WWII B-17 Pilot takes one final flight

[@RoadCaptainEntertain]

I cried right along with Marvin. I fear men like this shall never again walk the face of the Earth. A Salute to Marvin Skubick.

[@KendallsFather]

And now you have IsIs an Al-queda to deal with, so I guess your fear has returned

[@RoadCaptainEntertain]

Milan .Chara I have absolutely no fear of Isis. They are no where near the threat that Nazi Germany was.

[@KendallsFather]

RoadCaptainEntertain well, thats a pretty stupid way to look at ISIS then, One thing I agree on, if the SS were victors in Europe, there would have been no Bin Laden attack on 9/11, nor IsIs or Al-Queda at all, and right now, that sounds pretty good to me. You better open up your eyes man, this new threat is making the Nazi's loom like choirboys

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Milan .Chara They are a threat to you too!

[@KendallsFather]

Isis is a threat to me? How? Do you know where I live?

[@tiger101757]

"We did a little bit." WWII veterans are the best... so modest.

[@johnmagill3072]

I noticed that to. Soon as he was at the plane, Old memories came flooding back. Talking about that rough mission in such detail. Then the old terminology he used as a pilot. Like he was back in the pilots seat. For him to say We Did A Little Bit. Shows how humble these men are. And in my opinion how great they were and what they were willing to do not just for the US at the time. But for the entire world. Shows they truly are THE GREATEST GENERATION. I salute you sir. And I very humbly say, Thank You to you and your brothers in arms, Did indeed do far more then a little bit.

[@aschro6230]

john Magill whenever hes up in heaven he'll get to see all of his wings buddies again that he lost oh so long ago.

[@yamahonkawazuki]

Absolutely john, absolutely

[@johnmagill3072]

Just found out he's up there now. Just found out he did 35 missions. Marvin was born on March 5, 1924 and passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016

[@itoldyou5202]

john Magill he didn't die, he went to kill some Nazis again just in case.

[@JokahFACE]

"Ayeh, we did a little bit." Old guy is wheelchair-ridden, but still has a sense of humor and a tough-as-nails mentality. A true American, through and through.

[@natenjohnson]

Erwin Rommel go back to the desert, mr. Rommel.

[@kalaka-bgr478]

At least he didn't thought a lot what will happend with that humor in the days when he fly

[@speedbuggy16v]

and a sense of modesty as well.

[@Dirlo432]

Der Fliegende Holländer he has sadly passed away in April 2016

[@allenvandyke4837]

True Humble Heroes. Remember them and their values. Protect our Nation Preserve our Freedoms.

[@ItsAHedgehog]

Mr. Skubick just died about six weeks ago. RIP, sir.

[@bad74maverick1]

hopefully he told St. peter to run up Number 1!!

[@yamahonkawazuki]

but he missed you though

[@martenkruger2094]

The Greatest Generation!!!

[@martenkruger2094]

@@dlbdlb3919 shore glad he. Got them all! Too bad he missed so many!

[@normanalvarez5751]

@@martenkruger2094 They don't make Like that anymore definitely the best generation

[@Beau74]

4:40 "I had some terrible experiences... but this airplane... BROUGHT US BACK."

[@helenahingre1557]

I started reading this comment exactly when he quoted this !

[@TheAverageSushi]

+Beau74 The engineering of Boeing...

[@grahampalmer9337]

Tough ol' bus the 17. Not like even the later 24's, that had sealing fuel tanks & didn't brew up at the slightest oportunity - crews hated the 24's !!

[@fridgeratorsam4042]

My friend's dad was a ball turret gunner on a B-24; his twin brother was a tail gunner on a different ship, same group. They both earned the DFC on the same mission. He said they used to call 24's the 'Whistling Shithouse'.

[@SulCoCrazy]

Yes.....great plane. Engine was particularly robust.....just a great design.

[@dougmcmullen4713]

The greatest generation for a reason. Anytime I watch a WWII vet tell a story it gives me chills. Rest well to all who served.😢

[@seththomas9105]

My grandparents generation. They were the greatest generation, and sadly they are leaving us at a huge rate now. If you see one, talk to them and thank them. They lived and worked through the Great Depression and WWII and gave us what we have to-day.

[@michaelbelt8768]

Just to let you know, they were dying at 1,000 a day but now they're leaving us at 390 per day

[@ddz7153]

i wanna live in this generation. it feels amazing to live in those years.

[@siberiusstuph]

& Their Children (Boomers) Cry about "How hard" They had it Buddy your Parents Survived Two Global Catastrophes be Greatful

[@civmike]

Ya now pissed on by a bunch of ungrateful people who don’t even know veterans like this exist/existed. & what they fought for

[@TLF43]

badass old dude. anyone that fought in that war had to be one fierce SOB

[@reinoutkwak8558]

Ben Glesinger What do you think about ww1 though?

