JACK SPRATT "THE MIRACLE STORY" A WORLD WAR TWO STORY TOLD AS IT WAS

[@arkansaswookie]

39 missions as a ball turret gunner!!!!! That alone is a miracle. I was honored to meet this man at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Mcminnville Oregon. He toured the interior of the B-17 that was there with me, and shared his stories about the missions and his experiences during the war. We talked for a little over an hour. A great man and a fantastic experience.Thank You Jack Spratt, and every veteran that served.

Yes, because it was reckoned that no one could complete 25.

[@reviewswithpappy8058]

Just thought that me self lol my brother in law's dad done 31 mission as rear gunner even worse

[@frank1847]

Did anyone else shed a tear at the end there ? I couldnt help it . What a wonderful story . Thank you Jack we all owe you for what you did .

[@ericnelson4122]

)

holding them back what brave young men they were r i p

[@laurakirk4129]

absolutely! I LOVE THIS!

[@hatninja1]

NO BUT I GOT A WOODY.

[@nathanbeasley1234]

We owe men like you so much...Thanks Jack, sincerely from England

[@craigthomas486]

Amen!

[@bafongue1]

Too bad the kids today are pussys!

[@KKBundy12345]

and I apologize to Mr Spratt(and others) for all the hateful persons who have been elected to our Congress and don't care about veterans like this gentleman.

[@madmomx5]

My father was the Captain Spencer (the pilot of this aircraft). He kept his plane in the air long enough to allow the crew to bail out, and then crash landed the plane, being too low to bail out himself. The first my mother back in the US, learned of this mission was when the crew photo shown in the video was published in the local paper. My father passed away in 1996 and the Bronze Star was among all his other medals. I still have the clipping from the local paper.

[@paulweisgerber7654]

madmomx5 your father was the biggest hero of the crew that day, as he knew, I’m sure, that he wouldn’t get the chance to bail. He kept the plane up long enough for everyone else to get out, and took his chances. Much respect to his memory! I love listening to these Vets tell their stories, and your fathers, as told by Jack here, stands out because of the bronze star decoration by Gen. Patton. A deserving end to 39 missions without a scratch to any of his crew. The next time you go to the cemetery to visit him, please give him a salute from me, and from all else who appreciate what he did.

[@virginiamcdevitt9383]

Paul Weisgerber Thank you sir, for your kind words...I miss my daddy every day, even as a 65 year old woman! Years after returning home from serving in Vietnam, he told me he was spat upon in the SEATAC airport as he arrived back stateside. He passes away due to complications from what is now recognized as a cluster of illness called Agent Orange Syndrome, but never filed for disability-stating that it was his duty and his job...

[@paulweisgerber7654]

Virginia McDevitt no thanks necessary, Virginia, as he deserves all that and more. He sounds like an honorable man, one who I would have loved to have met. Parents are always parents, always there for us, and even when they are gone they sometimes have a way of still being there. All it takes is a few fond memories and they are back. I’m sure your father took that responsibility just as seriously as ever other, and he’s still with you, keeping you safe. Miss him, but don’t mourn him. He lived a life more full than most, and earned his place with God. Have a good evening, Virginia. But don’t call me sir, lol. 😀

[@budman30k]

madmomx5 That is a great story those guys truly were the greatest generation ever .

[@arkansaswookie]

When I met Mr.Spratt, he spoke highly of your father. With honor and much respect to all of the men that served in Army Air Corp during WW2.

[@ragandoil]

Sir I am an Englishman , and thank you and all the yanks for my freedom

[@uhlijohn]

I wonder if you know, mate, that it was the British plutocrats that set Hitler up to begin with? Ever hear of the Milner group? Hitler was being funded by British and American bankers and industrialists! After the war, Dulles, the CIA director, instituted Operation Stovepipe to keep all of that information about Wall St. funding Hitler top secret. A former British intelligence officer, Antony Sutton, wrote a book about Wall Street's support of Hitler!

[@pinsboy]

I am a northern Englishman and my nana said you yanks nicked her wheelbarrow and never gave it back.

