WWII B-17 Bombers in action (soft restoration video)

WWII B-17 Bombers in action. Bombing Germany. restoration video
restoration video by Sunrise Rec
Music:
Far Stations Lights - Bombers over the Atlantic
open.spotify.c...
itunes.apple.co...
itunes.apple.co...
Doomdozer - The Piano on the Titanic
Doomdozer - Undocking

[@SunriseRecordings]

Music: Far Stations Lights - Bombers over the Atlantic open.spotify.com/track/5ht5olN4C4dFIv9wUt1vjf?si=f063d44c8f4a4bca Doomdozer - The Piano on the Titanic Doomdozer - Undocking

[@Dahbz14]

For many a young brave soul this was a one way flight. Thank god such men lived.

[@dancheesman1752]

My uncle was a Tail Gunner. My mom said he never spoke of the war to anyone. He got really upset with her and her cousin(his daughter) when he caught them looking through his old photos. When I became a pilot in the early 90’s we sat at his Auto Repair shop which he opened after the war. He congratulated me and we sat on the couch in his front office. I’ll never forget us sitting out front and looking into the Bluebird day. The clouds where high cirrus clouds. The kind that are at or above 20,000 feet. The only thing he said was, “looks so peaceful up there.” He just stared at the sky. It was obvious to me that he was caught up in his own thoughts. I just let it go and enjoyed our little moment. I flew for many years while my uncle Frank was still alive. He never once asked me about flying or anything pertaining to flying. He was always quick to share a story about the river or my grandfather, but never about the sky. I miss hanging out with him at the shop. Wish these warriors shared more of their lives with us.

[@howardquinn5911]

Our dad was a tail gunner and aerial photographer on B-17s and I believe B-24s. He flew 52 missions.. Medals , all that. Never talked to any of us about what he experienced. Just talked a bit and wrote letters to our mom. RIP Master Sgt. Daniel E. Quinn

[@InFltSvc]

Yes my grandfather was very much the same. The kids today have no idea what they gave up in the name of freedom.

[@racrx7]

It’s amazing how so many of these awesome planes and men made it back to base after being all shot up. A true testament to the B-17 and the men who flew them.

[@jeromewysocki8809]

flip inheck , the engine failure could likely have caused by all the flack the Germans shot up in the air, in attempt to destroy the bombers. The flack (shrapnel) was shot up in great quantities and messed up many B-17 engines. You can see the flack in these videos, as clouds of black matter, shot up in the path of the B-17s. The pilots could do little to avoid impact, since they had to pretty much stay in formation with the other planes, at least until they dropped their bombs on target. I read somewhere, that flack was a major destroyer of the planes during a bombing run. Needless to say, when a flack tower was spotted from the air, a fighter plane would try to destroy it, if possible.

[@racrx7]

@Steve Russel obviously

[@samuelhinkle9370]

My Uncle , Samuel DeWitt Hinkle flew the Flying Fortress' . He should've been at least a Major , ten times over. But he took care of his men , and they took care of him. A true hero . God bless You Sam. And thanks to all the brave men who fought for our feeedom.

[@gavinking5605]

This is by far the most moving and thought provoking video i have seen so far.A true memorial to those brave young men that were there,and those of us that were not can only imagine what it was like.Thank`s to the photographer(s) who took the footage.Truly amazing video.

[@Venik56]

Да, поистине массированная бомбардировка, такой армадой налететь один психологический фактор чего стоит! Отутюжили на славу. Вечная память вам ребята.

[@toyshop101]

the greatest generation to walk the earth

[@srgmiller340]

@Palestinian Rambo No they were not never have been never will be

[@StriderGTS]

Them and WW1 vets

[@srgmiller340]

@Palestinian Rambo Utter claptrap

[@srgmiller340]

@Palestinian Rambo Polite way of saying bullshit

[@wolfzyplayz9981]

Palestinian Rambo so your telling me that you little shitheads that just sit on the couch all day are better then men who fought till they were a bunch of bones and fought for there whole entire country to bring peace and sacrificed themselves for the future of a America? Wow, selfish

[@rondaharmon1788]

My dad was a 17 pilot in the early years of the bombing campaign. Completed 25 mission. Flew both Schwienfurt mission. Never talked about his wartime experience... at least not with me. Flew for Eastern Airlines after the war.

