The WWII Gunner Who Actually Threw His Radio at a Japanese Plane

[@TJ3]

A huge thank you to CAF Airbase Georgia and @GeorgeRetelas - support them here. Check out CAF Airbase GA Warbird Rides here - (or call 678-374-1110) airbasegeorgia.org/warbird-rides/ And watch George's Incredible Movie - "Eleven The Movie" Documentary - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5ewmZaBbsyWp68

[@GeorgeRetelas]

Watching this video with Dick Miralles was a treat - two thumbs way up!! Thanks TJ!

[@TJ3]

@@GeorgeRetelas thanks for allowing us to be a part of this George!

[@zombienuker5390]

Discovered the channel recently and I'm loving it, you should do a video about the A-36 apache/invader. Definitely one of my favorite planes.

[@dukecraig2402]

@@TJ3 "It's a job that many of our generation would refuse to do". You mean like all the members of your generation that all VOLUNTEERED to fight for 20 years in America's longest war without a single one being drafted? How'd you like to be one of them and hear someone say something like that? On Veterans Day.

[@fridayray8891]

tissues needed

[@Lord_Jamilson]

Such a beautiful story, that man is a legend. He will be remembered.

[@briancooper2112]

Still is.

[@thesovietunion6604]

He (WILL) and always (WILL) be remembered

[@humility-righteous-giving]

he will be remembered until he is forgotten

[@FundyTheAstronaut]

“The man who tried to threw his radio at a Japanese zero and then radioed marines nearby” wait-

[@thesovietunion6604]

@@FundyTheAstronaut think it was for him to get incoming transmissions not to send out or they where spare part but yes it’s very confusing and funny

[@RubyBandUSA]

Guys like Dick Miralles are so humble they don't realize how much this means to all of us. Dick, thank you for everything you did for us and for the war effort as an 18 and 19 yr old

[@Elmunic]

"Dick"

[@Dark_Ages_Crusader]

I’m sure they didn’t know we would be revering them today.

[@StuckOnAFireHydrant]

Every moment of this is so impactful. Every signature he wrote might've just been him signing his name to him, but you could hear and feel it in the Lt's voice how much it mattered to him. And having the first entry since 1943 being put in the logbook, gave me goosebumps! And signing the plane was the cherry on top. I can't believe that you got to witness this in person. I'm extremely jealous. At 98, and still able to climb in that seat (relatively) unassisted shows that this man is still young at heart. To be able to do what he did back then and then be able to tell the stories decades later with a humorous tone no less about what sounds like the scariest moments of my life if it were to happen to me! Thank you Dick for sharing your stories with us and thank you for your service. Happy veterans day 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 I'm still working on meeting one WW2 from every branch (and as many as possible), so if anyone from NY has any leads reach out to me please!

[@LancelotChan]

I've a feeling that being the sole survivor of air group 11, his signature and presence kinda represent the whole group who had fought for the freedom of the world that exists till this day.

[@timbaumann9046]

@@LancelotChan DAMN RIGHT IT DOES!!!

[@joes8087]

we tend to have special veteran events at our museum and a few will stop by at our ww2 encampment in may ish Museum of American Armor Long Island NY

[@robertsandberg2246]

Age is just a number.😉👍

[@StuckOnAFireHydrant]

@@joes8087 oo I just looked it up, I've honestly never been here/known about this place before! I always go to the cradle of aviation and republic airport, but I've never seen this museum! I'll definitely keep an eye out on the calendar for the date when that event is set!

[@roberthemingway7691]

That documentary moves me to tears. This is the kind of history that I like to see. A lot of work went into that and I am very happy to have been shown this. God bless you.

[@rishik7665]

Where can i find the full documentary?