[@revanonarsi579]

+UnknownBigF you God damn right he did!!

[@jaredbrown4492]

Ben Glesinger one of my grandpas served in ww2 one in the Army and was in the the battle of the bulge and the other in the Army Air Corps (now called the Air Force) fighting the japanese

[@divisioneight]

They were kids mainly Speed Queen. They were 18 years old, fresh out of high school, scared sure, but so were the rest of them. They were all scared, but more scared to admit it. They relied on one another tremendously. And when they lost a crew, don't think they didn't feel it. It's just that they didn't talk about it too much. They ran on hope and pride mainly, and duty. Lots of duty. That's why they are called the greatest generation and deservedly so. God Bless them all.

[@jaredbrown4492]

divisioneight most were actually youger than 18. around 14 15 16 17. the yougest boy was a 12yo in the Navy. he later went to jail and they thought he was 18 they later let him go. when he turned 18 he joined the Marine Corps

[@silvergtotwinturbo9984]

Skubick, Marvin L. 3/5/1924 - 4/7/2016 Detroit Marvin Lewis Skubick, 92, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the Chelsea Retirement Center. Born in Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late Herman Louis and Esther Strauss Skubick and was the husband of the late Barbara Skubick. Mr. Skubick was a decorated veteran of the United States Army where he had been a B-17 pilot during World War II flying 35 missions over Germany. He later retired from Chrysler Corporation as a mechanical engineer. For many years, he was an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Detroit. Mr. Skubick is survived by his children, Gail Grady and Dr. Daniel Lewis Skubick and wife Jayne; his grandchildren, Alicia, Lauren and Brian; and great-grandchildren, James and Miranda. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Althouse.

[@antares4s]

I am sorry to learn of the passing of Marvin Skubick. May he rest in peace now for a duty well done. Capt Stubick, "You are hereby relieved of all duties and responsibilities now with a grateful thanks for the job you did. May God Bless Marvin Skubick.".

[@mauricebutler341]

silverGTO TwinTurbo wow lovely man👏

[@gljay]

God speed Marvin

[@PMoney-sk7kb]

silverGTO TwinTurbo I'm from Michigan

[@gregorybaker8530]

silverGTO TwinTurbo God bless him

[@MrPyromaster247]

"If your going through Hell keep going" sir. Winston Churchill This man went through Hell 35 times... Many like him never made it home And people my age think the world is ending when their phones die. Sir as someone who will be joining the ranks of the United States Army very soon I salute you and all who fell on both sides. Men and women like you are what make this country great.

[@ThePauperPrepper]

BTW, The life expectancy of a B-17 crew member in WWII was 17 missions. This man flew 35 and made it back every time. This man is a true American Hero. May God bless you, Sir. And again, Thank You!!.

[@JamsheedRpgGodBoss]

In your profile picture that looks to be an Iver Johnson enforcer pistol with a utg piccatiny rail mount if so that's awesome because my dad owns an m2 with and enforcer barrel and the same scope mount.

[@ThePauperPrepper]

joe lober Joe, you hit it right on the head . Right down to the type of "Enforcer". I love the weapon, where else can you get a 30 round pistol shooting a light rifle cartridge. ( .30 cal ball ammo ) Your Dads M2 Enforcer variant, is it one of the ones bought and used by the Massachusetts State Police? They had bought quite a few of the M2's (full auto) Just curious. I hope your Dad enjoys his Enforcer and dont let him sell it!! That's one you will want to inherit !!!

[@JamsheedRpgGodBoss]

Just recently he gave it to me saying he never would use it as it hurt to shoot on full auto. I keep this bad boy in the back of my truck with three 30 round mags and she's a great snake rifle for rattlers and he was a lawyer and was working with a mayor here in Kansas and they mayor gave it to him. Thing has some damn history on it.

[@rrossman2]

My grandfather also flew over 30 missions in a B17 (pilot). He told me one time a flak shell went right up through the wing leaving a dinner plate sized hole. He said thank god it had an altitude fuse or they would have been done. He also told me the one time they lost an engine (or two, I forget now) and had to fall out of formation and fly home solo. He said that was the loneliest he had ever felt in his life.

[@captianconnorusafbr03.65]

My Pop Noa flew thirty six missions and a few missions out of the army airforce

[@kemposoefi]

Very disrespectful to rate thumbs down, shame on you!!! We still remember these brave men and thank them for their sacrifices in order to liberate us from the Nazis.