[@davegeisler7802]

You know why he never talked about it , because he saw things a man should never see , death all around him and many were his friends that he was probably talking and joking around with during the preflight meeting and 6 hours later blown out of the skies over Germany 😢

[@chriskelly6285]

Great composed video with a great background music. As a guy who's so moved by the mighty eighth's time here in the U.K. and their determination in what was almost impossible odds of survival I feel this video captures everything this group and young men were all about and the inevitable price most of them paid. Let's make sure they're never ever forgotten.

[@BigLisaFan]

My mother lived in the UK. She told me that after their house was destroyed, she and her sister lived with an aunt out in the country not too far from a US bomber field. This was the summer of 1944 and she was 17. They would see the B-17s take off and hear them coming back and sometimes run down to the field to wave at them returning. Some had engines out and were damaged. On one visit, an airplane was very badly damaged, flying low with some engines out. As it flew in, the wheels hit a fence on the field and it crashed short of the runway and exploded in flames. No one got out of the bomber. Her sister said that "They had fought for us and at least they came home to England to die." She never went back to the field after that and she has never forgotten the kindness of the Americans when they somehow found out my mother and sister had lost their mother and everything they owned when the house was hit.

[@lyon4646]

My uncle was a co-pilot on a B17 that was shot down over Germany. A few of the men bailed out but the pilot and my uncle stayed with the plane and turned it away from a village. They were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Lady Jennette. There is a lot of controversy about this incident.

[@michaelboyle7938]

My Uncle was in B-17 in the Mighty 8th in England. My Dad was a P-51 Mechanic stateside in Texas Training base They Were truly part of great generation. I miss My Dad....

[@dmr122003]

yes they are the bravest people i know ,thank your uncle and father, they are the bravest generation that will ever be , god bless them

[@questionauthority7377]

So do I and never met him they were heroes, this coming from a Vietnam veteran

[@simonflower6356]

Men in my father’s extended family have been ambassadors, congressmen, and one was a member of Teddy Roosevelt’s cabinet. But the one that really makes me proud was a B-17 pilot with the 8th Air Force. He was one of the lucky ones - 25 missions completed and he and his crew returned home safely.

[@jonathangant251]

In one day 60 B-17's don't return from their mission . Thanks for your service so we could live free ...

[@michaelcuff5780]

The people that fought in WW2 were amazing. Thank you for the real footage.

[@زنوبهزنوبهبتالبصره]

Very good B 17

[@thungchakikon811]

Considering the fact that B-17s were easy targets for the Luftwaffes, Salute to those pilots and gunners who flew them.

[@lachlanpike5469]

Slow and lumbering but man the took a beating and gave it back

[@knarftrakiul3881]

Not so easy of a target when they were grouped. Only way luffwaffa could really do damage is come straight at them at same flight level, playing chicken,,, this is why they came out with the B17-G with added front gun turret

[@TherealStewey]

Man all these people risked there life to protect and fight for their country. My grand father was in the .416 squadron during the Battle of Britan and during the rest of the war but in 1940 his luck ran out and he got shot down over the English Channel by a 109.Luckly a rescue ship came and rescued him. He's still alive and well, God bless all these people who risked their lives to change the world to a better place

[@DonnaShinn]

My Dad was with the 301st HB Group 15th AAF. He had been in the Signal Corp of the US Army for 4 years already when WWII began for the US and he knew he would rather fly. So he qualified as a Fort bombardier. He was the oldest guy on his crew at 22. 40 mission s. He was and always will be my hero. God Bless all the Bomber Boys and support crews. Heroes all ❤.

[@qwerty-yv8oh]

R.I.P David R. kingsley the soldier who sacrifice himself by giving his parachute to the wounded soldier, while the B-17 is going to crash.

[@thomaskingsley7462]

My Uncle Lt David R Kingsley a CMOH recipient a true hero among hero’s of all B-17 flight crews- courageous beyond belief !

[@qwerty-yv8oh]

@@thomaskingsley7462 your uncle is a hero

[@79byob]

What a awesome ending with the guys on top of the B17

[@ericgomez9601]

Because of these men we have freedom they sacrificed there life for us to have freedom they made sure the world is in peace bless the men who sacrifice for all of us to have freedom 🙏🙏now in days people dont realize how lucky we are to have freedom

[@waynejfoster9860]

Brave boys. Each & every one of them. Most of them were just kids really, barely out of their teens (or still in their late teens), but they all knew, even at such a young age, that the only way the free world would stay free was for them to serve. So with a promise to mother to look after themselves & return home soon, and with a spring in their step they went off to war. Each one knowing that he may not return, but they still went willingly & with pride in their hearts. Shame that sense of pride & willingness to fight for a free world isn't as forthcoming as it was back then. I salute all that serve or (like myself) have served their country. And I salute those that have willingly paid the ultimate price so others can live free. God bless you all and thank you for your service 🙏

[@donmacuha2511]

I don't know if I'm the only one who is amazed in the concept of war, Just look at it dude it's beautiful

[@alancrandall3863]

My father flew 28 missions in a B-24. i asked him how he handled the stress. He said once you consider yourself already dead its easy. He said best movie about what it was like was the movie 12 o’clock High with Gregory Peck. As a kid, I remember him waking up screaming from nightmares that his plane was going down and he was burning alive.