[@jimwiskus8862]

What a hero this gentleman is! So many emotions, running through my head. I cannot imagine what it must’ve been like for Dick, knowing that he was gonna go up back and his beloved plane one more time. I imagine when he got in seat looking around on the runaway, all those deciduous trees all of a sudden looked like palm trees, and as quiet as it was up above save the wind I wonder if he didn’t hear the roar of a zeros engine. When he landed and Lieutenant Hague started to fill out his logbook, he made a comment about Dicks last pilot in 1943, it was Lieutenant Hogue, I just about lost it. One letter off. May all your flights be this precious.

[@patrioticaussiesams8581]

I bet the memories came flooding back.

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

I have been a war bird nut my entire life (62 years) and have seen all kinds of video's, movies, documentaries, everything. This video just moved me like nothing else I have ever seen. Thank you Dick (and all veterans) for your service and sacrifice. I am over the moon that you got to fly in an SBD one more time. My hats off to all involved.

[@tomfowler1268]

I to am 62 and you captured my thoughts exactly.

[@davidking8745]

I'm 56 years old..this the most wonderful touching video I've seen.i too have been a world War 2 history buff...it hits you emotionally. Thank you for this....

[@LaughingAzusa]

@@tomfowler1268 Yes, captured like the japanese did with downed pilots!

[@FOR-KYU6999]

Finally i can say Dick

[@tanzawayamada]

@@LaughingAzusa good one

[@moonshineofthemoon8054]

This is such a beautiful moment. This man is a legend There is not many of them left and that is why I love to hear their stories of war.

[@LancelotChan]

This is absolutely touching.... totally teary eyes to see our hero back in the action again.

[@terry65376]

My dad was the same age and also was a radio gunner in DD in the Pacific. He too was land based and spent time at Bougainville before going to the Philippines. I so appreciate this video. Thank you!

[@DOL1954]

I was an E-4 in the USAF from Sept 1972 to Sept 1976. It was very heart warming to watch a 98 year old fly his rear seat position in the SBD! What a great way to celebrate the day after veterans day. Thank you so much.

[@ronmartin3755]

What a fantastic story of a man from our Greatest Generation. Men like him do not exist anymore! My father was such a man! He was born in 1920 and flew P 47s over Germany. He left us in 2012. This video is a great tribute to the men who saved he world from tyranny. We truly need men like this today as America is descending into tyranny once again!

[@themegaforce810]

98 years old and had no trouble climbing up in the tail gun seat. Incredible. Loved when they added to his logbook too.

[@razor6888]

His final entry into his logbook... that statement broke my heart. Sir.., clear skies to you. May your memory and that of the greatest generation always be remembered.

[@robertatler6419]

The memories that flight conjured up for him must have been amazing. Well done to everyone involved that made this possible for him.

[@illumina4399]

Most amazing some terrifying

[@alanbaxter7191]

Armistis Day/Veteran's Day greetings to all who made contributions to our way of life. Enjoyed the historical content of a man that shaped it. The SBD was a gangly, handsome giant killer, and Dick's efforts to utilize its abilities. In 1972 I deployed with another great air plane, the A6-A Intruder with Carrier Air Group 11 twenty-nine years later. Thank you for the heart felt "hop" for a veteran of WWII and Vietnam!

[@marksmith7054]

Thank you so much for making Dick's life known to all of us and for giving him a chance to relive a little part of his time fighting for the World.

[@byronrudrow7938]

I’m crying hard. My Father also was an air gunner in the SBD. VMSB-236 USMC Serving in the Solomon and Philippine Islands. Really wish I could have done something like this for him before he passed. Really miss you Dad!😢

[@scottmccloud9029]

The Commemorative Air Force is the most honorable bunch of men and women I've ever worked with. I volunteered at the Wings Over Houston for almost 20 years and it was the best experience of my life. So glad they fulfilled his wish. Thanks to all the service men and women who served and still serve our country. Have a great Veterans Day weekend.

[@randyvaught2842]

All of you at CAF probably made this Navy Vet at 98 yrs young so happy. This is a great and wonderful thing you did for him. Bless all of you. Keep flying.