[@StoppMethnAround]

Undisrepectful? You mean disrespectful?

[@kemposoefi]

SuperNinjaBurger Hi, thank you! I have changed it. Let's say we blame it on the Jack Daniels... ;-). Cheers, Fred.

[@StoppMethnAround]

kemposoefi np

[@Lughrochben]

Unfortunately, there are too many who seek such negative responses to either gain attention or to make themselves feel good. These people have always existed, but the internet has opened up too much contact for them to interact with us. I had a friend who fought in World War II. He passed away last year at the age of 96. He was a sailor who fought in Guadalcanal. I shall never forget his, or any of those brave men's, sacrifice.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Absolutely!

[@divisioneight]

I personally know a veteran who, on 5 June, 1944 (not 6th) jumped out of an airplane in the middle of the night with a parachute and a Tommy gun over occupied coastal France to start the first actions of D-Day. He speaks little of that day, and his six subsequent months in Europe that ended in one of the coldest winters he ever experienced in the woods of Germany defending US held positions in the Battle of the Bulge. All I do is call him every Veteran's Day and thank him. Recently he lamented that he was afraid with only a handful left who actually did these amazing deeds, that their story will be forgotten and the hard lessons they endured as well as all Americans did then will be erased from our memories by the new fads and political shades, only to have to be repeated again with another generation. That's their greatest fear.

[@jdh91741]

+divisioneight The library of congress and the national archives have web sites for veterans to record their war exploits. Phone your congress person and they will help you with the project. I did this for my uncle who was a SeaBee building the runway on Iwo Jima. B-29's were skidding onto the incomplete runway ripping the runway apart. Don't delay. Only 10% of our WWII veterans are still with us

[@destensgaming669]

+divisioneight they jumped in the early morning hours of June 6th

[@rc01140]

+Destens 2 They left the ground on the 5th, so mission start time was on the 5th.

[@destensgaming669]

rc01140 yea but the plane is slow asf and took a bit

[@jdh91741]

Destens 2 Non Sequitur and fatuous

[@cstromarch8046]

I am a european citizien of Sweden and was born 46. It was a great privilege to see this video about one of the brave american heroes that eventually saved me and my country in WW2. Before I pass away I will try to get to the US and pay my deep respect to the many young americans that didnt make it when saving us. They where and still are my heroes.

[@leehilton7163]

GOD BLESS HIM AND ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT SERVED AND ARE SERVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@josephmcclung9987]

Merica! F**k yeah!

[@スペース-o2h]

Now the war is just a waste of time. Even back then the wars were pointless. There is no reasons to fight a real war, only for oil and other physical things :/

[@ashleyfronsdahl3126]

Adnan Bosnjak maybe God will throw you in a fire on judgement day. This man went and serviced his country and dId the job he was told to do

[@ashleyfronsdahl3126]

Adnan Bosnjak no I never said that I knew what would happen. All I'm saying is that man serviced his country and a lot of people never made it home on both sides. Just stop being a douche bag, get out of your moms basement, get a job, and a life.

[@angelathessen6488]

Yes God bless him to all, you did their duty!

[@GIDDY_UP_GO]

Age is a mudda fudda! This old guy was probably tough as nails back in the day. Glad to see him get to fly one more time. If it weren't for these guys, the world we know today would be a totally different place!

[@DeltaSniperZRR]

Beautiful plane the B-17 is. Pilots were some really brave men, you couldn't go anywhere when you came under fire by the Luftwaffe.

[@MrSkeeja]

Other than it's ability to fly high and absorb punishment the B17 was not really that good an aeroplane. But I agree they were all really brave men.

[@nolanmoxley4656]

MrSkeeja what do you mean? Haha thats exactly what the Army wanted and needed, the B-17 was a work horse. They needed a high altitude tough as nails bomber. And thats what Boeing gave them.

[@MrSkeeja]

Nolan Moxley The point I was making was that as war machine the B17 was outmoded by the time it went into battle. The B24 was a better aircraft as was the Lancaster. If the allies had concentrated on smaller faster aeroplanes then the bombing campaign may well have been more effective. The Mosquito could carry a bigger bomb load than the B17 higher and faster than the German fighters and with a crew of only two.

[@nolanmoxley4656]

MrSkeeja Fair enough. And all are well made points. Though we can only wonder how things would have been if other aircraft were used, still a very interesting concept. Have a good one sir.