[@bipolatelly9806]

ragandoil lol What freedom is that? The freedom not to know? You have it in spades....

[@bipolatelly9806]

uhlijohn Well.... The whole ww2 narrative is complete bollocks.

[@christopher480]

@ragandoil.....us canadian jumped in to help you brits long before the americans,,,,,if it wasnt for our help you would be speaking german......but hey thats ok just forget about us lil canadians that actually stood by your the whole time....not like the johny come lately americans...fyi they did the same thing in ww1

[@lotharsawalt8620]

I`m now 69 years of age, ... was born in 1947, ... and Jack Spratt just told me, that he had 68 years of a wonderful time, since 1944, ... imagine!!! Jack is a precious human being, it was a pleasure to listen to his true story. Thank You Jack!!! Perhaps some day, we`ll meet above "30 000" feet!!!!!

[@elvisischrist]

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you Mr. Spratt a true member of the greatest generation.

[@ruthbaker6672]

Unfortunately, I feel that now, most people have forgotten the sacrifices these heroes made. Everything is taken for granted. People seem preoccupied with vanity, jealousy, resentment, and all things trivial.

[@elvisischrist]

@@ruthbaker6672 I agree. It's a sad world. The irony of not learning from the past and being destined to make the same mistakes again (and again) is clearly evident.

[@hamiltonfixedrider]

Well done. It's great that someone has taken the initiative to record these stories of the people that put their life on the line decades ago for our freedom today.

[@janbadinski7126]

Bless this excellent man. Had a friend who was a WWII veteran. I could listen to him tell his stories all day and never get tired of it. I could say the same thing about this man. Thank you for your service, and to all that serve our country.

[@jtoddjb]

what a great story Thank you for sharing. Please everyone if you have access to a veteran put a camera on him and get him talking about the war and post it to youtube. We are losing these men and their stories. We need to preserve this history because it's already being rewritten

[@gunsaway1]

What a wonderful story! You are a great man Jack and all of your comrades who flew those missions. Honor, Guts, and commitment

[@TheMainMayn]

God bless you man. Wow. What a story. Flew 38 bombing missions as a ball turret gunner, landed safely with a faulty parachute (thank God), awarded a bronze star from General Patton. I've read and seen the stats for life expectancy and average missions for a B-17 ball turret gunner, and like you've said your testimony is a miracle in itself; especially flying 38 missions. That's something. I'm so glad I watched this whole thing. Peace to you, Sir. And I'm glad that bronze medal you and your crew received was endorsed by higher command. You guys deserved that decoration, and Patton knew that too. I'm honoured to have heard this story from you. This is kinda making me emotional. Honestly, thank you.

[@RivetGardener]

What an outstanding, wonderful and historical archive you have created here Mr Topcameraman.... and a proud salute to Staff Sergeant Spratt for his service and efforts not only during WW2 but in sharing his experiences for the rest of us to relive and marvel at. Unbelievable courage these men had.

[@edwordwhy9491]

Thank you for this interview. It is an honor to hear the stories from those who experienced it first hand. Simply amazing.

[@bamfamba]

beautiful and brave, so proud of your and your service as my father was stationed at Podington UK in the 326th BG and was shot down over Germany Sept 22 1944 and spent balance of war as POW in Stalag Luft 3. One week before your incredible mission.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

WOW...What a grate true story from a very brave man....He is Blessed...Thank you very much...To be sure...!

[@sanjitsaha5000]

Crikey it's like listening to my Grandpa's stories from his time in the trenches in WW1 very interesting indeed thank you sir

[@NoodleCollectors]

Thank you Mr. Spratt for all you gave! Highest respect from The Netherlands.

[@davef.2811]

They truly were the greatest generation. God bless you and thank you for your service, Mr. Spratt. My dad was AAC (B-24) and his little brother got shot at Normandy and died in a French hospital 10 days later.

[@sparrowfalls]

Just a True American,Very Patriotic and loved his Country Dearly,I have flown in 2 B17 and have some kind of idea of the conditions that these brave men had to endure,If only our generation had half the Patriotism that these Brave souls had for America,MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL.