[@madmanmechanic8847]

That made me tear up. I have such a soft spot for those guys. Such Honor and Integrity those two virtues are non existent now days. I know he missed it when he got his tour done and probably wanted to go back . Never get that rush again in their lifetime . God bless those guys

[@BHarris25]

Dick was built different, wanting to relive some of his most traumatic experiences like this. What a legend.

[@jeffersondeleon925]

They aren’t built like this anymore ….

[@mgrady7415]

My eyes were filled with tears at the end. WOW it was an honor to see this. Thank you all involved....especially Dick Miralles.

[@danieliglesias1669]

Yeah….tears here also brother. What an honor! 🤔🇨🇺🇺🇸

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

What a great story. I'm going to brag a little here. Both of my parents were WW2 veterans. Dad was a Seabee in the Pacific theater and mom was a Wave. I'm so proud of them. These stories mean a lot to me. Thank you for doing this.

[@01ZO6TT]

This brought tears to my eyes! Very well done as always. Thank you so much for all the time and effort that went into this. Most of all thanks to Dick and all the other veterans for their service to our country. Already looking forward to the next video.

[@bobgrewe988]

Tears and respect for this hero. God Bless him and his brothers.

[@scottmurray5600]

What a great character. You just can't help loving the guy and the attitude. I am humbled by his modesty.

[@bboomermike2126]

Absolutely love the story. I was a Navy aerial gunner in Vietnam. I have yet to meet a gunner from the generation that came before us.

[@jakewilcox4776]

You guys are doing gods work I really need you to know that Edit: these men gave everything for us thank you for giving at least a little back

[@jonworthing7467]

What a great story to be told. Big thank you for finding this veteran so he could tell us his story. Respect to all WW2 veterans.

[@Battlefront_2_Ghost]

So informative, I am currently 14 years old, and this is just motivating for me. To hear him recount what happened during his time in the war is truly beautiful. These stories are what makes watching these worthwhile, and I hope to see more like it some time.

[@GodOfWar221]

This documentary was awesome. The moment I saw him step down from the Dauntless, and he had that smile on his face. It really hit me right in the heart. To have come so far, and still have such a bright and youthful smile. And to be able to tell his story like it happened yesterday. It breaks my heart, that he is the last surviving member of his squadron. And once these great men are gone, it will be up to us to carry on their stories, to tell our sons, and daughters, and our grandchildren the stories of these men and what they did. Great story, and an equally great man.

[@MesquiteBelt]

That was simply THE GREATEST GENERATION ever! My late Uncle was taken out in a SNJ over the Pacific in California in his 90’s. The joy he had again to fly in that AT6 Texan he so loved took 50 yrs off of him for that flight. He was able to fly again, perform some basic maneuvers and asked to do a few aileron rolls. These programs are so well served by those who preceded many of us in service. God Bless all those who make these things happen! Happy Veterans Day!

[@treywest268]

This is such an honor to Dick and even a greater honor to us to be able to witness and hear this War Veteran's story straight from him. Thank you so much for getting his story on video. This is just so amazing!!!

[@txkoutdoorfam6911]

Him telling the story, dressed out, and sitting in the tail gunner seat is soooo awesome!!! True legend!!!

[@paulmartinek1716]

First, from one veteran to another thank you for serving our great nation Dick, I am glad that they were able to capture your story for history. Secondly to every one of the people involved in making this flight a possibility, from the deepest parts of my heart and soul, thank you! What you do means more than you will probably ever know. Seriously you guys are a god send.

[@ScoutSniper3124]

My Dad passed away three years ago, he had served on destroyers in the Pacific during WWII. I think that it's awesome this man got to fly again. WELL DONE.

[@msgfrmdaactionman3000]

An amazing history video, thank you. Very touching to hear from the veteran himself! Go Navy!

[@charlessweigert6180]

It makes me so happy that there are organizations like CAF Airbase Georga and others that take the time to honor our heros like this. As a model builder, I often try to find pictures of pilots and gunners for inspiration while I'm building. Thoughts of what they've seen, done and experienced really drive the imagination. Thank you Richard for your service to this great country and thank you gentlemen for what you do for these men and restoring these pieces of history.

