The Flying Fortress - In Their Own Words

Listen to the men who flew the B17 Flying Fortress into combat in WWII describe their experiences - in their own words. These are first hand accounts of flak and fighters and lost comrades. These men will take you on a journey of survival.

[@roywilkowski1409]

Some years ago, I was ferrying a helicopter across country and weather forced me to land in McMinnville, OR. There were several WW2 era planes there for an airshow the next day. Early the next morning I got to the airfield and a B-17 was parked very close to the helicopter, so I wandered over; it was so early the show hadn't started yet. I wandered over to the B-17 and noticed that the bottom fuselage door was open. Having seen the technique for getting aboard from watching 12 O'Clock High in my youth, and there was nobody around, so I went in. Made my way forward and sitting in the pilot's seat was this old fellow who, as it turned out, had sneaked aboard, too. He was silently reminiscing on his 25 missions out of England. I felt like I was intruding on a religious ceremony and was making an apologetic retreat, but he invited me to sit. It was my honor and privilege to spend the ensuing hour making his acquaintance and listening to his recollections.

[@stevek8829]

Priceless

[@TheDeepsix13]

This would be one hell of a movie if done by the right people. Maybe the ending having the pilot be a ghost or something 🤷‍♂️🤣 hell don't listen to me, but that is a great story and I would have loved to hear those stories from him... Semper Fi

[@peterlyons8793]

This is similar to how my father, Thomas J. Lyons reacted during an air show in Geneseo, NY in 1985. I'm his son and remember his unique reaction. We were touring a B-17 bomber on display. He had been a top turret gunner/engineer on a B-17 named "No Comment Needed". He had been on 5 bombing missions before being shot down over Germany in November 1944. He was seriously injured and spent the remaining 6 months in a German "hospital". All 10 crew members survived the parachute jump and subsequent imprisonment. He hated the Nazi's and everything German. He was beaten, starved and frozen till being liberated by the Canadian infantry. I think in the mid 1980's he was suffering from this trauma and at the same time was proud of his service. He would hide his feelings but they would sometimes reveal themselves at moments like this air show. I wish as one of his 6 sons and 5 daughters we could have had a better understanding of his pain and fear. They were truly America's "Greatest Generation".

[@pjs62ux]

More valuable than a class room history lesson I'm sure

[@Legnerps]

​@@peterlyons8793I was just thinking that he probably WAS a ghost.

[@mickymantle3233]

We have a stretch of highway named in memory of a B.17 skipper here in Hertfordshire U.K. 'Lieutenant Ellis Way'. God Bless & keep these folks.

[@davidwadsworth8982]

My dad was a 17 pilot.606th I think,8th, forget what group/ He suffered smoke injury. during 2nd to last combat mission flown. He spent V E day in the hospital. His crew partied their ass off. He was in the Hospital for 75 days. His whole crew survived, made it home like 2 months before he did. Dad and his tail gunner were friends from high school, no crap. Henry J. got a bottle of Gin to my dad in the hospital.

[@cliffcampbell8827]

The greatest generation...I feel sad that they are no longer with us but we owe them so much. You will always have all my respect gentlemen.

[@MrEric2cu]

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

[@etiangfrederick6257]

No wonder they call them Greatest Generation. How many of us today would voluntarily volunteer for service as they did? Shame on all of us!

[@topturretgunner]

Very brave young men to undertake long missions often 6 hours or longer. Flown often at altitudes over 24,000 feet in sub zero temperatures in unpressurized aircraft. German 88 mm anti aircraft shells (flak) enemy fighters tasked with shooting you down. High attrition rates. You flew in formation and could take no evasive action. You were basically a slow moving target. Ten men per airplane. You lived, ate, slept with these guys who became like your brothers. These were brave men. The “ Greatest Generation “. Sadly all too soon they will no longer be with us. I will miss these men. My father’s generation!