[@charlesg1150]

Thank you Jack, may the greatest generation live on in memory forever.

[@theflash01100]

I have no words to express my respect. Fly on my brother aviator.

[@user-dv8ge8hf1o]

Truly inspiring. They were truly the greatest generation. God bless you Sir and Semper Fi!

[@destinjohnny007]

Thank you Mr. Jack for giving us the world we live in. You men laid it on the line. It’s appreciated and not forgotten.

[@cap304]

Thank you Sir for your service. Thank you for telling this story.

[@ThePponu]

AMAZINGLY humbling and yet... what America IS MADE OF. Thank You Sgt. Spratt. Your sir, are an American hero.

[@wcstevens7]

L Mar ..It was gentlemen like him that helped win the war. NOT the top brass, not the politicians, not the freeloading war-profiteers...Thanks Jack...You and your mates kicked some arse.

[@AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc]

What America WAS made of. Girl boys and lefty snowflakes abound now who won’t work

[@granskare]

This is an amazing story. My friend was a TSGT was a radio operator and became a POW of the Germans in the war and he got an air medal.

[@willmoritz5493]

what a wonderful story. God blessed you sir and continues to this day, thank you for your service and thank you for telling this story!!!

[@allandavis8201]

Incredible strength of character and valour, not just Mr Spratt, but anyone who fought in WWII, but especially the men who flew in the daylight bombing raids. I cant imagine how much mental strength it would take to get into the ball turret, totally isolated from the rest of the crew with only the sound of your own breathing and the occasional comment on the intercom for company,. A very brave and, for want of a better word, lucky man. Thanks for your service, you and every other man who fought to give us the freedoms we have today.

[@TOPCAMERAMAN]

Hello, Thank you for your nice comment Jack is a fantastic man I spent a whole week filming his stories stay tuned for more to come. Kind Regards John

[@pedrosilvaprado]

Thanks you Sir for your service!!! From Brazil... God bless you!

[@amypirtle7853]

I have always loved the story of The Homesick Angel. As the granddaughter of "Jenkins" it always warms my heart to hear the story about that little boy who led my grandfather and Mr. Spratt to General Patton. Thank you for sharing this series of videos. It is an amazing story and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing it from Mr. Spratt's point of view. :) Blessings, Amy Jenkins Pirtle

[@artd.]

Thank you Sir. what a wonderful Story and history lesson.

[@howardroberts6862]

From England, Such an unbelievable generation. God bless you Jack.

[@delprice3007]

What a great story and now it's a special memory for everyone who respects such courage and duty. Many thanks to you.

[@kaycox5555]

THANK YOU so much for sharing Mr. Spratt!! Story is fantastic!

[@telinacredit4284]

Kayinfso Here xxxx.h, I have beenxx,.com

[@johnbrown9988]

Thank you sir for service for us and our country, may God richly bless you.

Sindelfingen, Singlefinger-thats funny as hell. That ball turret was the scariest position on the plane. Much respect Mr. Spratt. My father landed on Omaha beach in the first wave. My biggest regret is I didn't give him the respect he deserved.

[@DaveSCameron]

We all ultimately regret what wasn't said to our parents however I am pretty certain you tell your children you love them often and answer fully anything they ask? Well that is all your dad's doing my friend. Best wishes. X

[@hendrickotto103]

On a lighter note, this golden generation member forgot to mention he also flew over Mittelfingen.....The right gesture at the time.

Yes Indeed when B17s had to crash-land without landing gear! True, because when you are going you do not realize what fathers did.

[@Trucker1957]

I loved the story, Thank you Mr. Spratt, God bless you.

[@tomthompson5154]

Listen to all this detail! His mind is sharp as a tack!

[@unitedwestand5100]

Tom Thompson ,. I think he's exaggerating a little. Esp about the bronze star. You've got to have orders for it. It takes more than someone handing it to you.