[@MrSkeeja]

Nolan Moxley Take care

[@Brock_Landers]

This video almost had me in tears. I personally don't care what anyone says, in my eyes, these men were heroes. Their bravery and courage in the face of perilous danger helped us and our allies win the war against Germany and Japan. I understand that just because they served for their country doesn't make them a hero, but in my eyes they will always be American heroes, just like all of our troops that have been to Iraq and Afghanistan. It takes a special kind of courage and determination to leave behind everything that you know and love to put yourself in danger to fight for our way of life. They don't get paid much so they're not doing it for the money. Hell, I made 4 times this year what most people in the military bring home. If it wasn't for the sacrifice and bravery of men like this we might all be speaking German or Japanese today. Think about all of this when you're saying that these men and women aren't heroes.

[@furulund]

+Robert Keeton I'am reluctant to compare the sacrifice made by this golden generation with the mess currently going on in Iran, Iraq and the middle east.

[@justiceiscomingsoon]

+Robert Keeton my Dad's first cousan was American pilot, he was shot down over Hong Kong, carried on his back his co-pilot, and made back to the US base (somwhere in India) with the help of Chinese partisans.

[@frederikwestenhoff1370]

+Nick Wright I beleave this man, this war was horribble, bud not all germans are bad . In my hometown my grandparents resquet some pilots and save sames. After this war my family "they all died" we have friendship with Gis and i have origenal Photos from this relationships, PS im a owner from two Willys Jeeps and an Reo m35A2 and I think, that we christians should be keep together. Please vorgiveve me my bad english because i am german. My respekt.

[@BaronVonRichtofen]

+Robert Keeton They certainly are heroes. I couldn't agree more! :o)

[@jeffsmith2022]

+Nick Wright And good people have to die to stop the bad guys,always...

[@AW-Services]

This generation must never be forgotten, For your efforts our freedom is possible

[@kenmackenzie3747]

A true hero. My dad was at Gold beach with the Royal Navy on d day aged 17 years and 8 months. Never talked about it. I salute you all, from the UK.

[@SNATCHYDBS]

in england we know how brave those young americans were flying those daylight missions over germany... we have many americans in their B17's crash n die returning from that living hell over europe... to say they were brave does them no justice... they are of a calibre of men whom we are a pale reflection of... so i say thank u sir for fighting the good fight and standing with us english against the nazi's... god bless u and for those of u who have left negative remarks about this man i say this... u cowards u are not fit to carry his shoes.... ENGLAND REMEMBERS THOSE WHO STOOD WITH US..

[@SNATCHYDBS]

yes some were lied to and made to fight... but the ss and the nazi's were an evil that had to be crushed...

[@mskiUSMC]

I know just the feeling, I was lied to and we killed innocent people in Iraq. I feel absolutely awful for what we did. BUT I do NOT and would NEVER regret my service to my country and countrymen.

[@SNATCHYDBS]

U served and did your best mate... thats all any soldier can do. U guys do that so ordinary fellas like me dont have to, we get to stay home with our loved ones. I thank u for that ' and the english boys who were killed fighting for us in iraq. . God bless u . 

[@223rocks]

There's still a bunch of us that would stand with you today if needs be brother. Greetings from across the pond friend! This man is what young skulls full of mush should shut up a learn how to be a man from.

[@SNATCHYDBS]

One day i fear we will have to brother... isis are here in england " ... they userping us from the inside they like the vc in vietnam... one minute they just a civilian " then the next a jihadi "... in parts of london they openly fly that black isis flag ive seen it with my own eyes... i know the US and Britain will be there again... i hope if it comes to that we fight the good fight again .. your friends across the pond. 👍👊👍

[@tigergreg8]

Thank You Mr Skubick for a job very well done. Your contributions to our Country are much appreciated. You experienced things few have ever done. Thanks again.

[@petesenrab5691]

This man is a true hero! His generation puts all others to shame. I have the honor of living by one of these gentlemen! It is absolutely amazing what they went through!!!

[@mikeeihusen5194]

You can see the emotion on Marvins face, It made my waterworks turn on a little myself.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!

[@skaterasta99]

My great grandpa fought in the Spanish "Blue divition" or "División azúl" he volunteered... he lives in our memory as a hero, and so does this guy and every WW veteran out there.

[@leninvasco]

Hero? He was a fascist and is now burning in hell.

[@VintageTamiya]

God bless that man

[@cameronchrestman46]

thank you sir for the sacrifices you made for America

[@SuberDuberUberEvan]

Its insane some people who live in this country disrespect the flag that was so bravely defended by such a man as this.

[@davidmendozamendez156]

The flag does nothing. The people are the real heroes, the ones who defend their people. Don't defend a flag, defend your people.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I salute MEN like this, NOT the current flag.