[@model-man7802]

I have Roger Freemans "The Mighty Eighth" with not quite 2600 signatures in from all the Reunions I went to and crewman I met.I kept it in my car and ready at all times.its care worn and now protected in bubble wrap. I imagine it will go to to the 8th airforce museum in Savannah or to the Airforce museum in Ohio.Theres none here to give it to.

[@briansmith2616]

My Grandfather was a waist gunner in the 381st Bomb Group 534th Squadron. He flew his 25 missions from October of 1943 to April of 1944. The only member of the family who knew this was his wife of 60 years. The rest of us learned about his service after his passing. We will never know or understand why he never spoke of it, but I respect his choice. I do wish I could have l spoken with him about his time in WWll.

[@davidboyd4259]

Thank you Raymond for this outstanding Story. My Dad 1st LT. Joseph Boyd was a Bombardier in the 390 th. He flew 26 missions and was shot down April 13, 1944. They belly landed in Switzerland and remain there for the duration of the war. He very rarely spoke of the war. But I know his friends had told me that the war had changed him. He was a great Dad and great person. Thanks Again.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

David - be sure and watch the Ernst Feibusch interview - he was with the 390th and crashed in Switzerland. Here's the link to his interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4iuqKOBfaxmjpI

[@jontdoty]

My Father was a Flight Engineer on B-17s Flying out of Foggia Italy. Loved the KZbin Video, Thank You for creating it.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertparker7243]

The interviewer does a really good job here - knows when to sit back and let the gentlemen tell their stories.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks. I always figured that a good interviewer asked the question and then - get out of the way. Thanks for watching.

[@themessenger5868]

Truly the greatest generation...so much was owed. You will never be forgotten.

[@davidlj53]

Brave young men, we still owe them everything .

[@kevinquig5654]

The absolute definition of heroes. I tear up every time I watch this. My neighbor kid won't even work part time bc it effects his "creativeness"

[@lwmillerlwmiller]

Former B52 Navigator here. Never experienced combat. Salute to those B17 crewmembers who did.

[@johnr7769]

We here in the UK will never forget the sacrifices of the young Americans who gave their lives so we may live in freedom. It was very humbling to listen to those brave men of the USAAF. Thank you and God bless America.

[@peterlyons8793]

U.S. Army Air Corp

[@michaelmckinnon3476]

@@peterlyons8793 It was US Army Air Corps until September of 1942 when it became the US Army Air Force

[@peterlyons8793]

@@michaelmckinnon3476 Thank you for the factual correction.

[@ojofelixnm3608]

The 'Greatest Generation' certainly earned the title. Thank you men and women, one and all.

[@ajdogcurr1]

The men that saved the world from tyranny, The greatest generation. Thank God we had them.

[@jeffhicks1008]

Are these interviews recent? These men are pushing a 100 or more and still look in fighting shape my God! You will never see a generation like this again and my father was part of it but passed 10 years ago.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Most of them were taped 2005 - 2008.

[@n.elliottnoorlun8304]

@@raymondmcfalone26 Thanks so much for sharing the actual dates when these were filmed. I found myself smiling at times, crying at times and in awe of each of these dear patriotic warriors!!! ;o)

[@thomas5495]

The best Generation of all times. God bless them all.

[@ricksoto1025]

My 6th grade teacher, Mr Veenbor was a bombardier on a B17 out of England. He shared with us some hair raising stories, especially on take off loaded with a full load. Seeing the trees coming up fast at the end of the runway as the B17 began to lift sometimes trimming the tops of the trees. As for seeing other B17s go down, or action he never-ever mentioned that. I had & have so much respect for him and that generation of kids fighting, despite their odds of coming back.

[@mikeprichard7933]

I'm 67 and a veteran and I love to hear these stories

[@johnchase9054]

As you watch this you begin to realize how special these people were who survived the depression and the horrors of World War II. Almost all of these individuals have passed and this is their lasting video legacy.

[@benlewis2475]

Hard times breed hard men!

[@petemiksich5760]

I always get emotional after watching this stuff. What a great generation they are!

[@hogansheroes2793]

Only in my dreams am I a hero like these guys are.