[@CSmart-ln1qm]

I agree--his mind is amazingly sharp. A most interesting hour with a very brave man.

[@philosopher0076]

United we Stand ...He has a damn photo of him and his group with their 9 bronze stars. Didn't you see it?? And you really think he would be foggy about meeting Patton and the details of what Patton said? Not to mention that he has the letter from the Colonel, who he NAMED, that was an attorney pre-war, who wrote a letter for each of them explaining they were given the Bronze stars by Gen.Patton, under Patton's command for five days and that Patton giving them the awards, gave them permission militarily to have and wear the Bronze Star. Come on man. Pay attention. Where is there any " exaggeration " in this veteran's explanation? Ugh.

[@williamescolantejr5871]

@@CSmart-ln1qm If its your life on the line you will have a sharp as hell memory about what happenend alright.Thats the trouble with ptsd.Lucky few who didn't have it afterwards many years later may still have this kind of recall.He was a real hero for keep going back time an trime again an I salute them all

[@tiredowalkin]

May God bless you and your family....such a touching story, and only a tip of the iceberg of your devotion to God and country.

[@angelhelp777]

I noticed both wedding bands on your hand. God bless both of you, not only for what you did in the war, but for your strong faith and testimony for giving God the glory. Some day you will be with your wife again and both will stand before God where he will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home!"

[@motorcop505]

Fantastic! A true, humble hero! Thank God for men like SSG Jack Spratt! 🇺🇸

[@grandadlovestheo2387]

What a fantastic story from a fantastic man . God bless you. Respect from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️🇺🇸

[@allanlindsay8369]

Thank you Jack for being a wonderful human being. No wonder God sought to protect you, his faithful servant that day.

[@BackFromTheMadeUp]

Yes, I agree. From what I read about Jesus, he is certainly the kind of guy who would have fully supported war, especially machines designed to drop bombs on indiscriminate civilians - babies and children and stuff. Yup, Jesus would have been "let's do this" for sure. Just one question though... if your God interceded to protect this one man, then by extension he is totally cool with all the innocent babies dying in flames that he doesn't protect? Or, and I admit this is a crazy thought....maybe humans have just made all this God stuff up, and it's just us and our actions?

[@amisoftau2659]

Nope. that leaves you with the very real problem of explaining just who or what designed and created humanity, life and the universe. Recall that "the big bang" theory in summary says that "everything came from nothing" which is of course not a sane explanation for anything. Recall that Evolutionism, the Evolution theory, is a failure. As Darwin said, well before now real evidence for evolution should be found in the fossil record. But it has not. As a spiritual being, you should ask any real Christian about their spiritual communication with the Creator. Jesus Christ is the most famous man in all history, and with good reason. For slandering his good name, you should be ashamed.

[@WootTootZoot]

Your off on a red herring chase. If you want your idea of a deity to be proven, along with your lack of understanding of science, then your Mr Invisible needs to show up personally, in physical personal appearance without any of your typical mystical bullshit excuses and explain a few things. I'll be in the garage working on my car if "He" can't find me.

[@philosopher0076]

amisoftau ...Please give a scientific, full explanation of what, " nothing " is. Scientists have no evidence of proving a " nothing ". So please tell us about this " nothing " you spoke of in regard to the " creation " of this universe we are in.

[@weneedtermlimits]

@@BackFromTheMadeUp And what would your plan be to stop the Nazis then? Please enlighten us with your wisdom...

[@lovefist208]

epic story told by an epic storyteller. thankyou

[@jerryfox297]

Yep the Greatest Generation. Thanks for posting this interview you done a good job. The old man made a few mistakes but, I only hope my mind is as keen as his when/if I'm his age. My Dad served in the South Pacific with the SeaBees and he couldn't get past the tears long enough to tell a story. So, thanks to KZbin and the internet I love to hear stories from these respectable grand men. Other allies need credit also. Canada, Australia and many more helped win that blasted war.

[@CSmart-ln1qm]

Like your Dad, mine served in the Pacific and almost never said anything about the war. My Dad saw some horrendous things, and for years he had trouble sleeping.