[@jeroenthelord]

@@REVNUMANEWBERN You salute the same flag as they did. A flag represents what your country stands for, regardless of what the current government is upto

[@crptc5707]

but still ww2 is a wrong war fighting the wrong enemy if you look at who benefit the most, general Patton knew this and was murdered.

[@billyshead1339]

@@jeroenthelord yes I see ppl from other countries waving the flags of the countries they left so Americans can do what they please. Its jealousy otherwise.

[@craigsmith9843]

thankyou to you and all of those young americins who went through hell to help liberate us.thankyou from an englishman.

[@stephenord3403]

From me in England 🇬🇧, much love and respect to you in America 🇺🇸 ❤

[@VulcanOps]

Mad respect to this guy.

[@bradleyjansevanrensburg6672]

Only saw this video now for the first time and it truly touched my heart, well done old timer for all that you endured and still being able to stay positive the world needs more people like you!

[@esmaelpereira1465]

We are so indebted to these men who's bravery is without question. Not much older than teens,yet they found courage to do a job of much older men.We have to remember that they flew without all the fancy equipment of today,yet they did there job and they did it very well. I could go on forever about the men and women who s fought so hard so I can be free.

[@bcstechnologylimited896]

I don't think we can ever give enough thanks to Mr. Skubick and his contemporaries for what they did for the USA and her allies during World War II. Mr. Skubick passed on in April 2016, but what he and his men accomplished during those 35 missions will remain a prominent part of 20th century history. If you know anyone who was a World War II or Korean War veteran, now is the time to shake their hand and tell them how much you appreciate what they went through in the name of freedom. They are very elderly people and don't have much time left. I worked for many years for a man who flew 13 missions over Germany in B-17s and B-24s-returning many times in planes that were all shot up and with engines out. We often traveled together on business and he eventually started to tell me all about it, and I listened carefully. This gentleman passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 and I was heartbroken, yet happy that he had gone on to enjoy a good life after experiencing the horrors of aerial combat. I am forever grateful that he told me what went on and the incredible danger he and his comrades faced on each mission. I developed a new respect for World War II veterans and truly believe they were part of the Greatest Generation.

[@13BGunBunny]

I get choked up every time that I hear the stories from WW II Veterans. Thank you, Marvin Skubik, and God bless you. US Army Artillery B Btry 4th BN 4th FA Ft. Sill, OK '84-'86

[@michaelashcraft8569]

Quite often we look at old men, forgetting the FACT that, at one time they were young, and, we all have a story built on Father Time, this man has one even Hollywood can't beat!! Tears of remembrance for his Crew, Plane, and, because he EARNED the right to cry!!

[@bryanhauschild4376]

“We kicked them out.” Loved it. God bless you sir for the country we have.

[@guidepost42]

This is great. Thanks so much for posting. Guys like Marvin are really heroic.

[@mattwilliams9075]

What a wonderful sweet man. God bless him and all the other brave airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines who fought and gave their all. And also the people who gave this man this opportunity.

[@jackkircher1755]

There is no shame in crying. Those 38 missions were out of nothing more than a soldier's love for his country! Thanks for all your sacrifices for all branches of military service! God has richly blessed America and its government has slapped him in the face!

[@AlexInsull]

that veteran fully deserved to be respected and treated to that experience again, what a wonderful man. really heart warming

They have made the ultimate sacrifice to give us the chance of a better future. These brave men and women gave their lives out of love for us and their country and the survivors had to keep on living with the scars.. May they rest in peace and NEVER be forgotten.

[@antares4s]

This man and others like him are true treasures the likes of which are fading fast. So when you see one of these gentlemen in his wheelchair and wearing a Veterans' hat, go up to him, shake his hand and say Thank You. It will mean more to him than you can ever know, to know that somebody remembers and and appreciates their service.

[@antares4s]

Further down you will see a note that Marvin Skubick passed away on the 7 of April 2016.

[@waltermameli2026]

Marvin Skubick was the definition of American Hero.....The Man Was Hardcore.....

[@chrisvigliano865]

I'm 32 yrs old my grandfather was in the navy during ww2 n my great uncle was in the army fought in the Pacific n received 2 purple hearts.i learned alot about airplanes at a young age 3 or 4 I knew what a b17 looked like I met the crew of the memphis belle when I was 5 at an airshow by my house I was in the cockpit it was great n the b17 has been my favorite plane ever since. Thank you marvin for your bravery and service America lucky to have you

[@waverly24]

One last dance with the maiden who saw him safely back from combat, thank you sir for your service to our nation.

[@poulanpiper9419]

At least the man did what he loved. I am very grateful for his service and all the men and women who serve our country.

[@dlbdlb3919]

At least the man did what he loved, dropping bombs on people.