[@frankcorner8716]

Bloody hell you are not improving my day. You dad was traumatized for life. So glad I was too young to have to put up with what your dad did.

[@ericunderwood1482]

Allen.... that's what my Pop told me.... your scared shitless at first...then you get tired of getting shot at you get up and start shooting back...then after awhile you just don't give a shit anymore...so much death. He was an Island Hopper.... Cheers from California

[@ericunderwood1482]

@Masa Suzuki hi Masa can you translate please? My Father was an Island Hopper... fought in New Guinea, Bismarck Archapelagos, The Admiralitys, and the Phillipines...Corrigador, Battan, Battangas, Leyte Manilla and Luzon.....hi from California

[@frankcorner8716]

Alan your dad went through hell on every mission. My associate Henry Lasco piloted a B24 to Ploesti had his jaw blown away and spent the rest of war as prisoner. Why they would select the B24 for such a missions is a mystery? We lost 450 boys on this suicide mission and we had a plane specially designed for this type bombing. The mosquito, two man crew twice as fast 4000 lbs of bombs. Anyone reading this post that doesn’t think this mission was among the dumbest in the war I would like to here from them.

[@ericunderwood1482]

@Masa Suzuki BOTTOM CAPTAIN? BOTTOM!....."THEY MAKE EM GOOD IN GERMANY, HUH HIEME! "" Hi Masa! I absolutely love that movie! " This Man is dying...."He is My Friend"...lots of love and hugs to you from California!... thanks for getting back to me!

[@8-bitsteve500]

I quite honestly think I would have been so shit scared that I couldn't do anything. Those boys truly were the greatest generation.

[@benjaminaltamiranomayorga302]

They are all Heroes, who died so that we could live in Freedom. Honor them.

[@philip1675]

we will remember them all

[@barfuss2007]

the bombing shortend the end of war for no single day.

[@jamesgeorge.thorpe292]

There's always been a "QUIET NOBILITY" to the B -17 and ALL HER CREWS ....

[@slidefirst694]

My stepdad was a navigator on a B17. He kind of minimized his heroism and bravery, this film really opens my eyes. He did say once, they were debriefed after being attacked while on a mission, the interview officer wanted to know how they could tell who was the enemy? A: They were shooting at us.

[@dmr122003]

the greatest generation that was or ever will be, thank each and everyone,

[@ioannisimansola7115]

Liberty is not offered , you have to win it. This is what we owe to these boys

[@tomwolak3362]

God those men were brave .My dad flew in a B24 as left waist gunner in the 458th bomb group and flew over 50 missions before being shot down on christmas eve 1944 and spending 6 months in a POW camp. He talked about missions where the flak was so thick and accurate no one believed they would make it home.Days when the yellow noses AKA THE ABBEVILLE KIDS came up and scared you shitless by almost flying through your window before breaking away. He talked of so many good friends going down in burning bombers and praying to see chutes but watching the bomber all the way down with 10 by 50 binoculars and seeing it hit the ground and explode. Those MEN were the bravest guys to ever serve. Knowing you have a 90 percent chance of not coming back or being killed and still going day in and day out is the stuff of legends.Thank you MEN for all your sacrifices and the freedoms we take for granted that you made possible with your unbelievable courage and determination.

[@craig4867]

Forever Young, all these men in this video are all dead now, but through videos like this, their memories live on and we should never forget the sacrifices these men gave and I want to thank all of them, even though they can't hear me, but in some strange way, I think the big guy upstairs will let them know and I don't want any of you to forget our fathers and grandfathers, I won't and I want to thank all veterans, past and present, along with all family members of the deceased, May the hand of God be with you forever!

[@CSAFD]

My granddad’s brother was on a ‘17, he flew 85 missions 3 in the waist and 82 in the tail.

[@drew7155]

Wow

[@drew7155]

That's a death wish

[@ЯрославШевченко-х7й]

This is the man's man's work

[@infinity5692]

These are all bravehearts. With love and respect from India👍💐🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💐

[@tommytwotoes3880]

It is unbelievable how brave these young HEROS were. I will remember then till the day I die.

[@markderen205]

Monument @ Heemskerk, Netherlands - On February 10, 1944, on their return from a mission, the B-17G #42-31115 ('Hells Belles) was damaged by flak. On their approach to the Dutch coast, the crew bailed out. Their aircraft came down in this spot. The incident resulted in the deaths of 4 crew members. The plaque reads, “THEY FELL AND SUFFERED FOR OUR FREEDOM.”

[@blondeboy9288]

My great grandad served as a b-17 tail gunner and flew 6 missions over Germany. He always tell my grandpa his experience during those times. I remember one time my grandpa told me about my great grandpa's experience, They were on a bombing raid mission somewhere over Germany, Not soon before they reach their targets fighter aircrafts roared out from the sunlight and Flaks bombard the sky as soon as they spot their squadron. My great grandad was so nervous, He couldn't decide which one to shoot first as fighter aircraft engage their plane. Luckily they survived the raid. I always tear up when my grandpa tell this story to me.

[@andrewgorman8898]

Capt. Joseph E. Gorman / 305th Bomb Group / 365th Squadron / 30 Missions / Sept 1942 - Aug 1943. He has been gone for 3 years now. My dad. Thank you for a video well done.

[@williamkoenig177]

My father was in the same group as your father he told me the 305th and 365th would like to know if you might have known him William A Koenig from Colorado

[@andrewgorman8898]

Good morning. I can do some research on the 365th during the time period of my father's missions. It will be most interesting if I can find a connection to your father during this time. We should also establish an independent communication link as I have studied many aspects of the history of the 8th AF during the war. I will get back to you soon. Andrew

[@williamkoenig177]

@@andrewgorman8898 ok thank you for the response back to me. He passed in 2014 said he had 16 missions in England.

[@andrewgorman8898]

@@williamkoenig177 Your father was Harold? Just a few questions here. Did he attend any of the 305th reunions? I actually attended several of these with my father during the 1980-1990s. If your father had contacted the 305th reunion groups at all, there should be records in his name. If you go on line and just do a search of the 305th Bomb Group, you will find a wealth of information about the group history in Europe. Your father's name is recorded within the list of 305th Group crew members in a book titled "305th Bombardment Group (H)" published by Turner Publishing Co in 1997. If you don't have this book you must get a copy. Do you know the dates of your father's missions from Chelveston AFB? I am currently looking for a suitable museum to donate all of my father's memorabilia to. I would like for it to stay intact under my father's name. Thanks

[@williamkoenig177]

@@andrewgorman8898 no my father was William A KOENIG. BIRTH DATE IS NOVEMBER 22 1928 I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE INFO ABOUT MY FATHER'S MISSIONS IN ENGLAND I DO THINK HE WAS AT CHEVESTON 42-44?

[@gauwandybrasileiro6873]

Heros.

[@martinrogers2719]

Brave guys , my uncle died in a RAF Lancaster,( Radio operator) very young men who stepped up and defeated fascism , incredibly brave and proper heroes

[@andrewandrew6444]

My huge thanks to the photographer..... Amazing shots... 11.15 look at his smile..

[@bradkaberline8549]

The B17 was a bad as weapon on it's time and the crew were brave men thank you greatly appreciated

[@christoscoillns4144]

There's nothing heroic or even glamorous about any of this but it is fascinating to watch for some strange reason I can't name. I've been obsessed for most my life and it seems like i never get tired of watching or reading about war .

[@JonoZaidi]

Soon the only things we will have to remember these men by are memories and stories cherish our vets and respect them

[@raymondlidy5918]

I am not a great fan of music playing on youtube documentaries and wildlife but this music is perfect for this. Great work guys well done love it. What a time to be young We go out for a drink or the movies then come home these poor guy's don't even know where there going until the last minute and don't know if they will be home. Can't say much but thanks for your bravery both men and women who made the world a safer place

[@frankcorner8716]

My old boss who spent fifteen months in captivity was the bomb aimed in the lead aircraft and was shot down by flak sixgunners were useless against flak. The only thing that slowed down the horrendous losses was when they smartened up and boned The oilfields no gas no fighters. The B17 was one of the many tragedies of WW2

[@saxx001]

I live in Polesbrook, we salute the memorial each and every day, Heroes to us one and all, Never forgotten their sacrifice, and we will keep the memorial polished forever.

[@tomrohan8480]

Men of steel flying birds of steel..hats off sir..respect

[@Puppymen-gk9if]

I am a history junkie and I knew war was terrible but this is a new perspective.....

[@ИгорьТрофимов-у5ъ]

great movie. but it's even more interesting to read the comments. I didn't think that these shots would cause such a lively response from modern people. you can shoot the second series of this movie)))))

[@777poco]

geeze that gave me a glimpse of the air war over Europe, those guys had guts

[@SHADOWW18]

This footage made me feel ill, so real and raw. Those boys were given big slow birds and sent on suicide missions with nothing more than little guns to try and protect themselves with. Love the B17 and gratitude to those who served that allow me to live my life as well as I do now.

[@M-H433]

Little guns?......how many guns on a B17......

[@shawni321]

That was captivating. So young and brave and handsome. Great rare footage of a bombing mission before and after.

[@ngg7-oo6lp]

Спасибо этим людям за то что они победили фашизм. Я из Беларуси. Наших тоже много погибало

[@skimbo72]

Powerful stuff - thank you.

[@Hans-be6sm]

My grandfather was in this war as well. Finland vs Russia. He survived but he lost his nerves and mind completely from it.

[@samuelmorado70]

That was awesome to see the Memphis Belle at the end

[@Old80sPimp]

Brave generation. Especially knowing the odds of returning from one of those missions.

[@philippe1144]

RIP for all the crews who died in mission and to all those who experienced these horrors and who came back alive

[@NLSH00T3R020LiveStreamerPS4]

We are coming home ❤️

[@oldgeezer7484]

My Dad and his brother flew B-17s. I like this film because it shows the "F" model. Dad said the "G" was famous for the chin turret but the "F" fought the war.

[@neyferreira3912]

Heroes.... simple !!!!

[@mrwatching6830]

I am reading a book about it now. Book by American writer John Hersey, "The One Who Loved the War." About the pilots B-17 "Flying Fortress" the bombing of Nazi Germany. Awesome. Greetings from Russia. Your former allies.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

The John Hersey WWII novel from 1959 is called "THE WAR LOVER". It was made into a movie 'in 1962 with the same name. It starred Steve McQueen and Robert Wagner.

[@tkso.philly3879]

MUCH respect to those BRAVE men.As prior ARMY,,,I'd take mother earth ANYDAY-

[@kendal5210]

Great footage, it’s good to preserve video as rare and as interesting as this

[@paoloc2571]

When Boeing knew how to build airplanes almost indestructible... before silly and unuseful electronics arrived...

[@arthurharris9310]

The B 17 was all electric B24 was newer and had more hydrolics As well

[@luizalmeida8773]

Heróis, descansem em paz. Vocês merecem estar ao lado de Deus. Obrigado por lutar pela nossa liberdade.

[@dr.phil-federalinspector6023]

My Dad was 8th AirForce there..they bombed Berlin..and 27 other Areas..He has his Purple Hearts too..and so do I..Vietnam Veteran 68-69.. We both know about War...and soliders dying for the USA...

[@karansohalkaran590]

Very hard working army job saluet good 👍👍job 💯

[@babylov3r]

the heaviest casualties in allies for is air force. 1 bomber get shot down in middle of bombing raid 10 life losses. I really admired their courage.

[@multitraumer]

Мужественный ребята, отбомбились, отбивались от истребителей , отстреливались, а потом с такими повреждениями самолётов сумели на базе посадить, наверняка было страшно, кто то горел, падал... Одним словом герои! Сейчас таких мало наверное, все в тиктоке или ютуберы или блогеры....

[@MrJulio1938]

A ESOS HOMBRES LES DEBEMOS NUESTRA ACTUAL LIBERTAD... GLORIA A ELLOS POR SIEMPRE.

[@Alan316100]

This is taken from the 1943 film "Memphis Belle" isn't it, the orginal that is not the Hollywood movie? If so the guy in the left hand seat also flew as pilot in the lead plane on the first B29 raid on Tokyo I believe.

[@terrymarshall2613]

Dad was part of the ground crew on Guam the 29s 315th

[@donhosmer8159]

It's a damn shame That so many younger people Have absolutely no idea of what those who came before us Sacrificed so much for us

[@roadtoad7704]

Those talking about the ball bearing factory: In the 1960s, there were weekly primetime TV shows about WW2. Some were somewhat comical (McHale's Navy) and others more serious. One was called "12 o'clock high," specifically about the B17s. I remember there were mentions about the factory in the series.

[@christianefuchs6492]

Des hommes avec un grand courage, respect. Fabrice fuchs de holving

[@KuijperRob]

hero s nothing but hero's..riscing their lives for OUR TODAYS!..big respect despite the innocent victims down under their wings!..war is to preserve peace and destroy evil!

[@Tark75ifty]

Masters of the air

[@stivo2663]

Beautiful...

[@justanaussie2822]

The greatest generation

[@rccmrccrawlermods4517]

Amazing footage.. my father flew an A26...

[@morgannagrom8336]

Convenient how everyone’s dad was on a b-17

[@morrisonreed1]

to infer they are lying might be incorrect ,they could be but there is a good chance that the descendants of these flyboys would be here .my dad wasn't on a b17 ; he was infantry in korea

[@jimnotter6046]

Can't say my dad was on a B-17 (he was in the Pacific), but I worked with a guy who was a belly gunner on one. He didn't say much except he was scared shitless on every mission. Oh, and they limited how much machine gun ammo they could take, maybe because if they hadn't, the birds would never have gotten off the ground.

[@americanusterminus5632]

How convenient a snotty little smart ass having a bad case of cranialrectuminversionitis... (head up the ass disease) THE CHANCES ARE PRETTY GOOD THAT THE FOLKS THAT SAY THEIR RELATIVE FLEW IN A B 17 IN WORLD WAR 2 BECAUSE A MAJORITY OF THE YOUNG MEN IN THE U.S WENT TO FIGHT IN EUROPE AND THE PACIFIC AND THEY ALL VOLUNTEERED AND THOSE WHO GOT REJECTED KILLED THEMSELVES OR JOIN THE CANADIAN OR FOREIGN LEGION TO GO FIGHT.THEY WERENT LIKE YOUR GENERATION NEEDING SAFE SPACES AND CLAIMING ITS ACT OF VIOLENCE TO USE THE WRONG PRONOUN WITH WHATEVER YOU PUSSIES IDENTIFY YOURSELVES AS. NOW BE A GOOD A GOOD NON BINARY SOY BOY AND GO PLAY WITH YOUR BITCH BOY ANTIFA BUTT BUDDIES

[@markblix6880]

Who the fuck are you to open your filthy sewer? Shut the fuck up. You never did anything brave so you wouldn't have anything to say. Shut the fuck up.

[@americanusterminus5632]

@victor soto One question if I may "What is the title of Sun Tzus book?"

[@pedroesturain8199]

Sin palabras 👍

[@arsasatriya3935]

Great video thaks...

[@stefanoponti580]

Very great's Heroes!!!🇺🇸❤❤❤

[@christinemeleg4535]

Dedicated to Second Leutenent Joseph Brunner, KIA 9April 1944 over Nazi Germany, my uncle.. RIP love, your niece.

[@lookronjon]

My stepdad was a B17 pilot. Flew out of North Africa then Italy. Shot down on his 23 mission. Over Austria. Lost everyone else. Almost had his left arm severed. The Germans put it back together. Had PTSD and survivors guilt untill he died. Now resting at Arlington National cemetery. Rip “Jack”John Thomas Farmington. You are a hero and not forgotten.

[@TheGreatCommission777]

How many are here after watching Masters of the Air!?

[@adoritowithlegs6468]