[@fazole]

What a great storyteller. Reminds me a little of Andy Rooney. Thank you sir!

[@AbdiPianoChannel]

Thank you sir for your amazing memory and your wonderful war story. You are very brave man.

[@HUMPTYNUGGET]

What a wonderful human being Mr Spratt is , my dad was from his generation and was in the Royal Navy , we will never see again thier like .

[@cabbagenjam]

Imagine being cramped up in the ball turret for 6 hours, jeez. I'll never complain about Ryanair again haha. Great story told with great details!

[@britgerus1956Glenn]

I'm sure he said 9hrs , either way crazy, combating leg cramps etc, unbelievable

[@stevenpeat3447]

Tree niner, missions as a ball turret gunner, wow, someone up there loves you, on this side of the grass, thank you jack, salute.

[@skyservenews7605]

Thank you for sharing your harrowing experiences. You have honored yourself as well as your country. I remember watching the "Memphis Bell" on a DC-10 I was working as a flight crew/flight attendant. I still see the guy in the nose of the B-17 falling out after being hit. The thought of getting shot or blow out of the sky...Well, lets say 20 years latter I still have nightmares. What you did in that Ball Turret is nothing shy of heroic.

[@ryankuhnsjackal9348]

Thanks you for your story I appreciate it

[@uralbob1]

Beautiful, wonderful story! We owe these guys so much! Love to Jack's family!

[@RiAh4606]

WOW!!! Thank you for this wonderful story!

[@yellowboy1866]

Thanks Jack for sharing your story.

[@ogstopper]

Greetings from across the pond, Jack and Family. Thank you sir, for giving us your service and for giving us our freedom. Never forgotten.

[@whiteknight69ful]

Awesome!! Love men like this!! Thank you sir!!

[@angelsolis5077]

Thank you for charing that great story. And God bless all of my brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces. From the time of the American Revolutionary War, to the war in Afghanistan. Thank you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Arms. Thank you Veterans. God Bless America. ✝️🇺🇸💯🗽⚔️ Hooah!

[@brsrc759]

Wow I can't believe he made it through 39 missions unscaved and then a tiny little tree limb saved him on his only mishap. Mind blowing!

[@BlackJoak61]

One of the best accounts that I've heard. My dad was in WW2 at The Bulge. I wish I could have gotten his story before he passed away, but other than a little story or two about his buddies and how cold it was, he preferred not to say much about it and I had to respect that. Thanks to all service men, past and present, for their bravery.

[@nekeke1]

Thank you very much for your service, Sir. I salute you.

[@slileikyte]

I don't get how can some one dis like the video or the story ?? Amazing story. Thank you .

[@spartonhalo83]

If what little vets would tell there storys like you a great hour of my time

[@TOPCAMERAMAN]

Hello,Thank you for all your very kind comments Jack is from the Greatest generation and his true stories are just amazing. Kind Regards John (TOPCAMERMAN)

[@scoobbbbbydo]

54:39 got a tear in my eye thank you for the story Jack for those that serve i salute you

[@tiedyedkarma]

Respect

[@lrayvick]

Jack Spratt - 1921-2018. RIP good soldier.

[@Lesh1170]

I could listen not only to jack but the large majority of this age group telling stories of the war not only the combat but the whole thing good story Jack, you can fly with me anytime.

[@rfw700]

What a fascinating story. Told by a true hero. Thanks for uploading it.

[@docholidayoutlaws104]

Sir, my hat goes off to you & your service as a WWII Vet. Which to me & your story is great along with your service & duty & it is a pleasure for me to have heard such a story about what you went through along with the story about General George C. Patton & the medal he awarded you with which in my opinion you deserve so God Bless you, your family & most of all, thank you for sharing such a significant piece of history with me about your years as a soldier which will remain a great memory for myself, thank you!

[@neatstuff8200]

Best first hand account I've ever heard. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice Jack Sprat.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Thanks for your service Sir.