[@carolecarr5210]

Y'all gave me chills & tears. To honor one of our heroes who gave us our freedom was super. Thank you.

[@earnierosenow9834]

what an honor to have this man on this flight, truly the greatest generation to have lived

[@The1trueJester]

TJ this video is beyond exceptional, even by the already high bar you have set. It was an honor to fly with you in the making of this (number 2 corsair) happy veterans day, Stay awesome!

[@dladd396]

Thank you for treating George with such respect and making his last flight in a Dauntless SBD Dive Bomber a truly memorable event . The CAF has my respect for treating a fellow Veteran with honor and respect.

[@brokenbridge6316]

You did well to capture this man's story when you did. And now it will live on in KZbin forever.

[@detcordxxxi]

Ninety-Eight years old and still a warrior. What a moving, and fitting, tribute.

[@wekapeka3493]

Such a golden documentary, thank you. The reference to the New Zealand airforce also attacking simultaneously urges me to check my fathers log book to see if he was there on one of those missions.He flew with 16 and 22 squadrons RNZAF with one tour on P40’s and two flying corsairs.

[@TK-221]

Beautiful, beautiful story. I'm out of words. Thank you for sharing his story with us. Hope you'll do more like this.

[@kristoffermangila]

What a guy, what a legend! To be in his late nineties and still capable of climbing up fairly unassisted on the Dauntless, is a testament to his good health. One could feel his frustration when his gun jammed and a Zero was just meters away from him trying to end him, his pilot and the plane. Every machine gunner that had this situation feels him... The colorized footage of Pearl Harbor on December 7th was awesome, although that certain Brooklyn-class cruiser at 0:45 gave me the proverbial chills up the 'ole spine, knowing what would happen to her nearly 50 years later in the South Atlantic... Overall, great story, and a shoutout to the CAF for giving the old vet a memorable final flight on his old bird!

[@timothypowell6277]

Awesome video for an awesome hero! Brings back memories of the stories my father would tell when he was in the navy during WWII around the same areas this man was. He said he'd watched many of these planes crash into the ocean and marveled at the courage these men had to crew those planes. They truly were the Greatest Generation.

[@diovdL]

I´m a 28 year old Dutch guy and I stumbled upon this video by coincidence. My father grew up near Rotterdam and my grandma was the sweetest woman ever. She was born in 1911 so she was 21 by the time WW2 started in the Netherlands. When asked, she could tell stories about the planes that flew over her apartment on their way to bomb Rotterdam. It led to me having a huge amount of interest in WW2´s history and a great deal of respect towards veterans. Seeing this made me cry, in a positive way. Thanks for posting!

[@ughettapbacon]

Well done. I'm not crying even a little bit. Hell of a storyteller. Hell of a story.

[@tobyjo57]

What a lovely mark of respect for this chap. Well done guys and thanks for sharing the moment with us. It's too often these brave men get forgotten.

[@paulslevinsky580]

I had a chance encounter with a veteran who had a similar adventure. He was 17 when he quit school early to enlist, and 18 when he was flying off the deck of a carrier in the back of an SB2C Helldiver. We shared a table in a busy diner and he entertained me for two hours with his stories !!! The war ended after his 13th mission and he was back state-side as a combat veteran when most of his friends were just graduated high school.

[@brianpesci]

Mom's cousin was Wade McClusky an unsung hero of Midway at the time. and until his death. These guys were the bravest that made an incredible effort while diving straight into the guns of the enemy to deliver their bombs.

[@jfletcher3285]

What I love about this video it’s about the gunner, a side hardly ever shared from World War 2 but thank you ALL Veterans for your service and sacrifice. Thank you.

[@pappydc12]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. I'm "tearing up" watching. My father was on a small Navy supply ship that operated in that same area. Dad knew all the island names and could trace his path on a map. He had so much respect for all of the pilots and Marines that he met. He's gone now but I share his stories with my boys so no one will be forgotten.