[@Vocalsalesmasteryjohnheart]

Thank you for posting this. Honestly, I like the tears. Without seeing this brave man's tears, people won't know how tough it actually was back in the 40's. They won't know how many people were lost(his best friends and enemy soldiers and civilians) or how barbaric it got. Riding in a B-17 could get you killed pretty quick. Tough people like Marvin don't cry that much-- so does everybody get it? Can we all try to think about what happened to him AND SO MANY OTHERS and strive for a world of freedom and goodness. His tears only show That Marvin is a good decent man. He had to be brave and very tough a long time ago. Now, he's earned a time to talk about his duty to his country. He's earned every one of his tears. And we should just stand in awe of this man, and listen. God Bless.

[@tedcarreras6361]

VocalSalesMastery y f

[@michaelclarke8066]

This is one of the best videos on the internet. It's shows a relationship between man and machine at it's finest, a revisitation of epic proportions. The pride is genuine, it's humbling to watch, and is something that speaks beyond the volume of what written words can portray.

[@ohyikes1]

My uncle was a Belly Gunner on a B-17 during WWII. He was a wonderful and gentle man. He was 95 years old when he passed away, September of 2014. My father was in the Army, 70th Division (Recon), 3rd Infantry. He rarely spoke of his experiences in WWII. He passed away 25 years ago, when he was still very young. I miss them both. All of these brave men who served during WWII are part of the greatest generation.

[@mistertagnan]

Where do you live? I know in some places you can see your family's service record

[@CurlyQLink]

+MrTagnan I would love to do some research on my father and uncle. Can you tell me where I could look for some information?

[@mistertagnan]

+Curly Q. Link i think if you go to your local army "office" you can withdraw info from relatives who fought in the army (including Air Force navy etc.) for stuff like deployments battles and squads etc.

[@qbsaber]

I to Salute Marvin Skubick, how can we ever repay their heroic deeds.

[@ike7309]

These guys went through hell and back. Incredible!

[@ikeduley6361]

What you guys don't realize is one: those things aren't pressurized, so it's loud as a all hell. Two, the reason he said that he was afraid of the flak is because those bombers aren't armored. They literally have thin sheets of aluminum on them. The aluminum is so thin you can bend it with just lightly pushing on it. So, when you get hit with flak, you don't know if it's gonna come in and kill you. It's like a game of chance. Thank you for your service, sir.

[@Pilicast]

B-17s were actually heavily armored with plates of steel, but mostly only around the crew members’ stations. There was also bulletproof glass that helped a little in stopping the bullet. Other than that, yeah the planes back then weren’t that protected

[@SulCoCrazy]

Correctly spoken! Even the tail surfaces were covered in fabric. One thing to remember is that airplanes are a constant compromise between strength and weight. Armor would've been too much for the available engines to be able to lift plus the bombs and all other equipment.

[@stevek8829]

@@Pilicast there's no armor or bullet proof glass. Why spread lies?

[@TraustiGeir]

Are you serious? This airplane had plenty of armor!

[@ZaYn.91]

I agree with the "Arent Pressurized" cabin, but b-17 actually has a good armor + every crew use protective vest to avoid fragment

[@ZicajosProductions]

Mr. Marvin Skubin, I salute you. Thank you for relaying the invaluable first hand accounts of these aerial missions, despite how difficult they can be to talk about. I greatly appreciate your service for this country, and God Bless you.

[@mattboomerang7920]

My grandfather was a B-17 G pilot, POW. He would never talk of his time in war or of much of his flights. After he passed away my cousins and I started comparing notes from his few stories and found the logs of what happened prior to being shot down. You know your Grandparents we're bad asses but humble about there accomplishments. I hate knowing how they were treated when coming back from the wars. Thank y'all for sharing videos to keep the true history alive. God bless and thank you all that have or are serving.

[@Chevy4x4dawg]

Thank you sir and every person that served the United States of America.

[@ArqHPA]

A fine and brave gentleman. He deserves respect and gratitude.

[@sjb2202]

The fact that he was even in a B17 and still alive to tell the tale is pretty impressive.

[@captainAlex258]

may he watch over us

[@leohanson-meier3471]

Still great 13 years later

[@stevelogan5475]

There are really no words of respect to speak of the gratitude to a man like this and many, many others like him. The only words i can think of are God bless Sir.

[@dylanney43]

God bless this man and all veterans.

[@randomlyentertaining8287]

His one personal comment on the B-17 was one that I'm sure many B-17 crewmen were happy was true and for a few, wasn't. "But this aeroplane brought us back."