[@dougtaylor7724]

I’ve had the honor of being around quite a few people that served close to General Patton. All were like this man, they held Patton in the highest regard. Not one said a negative thing. My Father received a unit citation from the General. Such an honor to watch this video and hear his story. Nice to see someone with such a good memory.

[@mariongamboa2644]

What a story... listening to it by earphones and my eyes closed, i really get the picture and every detail of it... specially how Gen Patton's face turns to red😉😉😉

[@danielsmith636]

What a wonderful story I've enjoyed it a lot thank you for sharing that God bless you

[@mmk749]

Amazing gentleman, amazing story!

[@Derek0846]

This has been the most rewarding video I have ever seen on KZbin; I was spellbound for the whole 54 minutes. What a genuinely humble hero Jack is and what a testimony he has to share. He has brought tears to my eyes.

[@bteuben-faber8215]

Thank you so much sir for all you have done for our freedom! The miracle is that God gave the world men as you are, to fight against the evil. God bless you and your veteran-brothers! From Holland with love. 🧡

[@mikemcghee5413]

Great story. It was a miracle!

[@rohawaha]

When uncommon valor was common ! The Greatest Generation ! And he is still grateful to God and loves his wife with all his heart makes me proud to be an American.

[@davefletch100]

Amazing gentleman.

[@aloha29wind36]

Lovely story of courage....thanks Jack, Frenchs thanks you guys the US boys, a Frenchman

[@jenskjaer8867]

Thankyou Mr. Spratt.

[@dedowd9335]

Great story Jack. Thanks for being there for US!

[@RivetGardener]

You are very welcome sir, you have done an outstanding job putting this series together!

[@kathyh4804]

That WAS a miracle! The Lord God Almighty sent that little wind to spare his life Thank you for sharing this great memory

[@ronaldwarren5220]

It sounds very weak to say, but "Thank you sir for your bravery and service to this country!" My father was on the ground there as a combat engineer for the 3rd Army and survived the war.

[@lynnarmstrong7069]

Bless you. My father in law was a pilot that was shot down over Itaky and was a pow. These stories tell us so much about that part of their life.

[@jimmylangston421]

these are m6 favorite type of story's, amazing story from an amazing person. and i know that his faith is what always kept him and his whole crew safe. what a testament to what our lord can do

[@rickwilliams1108]

great story

[@whelpdog1]

Jack, A Salute to you, (From an Army guy) 1963-1966, Bronze Star? Medal of Honor, in my opinion.

[@ziblot1235]

Oh please. Bronze Star was a gift. My father was with the group of guys who took the Bridge at Remagen. He was wonded, shot in the chest, above his heart. He got a Bronze star and PH. Deservedly. I was a Corpsman during the VietNam conflict. I served in SOuth China sea, never in country. I was lucky. He woulld have got a scratch if he had been in the infantry..in any army. My uincle who I am very proud of was with the 16th Pzr inStalingrad. He was wounded 3 times. 39-45. Then prisoner in SIberia till 54.

[@dedowd9335]

@@ziblot1235 Thanks to your dad for being there. He must have been in the same outfit as my dad. The 310th Inf. Reg., 78th Inf. Division. He was severely wounded March 4th 1945 just before the bridge was taken.

[@enyaw1948]

GREAT STORY! GREAT ADVENTURE !

[@johnleber3369]

What a fantastic story! This airman just typlifies those who fought in WW11.And 39 missions in a ball turret is a miracle in its self let alone landing without his main chute!

[@Holy_hand-grenade]

What a remarkable man. Nothing can well up my eyes faster than the sacrifices and bravery that these men made with the whole world on fire.

[@ronlee9638]

What a amazing story Mr.Spratt has told us, in such detail ... thank you sir for your service, and for effort to allow the lifestyle we have today, Best wishes to his family from Australia

[@tomthompson5154]

Tough, tough kids. Thanks for serving.

[@clivegreenall309]

Thank You Sir, For your service during the war years and for sharing your Miracle. You and your comrades stand as examples to a selfless dedication to duty and honour May God bless you all. Regards from S Africa Clive

[@Bohica706]

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing