chance to formally meet him. Small world I must say.

[@wattage2007]

So many of these guys just got on with their lives and kept their stories to themselves. When I was growing up, we used to see a polite old neighbour from along the road cycling to the bowling club most days. It was only when he passed away years later, we discovered he was a decorated RAF pilot who flew dozens of missions in Lancasters during the war. My dad being ex-RAF (1950-1953) was really upset that he hadn’t known this when the chap was alive but that was how that generation were I suppose; didn’t like to blow their own trumpet.

[@sgilcrest3]

That's my grandpa! I was looking for this, happy to hear his memory lives on in more than just me and immediate family.

[@leesherman100]

@@sgilcrest3 I'm glad that you found this video of your grandfathers. He was a most special person, pilot, husband and father without question. 😎

[@stevegilcrest8190]

Lee you did live across the street. He was from Lafayette.

[@leesherman100]

@@stevegilcrest8190 my mother and I lived at 1165 glen from 66 till 69. She lived there until 76. We loved the place.

[@dipdo7675]

Mr. Gilcrest passed away March 28, 2014 at age 90. Not forgotten!!

[@loveshisharley]

Thanks for another great interview!

[@ronhaworth5471]

Thank you for unwavering service, USA.

[@c.miller3802]

A familiar story about making it through it and coming home. Getting sick saved his life . It wasn't his time to go , he was chosen to live

[@larspederbjorendalhollaend4875]

10 stars

[@drstrangelove4998]

Interesting early use of Napalm in WW2 on German troops in the woods in the S of France.

[@warrenchambers4819]

Thank you for your service Mr Gilcrest. I've spent many decades studying the 8th A.A.F. and I must say you men had real brass ones. Hero's everyone.

[@flybouy11]

An educated successful family.

[@jamesburns2232]

Those Boy Scouts were lucky to have a Military Veteran like Mr. Gilcrest as their Scout Master. The fact that they all made it back from the Viet Nam war is in some measure due to Mr. Gilcrest's steady leadership and help learning survival and camping skills. 🪖