[@sking3492]

I hear you Pete. As an ex soldier - all military people 'train for an event they hope like hell will never happen' - when you read the history books, the stories, experiences these men had to face - well yes, it would make anyone cry. Making it home, and in one piece, would be far, far more important than any medal l would say.

[@pixelpatter01]

Many of those guys can really convey the story and the situation without any excessive wordage or drama. They strike me as very intelligent.

[@oklahoma3500]

My father entered the war in early '45, as a merchant marine, sailing on T2 oil tankers and ammunition freighters...when the war would end wasn't known. It was my father I watched every WWII movie ever made with. I am blessed to have these men in my heart, especially looking at our country's culture today.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

The Greatest Generation ❤️🇺🇸God Bless everyone of our WW2 Soldiers. This Documentary should be mandatory for all public schools!!!! -We’re in such a mess now- let Not their Sacrifice be for Naught🇺🇸 I met a B-17 tail gunner years back from Yerington NV. Born 1918’. -Met a nice gentleman and his wife years ago in Rocklin CA. He was selling a guitar. Was in his Den’ looking at the old guitar and looked up above his Desk. There was a 3’ long Air Force photo of the B-29 Ebola’ Gay’ with all the crew kneeling in front on Tar-mac. I asked him were you on that crew?-He got tears in his eyes as I thanked him for his Service 🇺🇸

[@deejay4922]

This is an extremely important mission: to preserve the history & experiences of these "kids" who went off to war & then returned, remembering their fallen brethren to help build a better world. May you be at peace.

[@PhuriousStyles]

Such courage and tenacity, my eternal respect to these men who faced such dire odds and still stood up and let themselves be counted! We owe you more than we can repay.

[@RaginKajun69]

I have watched many documentaries about ww2, am a history fanatic, this is the best I’ve ever seen period!!! Thanks for preserving these important stories!!!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@marinablueGS]

Thank you, Raymond, for keeping these memories forever alive. May we never forget the sacrifices made by these men and their loved ones back home.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're very welcome.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Amen.

[@knifelore1647]

Amen brother!

[@jimlaw6017]

Unfortunately we have forgotten what my parents and family fought for.

[@truckingjohn6024]

We all own all of these men so much. Truly American heros

[@Otherwise10]

God Bless them and God Bless you for letting the world keep them in our hearts and prayers...

[@Johnnycdrums]

You never do a 360 over a target unless you are in an A-6 Intruder goin’ down the yellow brick road of Hanoi.

[@MemoriesRR]

May God bless these men and the souls of those who were lost.

[@slowery43]

gorgeous virtue signaling there R

[@abtechgroup]

Awesome. We owe so much to these airmen.

[@NSResponder]

I have no words to describe how grateful I am that these men did what they did when the world needed them so urgently.

[@jefferypitts343]

I've had the honor to meet and know air crew in the 390th, they were brave men, tragically most didn't make more than 8 or 9 missions, 1 in 3 were lousy odds , the guys that were lucky enough to make 25 missions came home with survivors guilt, and nightmares for most of their lives, few could or would talk about their involvement in the European theater, just knowing this is a sword in my heart, I owe them everything.

[@michaelmcneil4168]

I heard that there was a fault in the harness of Flying Fortresses where wires would fray somewhere behind the navigator. All sorts of poorly designed stuff was allowed in that war. Liberty ships were still breaking in half decades later.

[@charlesfiscus4235]

Yes and the USAAF extended the amount of missions from 25 to 30

[@762Scott]

I went up in "Fuddy Duddy" back in 2008 or so, and one of the other passengers was an old crew member, a combat vet. He said: "For the first 30 years afterward, I tried to forget. But then for the next 30, I've tried to remember."

[@kentnelson762]

@Joe Blow troll

[@paulrichards7979]

@Joe Blow shame on you!

[@philgoldsney5951]

Total respect for these brave men. Thank-you for our freedom!