[@heffoandjuff5903]

God bless this kind and gentle, brave and fearless soul in this life, and the next. I was a navy man and I always revered the WW2 combat pilots. Godspeed and a smart salute to you Sir!

[@kathryntruscott6351]

Those B17 crews had so much courage to go over Germany in daylight. Some of those formations were cut to ribbons, yet they went back day after day, year in and year out with little or no fighter cover. As someone British born, I just want to say "thanks to the yanks" that contributed so much to getting this job done. We couldn't have done it without you guys...... I was born in 1942, so only remember small bits of that time, but those memories are still there, and always will be. The bond between our countries must never be allowed to be broken..... xx

[@MrMattw975]

No shame in crying Marvin sir, the free world of today thanks you for your service. My Grandfather was a WW2 Avenger pilot & I hope if I ever had to step up to the plate like you guys did, that I would show the same bravery & humility x

[@laven111]

My dad was a Tanker in WW11 .This guy reminds me of him. A proud American

[@danielruckhaber2109]

+Jack Brown 11th World War?

[@R3KL3SSS]

World war 11? Wow

[@Bru946]

Damn

[@dominicmgm]

World war eleven? Did he travel to the future?

[@mattleemattlee123]

Honestly, Dominic, just shut up. People like you haven't earned the right to wash the clothes of the Greatest Generation. You'd have to have caught flak for the 15th time at 15,000 feet over someplace like Schweinfurt or Friedrichshafen or Munich. They you can make jokes. Until then, stow it.

[@darkpassenger01]

They were the greatest generation,God bless you sir and thank you for your service.This brought a tear to my eye

[@doncoro]

That´s one fine gentleman that did his duty.

[@MrSkeeja]

What a wonderful video. It is great to see that the old gentleman feels able to express his emotions so freely. A great tribute to a brave man.

[@68air]

We are crying with you Marvin. Wish my dad could have seen this and met you. He was with the 199th Field Artillery and you probably flew right over him in 1944 in the Lorient Pocket. Like Kipling said....You'll meet him later on in the place where he has gone where it's always double drill and no canteen.

[@MKMEAN]

No matter which country they were from (except Germany and Japan). Thanks to all the soldiers who fought against fascism, should be respected and remembered. This man is one of them! They saved all of us. They're the true heroes! Salute them!

[@antonkrutyakov7825]

German and Japanese fought for what was right and most should be respected too. We cannot forget their sacrifices as well to do what they thought was right for their country.

[@whiteshark450]

Anton Krutyakov Germans soldier of the Wehrmacht maybe not the SS but especially not the dogshit of humans which are the japanese soldiers with all the atrocity they did to the Chinese and american prisoner of war.

[@TimSlee1]

Anton Krutyakov Well the Germans only fought for their country and tried to fuck up the rest of the world and the Japanese helped and you must not forget how many Gypsies and Jews they killed. And don't go saying to me, ''FUCK THE JEWS!'' and that Gypsies are just a bunch of Irish travelers because that is absolute garbage. The Gypsies weren't just a bunch of Irish travelers, they were a peaceful creative culture who were very mistreated. I sure do hope you aren't just an ignorant racist fuck but if you are than i will just have to simply ignore you and any other racist shitheads who reply to me. And i do understand that there were some germans who didn't want to fight but were forced into doing so so i am not saying that they are all bad and same thing goes for some of the Japanese.

[@norightturn7047]

There were plenty of heroes on all sides of the war. I just watched a show about a German ace who encountered a B-17 that was in bad shape. It was blown to pieces, missing it's tail gun and gunner and he couldn't bring himself to fire upon it. He said it would be like shooting men in their parachutes which he refused to do. He pulled up along side it and escorted it out of Germany. Out of compassion and respect he did this. The pilots in the B-17 could have opened fire and easily shot him down. His own country could have tried him as a traitor but he did what he felt was right and I consider him a hero for it. Many german soldiers were just doing their job and trying to protect their land. They weren't all evil like Hitler. Plenty of Japanese soldiers who did what was right too.

[@JCMLegion]

Jamie Pinson That would be Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown. :D They ended up meeting each other about 6 years ago? I think sometime like that.

[@camaro8477]

I joined the US NAVY because of these men and till my dying day I will salute everyone of them I meet.

[@no1dirtbag]

The REAL American hero (heros man and plane)

[@sharkyfish3492]

I am at a loss of words here. My dad was a WW2 vet and I miss so dearly. The men that went on these missions to fight for world peace were so incredible, so brave. God bless them all, and may the winds of freedom carry them home for a rest well deserved

[@punyaps]

Some people think professional sports figures are heroes- they can't hold a candle to guys like this.