[@ianmclaughlin8987]

Wow, this was a real gem to watch and there is nothing like seeing a man tell his story. Thank you Dick for you amazing story and TJ3 for helping tell it, I have always been interested in the SBD and this really made it that much more special.

[@46bovine]

Incredible! That young man couldn't have been 98 years old, what a great story of that wonderful old timer. You did his ride on my birthday, 9/24. What a great video. I was in the Navy during Vietnam and my older brother was a Navy air crewman over there also.Again, what a great story. Thank you Richard and thank you CAF!

[@matthewbaughman4299]

Literally moved me to tears. The greatest generation! Loved the video.

[@danieferreira9094]

Thanks for giving these vets a voice. They were true heroes!!!

[@billyray8062]

OUTSTANDING!! So cool the vet gets to fly his warbird one last time.

[@palmaken]

That's a great story, I am so happy for that veteran. Thank you for making his day.

[@Motown454]

This made me so happy for Dick. I would love to meet him. Thank you, sir for your service.

[@yourlocalhooligan]

As an aircraft maintainer in the military this brought a tear to my eye. There is nothing in this world that matters more than my pilots making it home safe. He is someone I strive to be. I wish the military still offered enlisted flying positions like that

[@velonico]

Love how he ducks the wing tip @ 2:15... even with a wide brim hat... still knows his old bird!

[@andyebert6505]

That's was definitely a tear jerker. That's was a absolute beautiful story and I'm glad he enjoyed his moment. Thanks for sharing this. I don't live far from airbase Georgia and I was recently there for the 2022 airshow.

[@DRFelGood]

Thank you for sharing your experience, service, courage and sacrifice for freedom. ❤🇺🇸

[@RemoteViewr1]

Real history. You did fantastic!! Seeing him suited up, helmeted, sitting in the lane, backlit, telling his story made this the very best production on this topi. I don't use superlatives as desciptors, but this was truly amazing. Tears and choked up, God. Tip my hat to you, sir. The past is never past. The past is always present. You made it live.

[@rg20322]

Can you imagine being the gunner in the Dauntless when turning and then the pilot pushes down with all those G's! Damn - that would be harrowing, and you are looking backwards of course. Amazing man and totally appreciate what he did during the war.

[@65gtotrips]

Literally floating off your seat, save the flight harness !

[@oifiismith]

Aloha and Mahalo for the Great video. As a OIF 2, combat wounded vet, this touched my heart. To all the veterans, Happy Veteran's Day 🇺🇸

[@Brian-WolfmanJack99]

Having the chance to meet any WW2 veteran is a blessing. I love the stories these guys can share.

[@phillipreams8239]

Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you to all veterans!

[@fuyu5979]

Beautiful story of Dick Miralles. Can only imsgine thr nostalgia of experiencing flight back in a Dauntless Bomber. Thank you for ur service. We are indebted to u. We honor u on Veteran's Day. Anticipating ur next upload. Peace

[@bv7581]

I'm a veteran too. Anyone who has served cannot remain unmoved by seeing this video. We know what it means and probably can't keep it dry. I am so happy for this man that he was able to do this again. And finding out in the logbook that your last pilot in 1943 was named Hogue and then now flying Hague. There is a spiritual side to this. Thank you Dick for your service.

[@phillipnesmith2698]

Great to see, I'm so glad he got to go back up that SBD. An incredible story at only 18 years old.

[@markdemma]

I can't imagine being spry enough in your late 90s to climb into a fighter cockpit. I have to say every WW II combat vet I've ever had the honor to meet has left me struck with awe.

[@ChannelDeleted805]

WWII wasn’t in the 90’s

[@harveysmidlap]

Watching this this man climbing back into this plane put a smile on my face and a tear down my cheek. God bless you sir!

[@mentalcog2187]

Such an amazing story. Somber, legendary and heart warming. A very honorable American to be celebrated. Shows the deepest meaning of high regards to our veterans. Salute.