Since everyone else is sharing about their relatives that went through this horrible war, I guess I will too. My great great uncle was a ball turret gunner in a B-17. His was shot down near Magdeburg, Germany on September 28th, 1944 during a bombing run due to flak artillery fire. Thankfully, his entire crew survived as they bailed before the plane exploded in mid air. They landed in a potato farm not too far away from their target (a warehouse or factory of some sort). There they were beaten by farm workers, and once Nazi officials got there, they were beaten even more. The Nazis then told all of them to drop any weapons they might have had on them, which they did. However, my great great uncle had a screwdriver on him (he would do maintenance work on the bomber from time to time). He saw it as a tool, but the Nazi officials saw it as a weapon. He was severely beaten before they were all taken away to be sent to various POW camps. My great great uncle stayed in different POW camps until he was finally liberated after the war ended. I know this story was quite long, but I just thought I would share. If you made it this far, thanks for reading :) Edit: Hey, everyone. I really appreciate all of you replying to my comment! It shows me that this kind of stuff fascinates all of you just as much as it fascinates me. That aside, I recently acquired a book written on my great great uncle (my grandmother’s uncle) that was written by his daughter. I thought I would update this comment to post more stories and details about his experiences! I think I should note that from here on out I will refer to him as my uncle for simplicity’s sake. I hope you enjoy reading these stories/additional details :) -First of all, according to the book, my uncle was NOT the ball turret gunner, but the waist turret gunner. Apparently all the websites I’ve used to research him got that wrong. I trust the book more because my uncles was personally interviewed for the information. -In the event of an emergency, my uncle was, however, the person responsible for assisting the ball turret gunner. Surprisingly, despite the position of the ball turret gunner, he was able to jump first due to my uncle’s assistance. -My uncle assisted everyone he could in bailing as their plane was going down, and eventually it was just him and another guy. My uncle had to convince him that they were going to die if they stayed in that plane any longer. He was proven correct as the plane exploded moments after they jumped out. -During transport between POW camps, my uncle got to experience the results of his own bombings. Their transport was delayed due to repair on railroad tracks that have been bombed. -According to my uncle, the conditions he and the other soldiers were in during transportation were not very good. There were 18 men packed into each boxcar on the train with a bucket in the center for bodily waste. There wasn’t even enough room for all of the men to lay down (these were small boxcars). -Yet another story about being transported! While they were in the boxcars described before, they had to stop at a train station during the night for some reason or another. Unfortunately, that was one of the places that was to be bombed by the RAF that very night. Needless to say, there were bombs exploding all around the boxcar for extended periods of time. Of course, everyone was terrified, but there were surprisingly no casualties as a result. -Speaking of casualties, the only POW death on that transport train was due to one soldier having an untreated ruptured appendix. Everyone else survived. This is actually very incredible considering the conditions they were in. That’s all the extra stories and details that I have for now. I hope you all enjoyed reading them, and I will update more if I feel I need to!

[@igameidoresearchtoo6511]

nice story.....how old is he now? and i read the whole comment, it isnt long, its fun to read u wont feel how long it is

[@ralphrinaldi8649]

Always remember these great men of the "17,s" pass down their stories

[@adoritowithlegs6468]

i game i do research too unfortunately, he passed away in 2011. I believe he was 19 when he enlisted in 1942 (most that were drafted were sent to infantry, he enlisted into the Air Force). Today, that would make him about 97 years old. Thanks for reading my whole comment, as well :). I am also fascinated by this sort of history.

[@igameidoresearchtoo6511]

@@adoritowithlegs6468 im so sorry to hear that, i also love this history especially ww1 and ww2 ones

[@kirkthomas8113]

Wow, Max....I had to check some records. My father was a lead navigator in a B17 on that same mission.. I was probing him for info just before he died over ten years ago and Sept 28 Magdeburg he could remember. He said in addition to the flak it was the only serious encounter with the Luftwaffe he could remember in the 30 missions he flew. He said 11/12 planes beneath him were taken out in one pass. Glad your uncle and crew made it. "Joe Balls" for an uncle. Where was he based?

[@crafter170]

Balls of steel .Every last one of them.

[@svetlanakosic9908]

Balls of steel XD hahaha

[@DannyBoy777777]

Didn't really have a choice; navy, army, marines or army air force.

[@igameidoresearchtoo6511]

@@DannyBoy777777 they did (maintenance guys)

[@appleceder6271]

The weight of those balls was so heavy and large that the plane needed 4 engines instead of 2

[@igameidoresearchtoo6511]

XDDD

[@catzepplin]

And to think....to a man, they were all in their late teens early 20s, and the captains were in their early to mid 20s. Young boys who had to grow up fast. Honor them.

[@traviskurtcedilla4377]

20 year old captains Wow mad respect

[@josemoreno3334]

Heroes All. Bliss Them

[@Frank-mm2yp]

If the Officers were in their mid-20s they were often called "The Old Man". In war, the old men talk and the young men fight- and die. Nothing much has changed....

[@lowboy1one1]

These types of men no longer exist!

[@GilbertdeClare0704]

and NEVER forget them

[@keithmelton4570]

My dad was a B-17 pilot flying right seat on his first (“orientation”) mission in May, 1944. Shot down near Dieppe, France. Returned to England after 4 months with the French underground. He never talked of his experiences. I learned of some of it online. Wish he were still alive. He had a rough life. Heroes all.

[@JoseSantos-bp4eo]

I just wonder what your dad must've gone through.