[@SierraThunder]

Poor Art Odel has the worst case of PTSD, I know what it is because one uncle that I had who survived two tours, first in B-17's, and then in B-24's. He had that same "whole body" flinch that Mr. Odel has, and like Mr. Odel, that "flinch", or "tic", would get progressively worse the longer he talked about any given mission that he'd flown on. My heart just goes out to Odel, for not only surviving his tour of duty, but also for managing to hide what must have been his absolute terror as well. It's a horrifying shame that there weren't doctors to help him when he came back home, you just had to suck it up like a man & deal with it. Sadly for so many, coming home resulted in alcoholism, blind anger, lost jobs, failed marriages, possible prison time, or even suicide. It's really unfair for the military to have made them all suffer so much, considering how much they gave of themselves for this country.

[@johnfoster535]

This is a priceless testimony for our country's youth.....men who answered the call of duty and men who were scarred by the loss of their buddies, but, did their job despite the danger and horror. When they came home, they built schools, libraries, churches and communities and raised families . Somehow, some of their kids never lived up to the character of their fathers.....they built casinos, gin mills, strip clubs, after sucking on bongs at Woodstock. God help us all !!

[@captainjack8823]

Thank you gentlemen from the bottom of my heart. You'll ever be in the hearts of true Americans - always! May that God bless you always no matter where you are now or ever will be.

[@jefferymatthew2776]

These men are true American heros could listen to them talk all day

[@TheCraneman66]

Shear aww. And the utmost respect for these men. Our fathers. God bless their souls.

[@stephenhair5501]

Forever grateful for all who served and made such incredible sacrifices for us. Your courage and call of duty will never, ever be forgotten. God Bless you all. And Raymond, thank you and your team for putting this together. This is a National Treasure.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.

[@rebeccabsomanybooks3558]

Lovely tribute to such young brave men. Thank you for your service.

[@MiddleIrvington]

Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. McFalone, thank you USAAF airmen and all that have contributed to this moving group of testimonials. I feel so fortunate to have been born, to have survived, myself, due to their efforts, their suffering.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're very welcome and thanks for watching.

[@davegeisler7802]

The Greatest Generation !!! , we can’t thank you enough for your sacrifice and valor , each and every one who flew with the 8th Air Force were heroes . Sadly the book is now closed on their lives . Thank goodness we have these priceless first hand interview accounts by these heroes on videos 🇺🇸🙏🏼😢

[@ulrichjackisch7637]

Yah .volunteers in the civilian killing game This guy is still crying next time they will send ICBMS with nuclear war heads 20 SQ miles of Trade Centre VISTA of Ground Zero Do something for Peace or Game over

[@johnking8679]

Thank you for your service !!

[@davidbladen5667]

It was wonderful to hear the individual stories from everyone involved in this video. I can't fathom in my mind what they had to face every time they climbed into their airplane and headed out into the great unknown. That was true bravery. I salute you all.

[@SwedishMisha]

Great historical recording. I salute all those brave men.

[@duncandmcgrath6290]

Confidence, competence and sheer determination of these airmen is absolutely inspiring.

[@freewill1114]

My stepdad flew 50 missions on the B17 as a waist gunner. They flew out of North Africa, bombing over Italy. He kept a diary of each day he was there, which I have now. Very matter-of fact entries, nothing sensational. I have not looked at the diary for a good while, in fact I don't know at the moment where I put it , but I am going to dig it out and go through it again. They did not face the same ordeal as the 8th Air Force over Europe, but they did have their moments, and he brought back a chunk of metal that came up through the floor next to him, nearly taking him out.

[@mozzbiesharp3728]

What a beautiful story. But it makes me think I am not worthy to walk amongst brave men.

[@jakefromstatefarm1100]

Wonderful documentary. Spoken from the heart by all of these veterans. Their service and sacrifice can never be fully repaid. God Bless you all.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pjbikerful]

The U.S. produced an amazing 276,000 aircraft during World War II, with 16 new B-17s per day rolling out of the factories per day by April 1944. And of those 276,000 planes, 68,000 were lost in combat or accidents, or more than 25 percent, over almost four years of war.