[@datsdeon3603]

This Hit Me Hard, The Fact He Had A Chance To Have That Re-Experience With His Flight Was Jus Un-Real. Salute To Who Put Their Lives On The Line For Our Country!

[@JUNKERS488]

WOW TJ This is your best one yet. I really enjoyed this video. It must have been awesome to meet one of the Heros that actually was there. The things these young men did were amazing. I think back to what I was doing at 18 and can't even imagine doing what he did. Thanks for all your work in making these great videos for us this one was well worth the wait. I watched it twice already.

[@72Z15SS]

This truly brought tears to my eyes! I want to hug this Hero and Thank him with all of my Heart.

[@rockstarJDP]

This is truly amazing work guys, you've really outdone yourselves - absolutely wonderful ❤️ well done!

[@2cents149]

Fine job as per usual Dick, we are truly grateful to have had you and your friends serve. Epic video.

[@pat36a]

Dad was a AMR2c for CAG 75 in a SB2C Helldiver . Never saw action but did earn a broken duck when the Catapult broke on the FDR CV-42 . They were ferring Helldivers to Quantomino Cuba just after the war. He flew in 3 parade tributes , Nimitz day , FDR's funeral, and a Navy day flight .

[@rc-fannl7364]

Amazing documentary on this reunion. And that retired gunner looks so good for his age, hope he gets to savor this new memory for many years to come

[@Tundratreader]

Bringing memories back from an old man's life back when he was young must be an incredible experience.

[@Bob-tn5xn]

Makes me wonder if my grandfather with the 4th marine raiders P company saw or heard Dick and his buddies flying over when they were on new Georgia, awesome that you guys did this for him good job !

[@xXB.FunkXx]

The Commemorative air force is a fantastic organization! I'm proud to say my country was built on the shoulders of people like Dick. Thank you for your service 🫡

[@Traincop]

This made my day this man deserves more he deserves a lot he fought for our country and I want to say to him thank you for your service

[@zackerystang342]

This literally made me cry...thank you so much for doing this for that hero there isn't many left from that part of our history❤️

[@kevinwithrow9644]

Very proud of you sir thank you for your service you are a god gifted hero thank you so much God bless

[@sudarshankandari3915]

Real great soldier &a greatfighter.Salute great soldier.Stay blessed & keep good health.

[@ScottDukesRealEstate]

Well done. So happy for Dick to get that experience after all those years and his contribution to the generations that followed.

[@markc6207]

This is the best story. So happy the old warrior could get in his plane one last time.

[@afrothunder270]

I couldn't help but completely break down watching this veteran take his place in that aircraft again. I could never express my gratitude for the many generations of sacrifices made by our soldiers.

[@jonathonbennett3838]

Incredible story, It was so moving when he was able to go back into the Dauntless and take a ride again, really struck me when they said it was on 9-24-22 the same day my daughter was born, the happiest day of my life was one of the most special of his.

[@ruehl3853]

*Guns jam* Dick: *”so anyways I started throwing..“* 😂

[@greatcollector9362]

My junior high World Geography teacher was a Dauntless pilot, his class was my favorite and after all these years I still have a clear picture in my mind of how he looked, his sports jackets he wore in class and his favorite saying when you were trying to bluff him with an answer...."aint no way babe"//RIP Mr. Self.

[@brianalbrecht4423]

I have 2 say...that was one of the most touching videos I have watchd....had 2 watch it twice....so I can get the story correct when I tell it....! god bless ALL our veterans that kept our country FREE & safe....GREAT video...keep them coming...Thank u...& thank u Dick Miralles....long my u live...!

[@jmichaelcarbonniere9549]

What a wonderful story! Many, many thanks to everyone who made it possible for Dick to make this flight! I can only hope that if I happen to live to his age I am able to get around as well as he does. He is a gentleman and true hero! *MY* hero! Best regards to Dick and everyone at the CAF! Cheers, jc