[@punisher8319]

Keith Melton I thank him for his service!

[@SK-ps1mo]

My grandfather never spoke about it as well British army he seen some some things tho .

[@punisher8319]

scott 675 I thank your grandfather for his service!

[@你好熊熊出没]

scott 675 y

[@mikeyoungblood1706]

To watch these Magnificent Aircraft and the Hero's that flew them and realize they are vanishing almost Daily brings tears to My eyes,

[@richardcheney6482]

My uncle Donnie, Dads brother was a ball turret gunner in a B-24 Liberator in 1944 ,completed 30 missions Over Nurinburg , crash landed in england twice . We are still living under freedom be cause of these brave souls. Uncle Donnie dead at 90 years old Mighty 8th

[@johnsturges3139]

They are why we aren't typing responses in German, Thanks to these men.

[@milotorres6894]

My exact sentiments bless there souls on their sacrifices in service for the worlds defense against tyrannical regimes.

[@kline750]

I feel you I always cry about these things

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Uncle Birt flew B17 over Europe and returned. Would only talk about his missions if I asked him a question. Greatest generation.

[@ralphrinaldi8649]

My dad was a bombadear on a B17 8th air force. I never realized what he went thru. I miss him

[@frankcorner8716]

No one can imagine what those boys went through. It took the planners a long time to figure out that putting 13 to 15 guns on a plane does not give you much protection.

[@enriqueeskenazi9866]

i didn't know your father but i miss him too . THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@frankcorner8716]

Your dad was in the most dangerous place in the American armed forces. Big plane relatively small bomb load and too many boys exposed to death. After 1943 most of the B17s were shot down by flak . Gunners are not much good against flak . It is next impossible to hit a fighter traveling at between 400 & 650 mph with a hand operated machine gun. We shot down very few fighters until they got an escort. The last place I would want to be is in B17 or B24. At least the Lancaster carried three times the bomb load of a B17?

[@ralphrinaldi8649]

@@frankcorner8716 Frank thank you for your comments. They helped me realised what he and orhers went thru. Will pass this to by brother and sister. Than You Ralph

[@roadtoad7704]

My stepfather was ACOE on Omaha Beach, got a Purple Heart. He passed in 1984, I was 30 YO then, too busy with "me". I really like to talk to him now.

[@tompipes9454]

My father was a radio operator-waist gunner in the Army 8th Air Forces in '44. 12-13 2019 would have been his 100th birthday.

[@olegpilat2543]

Спасибо американским и британским лётчикам за их боевую работу.

[@summeeric]

God bless you! Your Dad is a hero.....

[@punisher8319]

tom pipes I thank him for his service!

[@ericharmon7163]

Sorry to hear that. It saddens me more and more to know these guys are going to all be gone. My grandpa was 15th Air Force WW2. Africa, Sardinia, Italy. He just past 6 months ago at 99. RIP to your father.

[@madlybackwards5611]

God Bless Your Father and the many who served during WW2..." No greater love hath a man..."

[@Lolabelle59]

My Dad was a B17 tail gunner and then a bombardier, out of Bassingbourn. I miss him.

[@joeg5414]

my dad shot a few of those down.

[@Lolabelle59]

Thanking your dad. : )

[@joeg5414]

@@Lolabelle59 and I thank yours. Some of the best there have ever been that climbed into those planes and went to war - from both sides. It's crazy to even imagine

[@Lolabelle59]

Thank you. Yes and yes it is. Feeling sentimental for my Dad and watching this. vimeo.com/97359676

[@viper1320]

Condolences, Honour and Respect

[@danielwaters6131]

My wife's uncle was a Tail Gunner on 35 missions over Europe (351st BG, 510th BS) during WWII. He never said very much about his experiences, but did describe it as moments of terror and hours of boredom. He was a smaller man, about 5'4", to tall to be a Ball Turret Gunner, but the right size for the Tail Gunner's position. He described both positions as the loneliest places on the plane, because you were physically isolated from the rest of the crew. Having the opportunity to climb through the Collins Foundation B-17G "909", I can honestly say that anyone over 6' tall would have been cramped inside the bomber. I've read the maintenance officers logs for the time period that her uncle was in combat, and it is a litany of lost and damage aircraft... My hat's of to all the combat crew veterans of the 2nd world war. It took courage and a huge degree of fatalism to keep going out on missions. By the wars end, the 8th Air Force had suffered a staggering 47,000 casualties, with more than 26,000 of those being fatalities. RIP SSGT Edwin C. Vance.