[@davetheotter7039]

What incredible testimonials of citizen soldiers who we all owe so much too. Always remember.

[@rolandsingh]

This is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME - They were youngsters, so many of them teenagers, for crying, loud! They flew in broad daylight, enduring not only the deadly 88 millimetre flak shelling but also the swarms of Luftwaffe fighters having no fighter cover until much later in the War, when auxiliary drop tanks were fitted to Allied fighters. We owe so much, to all of the Allied personnel that opposed and defeated a Monstrously Evil Regime. IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE, THAT WE MUST NEVER FORGET, THIS. Roland Singh, Canada 🇨🇦

[@meanerkat4339]

They were just kids defending freedom and making unimaginable sacrifices. They were the greatest generation. Now days kids need a safe room because words hurt their feelings.

[@bobbarron6969]

Have yet to make it through one of these vids without tears in my eyes, thinking of the burdens these young men carried.

[@americanpatriot3638]

I just want to give them a warm hug and thank them for what they did. Unfortunately most, if not all have gone now.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

3 of the vets in this video amazingly are still alive: Dick Bushong, Everette Fitchlee and Ellis McClintick. I think they are all 98 years old. Thanks for watching.

[@onazram1]

My father was the crew chief on a P-47 Thunderbolt with the 8th AAF stationed in England.. My brother was the head of the motor pool and infantryman in Vietnam..

[@handyandy6488]

What an unexpected and completely poignant answer that was to the last question. Absolutely moving, awesome. If you get the chance then look inside a B-17. I was guided by a veteran once who showed me how he had to move around his partner waist gunner. It is so small inside. It was just indescribable what these men went through - but this film is probably the closest you can get. They helped to save our civilization.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Yes, I agree that the best question and the best answer was Chuck Baker at the end of the interview. Thanks for watching.

[@tedthesailor172]

An absolutely fascinating 52 minutes. Very many thanks to the film-maker and all those brave American souls who made it possible...

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tomhenneman4504]

Great film. Loved hearing the stories from the men who lived it. I could feed their emotions while retelling their stories.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mark27993]

My uncle Donald E Schwab was a ball turret gunner with the 401st bomber group, shot down April 14 1944 over Germany, was severely injured, captured and sent to Stalag 17b until end of war 🇺🇲

[@rsfaeges5298]

This film is tremendous: as soon as it finished I started watching it again. Thanks to all who worked on it. And please tell any of the men who shared their stories who might still be among us that I am grateful to them. Blessings to you all🙏

[@raymondmcfalone26]

As far as I know, amazingly 3 of the veterans are still alive - all 98 years old.

[@randalsiggson7178]

To all watchers: This history is the most shocking for if Adolf Hitler had achieved world dominance were would we be now in the present day?.

[@randalsiggson7178]

@@raymondmcfalone26 Your interviewing skills are on target thank you for being the history to life, for all generations to be greatful an in début.

[@BrisLS1]

I agree, that interview up to 15:50 really teaches a ton. I can't imagine being told to fly a circle over a target, with no fighter support, in a big triple school bus that is so easy to hit by the enemy from the ground or off the wing. He did the right thing. Live to bomb another day. But just the odds against these guys. Hard to even imagine.

[@robmcallister9610]

Thank you for this amazing compilation. A lot of us today dread the thought of waking up, driving to work, going through seemingly mundane tasks to eek out a living. I cannot fathom the thought of climbing into a cockpit, a radio room, a ball turret, etc. at 20,000 feet through enemy fighters and flak to literally save humanity. And they were only teenagers. It really puts things into perspective.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching.

[@richardcline1337]

They may have been but mere boys in age but in reality, they were real MEN! This country owes a debt to them that can never be paid. I'm a Vietnam era vet and looking at today's youth I wonder if they could survive what these men went through. I've been blessed to have met a few of these great guys over the years and I'm always in awe of them and what they did.

[@benjaminrapp7418]

@@richardcline1337 They can't figure out what's between their legs without a biologist telling them. They also have a mental breakdown if someone makes a mean tweet. We'd be doomed.

[@SilverBricks17]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you to everyone of our veterans.

[@sarajanesmith3892]

Thanks to all veterans. My dad was a radio operator on a b-17. He did 39 missions over Germany. He was recuited right out of high school in the latter .

[@sarajanesmith3892]

Part it WW II.

[@johnnybailey8929]

@@sarajanesmith3892 you

[@sarajanesmith3892]

@@johnnybailey8929 no just the daughter of a WWII Vet and sister of a Gulf War Vet.

[@dotell3359]

Thank you sir and I salute you. God bless. My grandfather fought in WW1 and my dad fought in the Pacific and I was in Vietnam. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all 🎈

[@azspotfree]

These kids went out there and prosecuted the war on a level that is almost hard to believe. This channel is awesome, reminding us of their legacy.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for listening

[@kikupub71]

Xlnt thanks for capturing this because our dads didn’t talk to us about the war. My father in law was stationed in Europe in the army air corps. My dad fought on the USS Yorktown cv 10 from 43 to 45. He didn’t talk to me about much except life on board the Fighting Lady. Now a museum ship in Charleston SC.

[@brianandlindafairchild1237]

After watching this, it's easy to see why they are called the greatest generation.

[@thomasayer7511]

Massive respect.

[@Buck1954]

The last comment about not dreaming another mission struck me. I had many frightening dreams, but recurrences of battle in ones dreams must be terrifying. Thank you all for serving.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Yes, that was quite a statement by Chuck Baker at the end the film. Chuck is one of the few guys still alive - he's 101. Thanks for watching.

[@fsnoload]

My first father in law was 21 years old as a B25 pilot, flying missions in Europe.

[@stargazer5784]

Forever young in our hearts and never forgotten.... Thank you all.

[@robertroth287]

Thank you so much for sharing many of these stories that need to be told and remembered. I am always in awe that these ordinary young men rose to do extraordinary things when their country was in need. The "Greatest Generation" was indeed just that.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You are so welcome

[@DiamondJimBob]

Thank you for this video. My dad was a B17 navigator. He used to say the B17 was the greatest airplane ever made. The emotions that I experienced watching this were amazing. I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes. So happy that you put this together.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. Raymond

[@emansnas]

These *are* the guys of the Greatest Generation. The ones who made America Great. How do you suppose the kids of today would have measured up... and importantly, why do you think that is. As therein lies the key to what's wrong with country.

[@jgonzalez101]

Wow, what an enlightening informative and interesting Interview both by the Interviewer and the Fighter Pilots and Crew personnel. Thank you all and God bless all our WWII Greatest Generation! ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@benyoung552]

The baby photo at 0:17… I’ll tell you what, never seen a more comfortable looking child in my life! Hand made and knitted outfit and cap… The look on that baby’s face like there’s nothing in the world that’s gonna stop him from talking on the world one day!!! 😆

[@OTOss8]

Bless these men and the sacrifices they and so many others made.

[@vernoncarrell2093]

Some of our. Greatest generation. Thanks for your support ,,, I was 1. Of the many who u were protecting was 7 years old in 1945.

[@Brian-bp5pe]

Thanks Raymond, this is an excellent video. My dad grew up in what is now the Czech Republic, turned 20 years of age in May, 1945. Toward the end of the war, he spent some time in Germany. The town he came from was fairly close to the German border and he was brought into Germany as a laborer. He said they weren't paid anything (slave labor, basically), but they were fed. As the Allies gained air superiority over Germany, he said the daytime sky would at times be filled with American bombers - an unbelievable sight, he would say and the drone coming from all those engines flying over, so high above, was equally astounding. On witnessing this for the first time, he knew the war would soon be over. He was always keen to learn more about the historical details of the war, especially the air war. I am certain he would have had a great appreciation for your video, too.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@stevek8829]

Imagine listening to a thousand plane raid going over. Aluminum overcast!

[@paulp96275]

Ray thank you for this fantastic storyline when you leave and return it’s all changed and you never see those fellows again you never forget them god bless👍👨🏻‍🏭🇬🇧

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Very welcome

[@MrMike-oc6dr]

I enjoyed this very much, it was done very well. These guys are truly the Greatest Generation, what stories they had to tell. Thanks for this video of their sacrifices, great stories of bravery. Thanks again to the people who produced this video.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423]

Everyone help support our local VFWs , and if you had family who fought this war or others Join the auxiliary!! To help out and keep these memories alive, it's not being necessarily being taught in history books, this is the truth what you learn from the men and women who went through this time period. They were there. 🇺🇸🎗

[@ennodebruyn6107]

Thank You Boys! Great Respect for All of You

[@loveshisharley]

I am so grateful for these awesome interviews, especially this one. This one matched up members of crews who survived. Thanks again!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

You're very welcome.

[@retiredtom1654]

Great video. The unveils with personal comments really made it. It is hard to understand the terror and the loss many people endured during war... on all sides (empty beds). My dad was on two ships sunk in the North Atlantic and one of his brothers was killed in a B-24 crash.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for watching.

[@bikenavbm1229]

these Men so many years have passed and so much happened for them and still today become emotional at the thought of the fallen, difficult for the rest of us to quantify the cost to them. Real nice to hear the stories of the food drops, a little bit of rebalancing at the end for the crews, not heard those first hand accounts before, as a Brit I have travelled through Europe, The Netherlands included be rest assured The Dutch are still thankfull as well as the rest of the Allied Nations.Thanks to the those Big Men, and thanks you to you Raymond for bringing this to me and hopefully to many more for Histories sake and those that never came back to be able to tell.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

We have a stand alone film on Operation Chowhound (the British called it Operation Manna) -here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZWvZoFml7Z9pNE

[@sidevalve45]

Love these interviews. Thank you for taking the time to record them.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for listening

[@rogerrose8220]

SO powerful - Tear up with every story

[@stlrockn]

I wish I could have shaken every one of these men's hands and thanked them for their service.

[@maddmikeyr9337]

THANK YOU for your time and effort to bring these Airmen's memories to us!!

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@harrycoyle4529]

29:29 ''... my only claim to fame...''. He means that he survived the war when so many others didn't. The aircrews were at risk from the moment their planes left the ground until they returned to land at their airfields. They are overcome with emotion when recalling events more than half a century ago is a testament to the greatest generation's sacrifice.

[@836dmar]

So well done. Thanks so much, Raymond, and all those who have served.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for listening

[@mauroantonelli4322]

They were Heroes,to them,goes our everlasting respect.

[@fergalohearga9594]

These videos are incredible. What an enormous contribution to history. God love you for doing this.

[@raymondmcfalone26]

Thanks for watching!

[@fergalohearga9594]

@@raymondmcfalone26 I qualified as a lawyer in America many years ago and went to work for a firm in Texas where there were two brothers ... one gregarious and the other formidable and unapproachable. They were both much older than me. I've always been interested in military history and the one brother said I should go talk to his older brother about his experience in B-17s in Germany. One day I got the courage to knock on his closed door and ask him about it and from that day on, we had so many discussions about how it was to him ... I shared the book 'Fall of Fortresses' with him and he others with me. It was such a rich experience and I'm so blessed to have had that relationship with him. The simple courage of those people was brilliant and a real lesson for anyone now willing to learn. All the best

[@billy1858]

i live 6 miles from framlingham airfield [its actually in parham].the control tower is now a museum! when i was a kid we used to play in the old nissan huts and what used to be a cinema where these men probably used to live.my grandparents used to talk about the americans a lot and remembered a party they had after the war finished in one of the hangers.we wouldnt of won the war without them,thats for sure.

[@jgonzalez101]

Such astounding testimonies by these precious brave and courageous Airmen! Thank you Almighty God for keeping them alive through it all. The Greatest GenerationWWII!