[@carlalyles]

Professional sports people (I'm talking about football, basketball,hockey, baseball, etc.....) are so damn boringgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg!

[@1957evinrude]

Bless his heart

[@dlbdlb3919]

Bless his bombs, he had no heart.

[@PHM00]

As of posting this comment there are 89 thumbs down???? who in the hell would do that????? That's a great man there that did his job and went through hell for his country and maybe finally had a nice ride in a B17 !!

[@s6u6r6f6]

This man represents the greatest generation of Americans there will ever be.. no man who went through what he did...and there were tens of thousands like him ...can be blamed for the tear-stained overwhelming reunion with the ship which took him into the valley of the shadow of death and brought him back to his friends 35 times. It enabled him to return to his family and country to live a life of peace and freedom and in this gentleman's case: honor and glory.

[@Excitable101]

Marvin, to you and all that fought that terrible war...... thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did to keep me and my family safe.

[@mexicawarrior5547]

Thank you for your service sir God bless you

[@carlalyles]

To the 100 people that thumbed down this video, I pity you!

[@Brucev7]

They think they can just watch someone else hold hands with everyone and sing Kumbaya. While they play video games, order Delivery Pizza.

[@dlbdlb3919]

Pity you Carla, supporting him for all the families he dropped bombs on.

[@glizzygordon5395]

khk khk they mostly bombed factories you imbecile. he was doing his duty and he did it well u nazi

[@brianjschumer]

Many many trollers, mostly Russian and Muslims, and I would bet a good size of money that they've had their visas to the United States turned down!!

[@JordanBurns]

Probably foreigners, not too concerned

[@lauraholland9982]

Thank you sir. You are a true hero. God speed.

[@teddyroth1514]

he sadly passed away in april this year. may he rest in piece.

[@chevforlifeclarkson8957]

how could anyone dislike this? Seriously??

[@speedbuggy16v]

Thank You to all our vets, your sacrifices are not unnoticed. May you all find peace from the terrors of war. I am struck by the pictures, young men, barely out of boyhood going off to war. Truly our greatest generation. My hat is off to you.

[@Indzeosko]

Thank you Sir for your Service.

[@Thej611]

This was really hard on him. This plane means the world to Marvin. I really respect him for it.

[@gljay]

Wonder if the old guy is around these days. My friends 90 yr old dad a wwll vet died this year. I will miss him. Liked talking about that time and the airplanes of the war. I was probably the only one he knew that could talk on that level with him.

[@johnmagill3072]

That's a very good question. This was uploaded nearly 6 years ago. I am guessing he was in his late 80's then. If he is still with us. He would be mid 90's now. Then again that is just a guess.

[@gljay]

***** OUTSTANDING!! Great to hear it my friend. I had a friend that fought in wwll. He liked talking to me as I loved that era with the music, the planes, and even the women were classier and dressed the part. My generation not so much so I rebelled against it. I am NOT a rocker of any sort. Can't stand the junk. I will take a big band any day!

[@johnmagill3072]

***** I am sorry to hear about your loss sir.

[@wayne068x]

***** Sir - Thank you for your service. Sincerely.

[@frizstyler]

gljay well i'm a rocker and i highly appreciate the bravery and quality of those generations.you wont find that today. a young person putting his life on the line for freedom? noway.we're giving these away. but the most annoying thing to see is the victims of ww2,israelis, becoming the new nazis. thats a huge offence to all the past heros

[@johnprice7303]

A wonderful example, of a wonderful generation of hero's who thought it was just plumb natural to lay your life on the line for your Country. We will not see their like again!

[@papasinthehouse5801]

+john price Yup I ship out to Parris Island for USMC bootcamp in a couple weeks and I signed an infantry contract and whenever people ask what MOS I signed up for I tell them infantry and all I get called is idiot etc. lol

[@Jack-jd3yn]

+i'll make u salty I just did the same thing man I ship to Pendleton in about a month

[@Jack-jd3yn]

+i'll make u salty I'm still only 17

[@normalman5943]

+Roger Clemons this man put his life on the line for his orders and you say he is not a hero by that logic all solders who took a life are hitler you sir have no respect for this man who went through hell and back for his country I ma not be from the country he fought for but even I see he is a hero so to you sir a dishonourable peace of crap trying to make a old man who was relieving his glory day you sir should not be breathing the same air good day sir good day I say.

[@soyounoat2814]

Mr, Skubick earned the right to shed a tear when recounting the experiences he had. It is difficult to imagine, and to live through it much more so. I thank him, my father, and many more for what they did.

[@PoubelleKansas]

Wow. Very stirring. Every word he spoke brought back memories of my uncle, who flew B-17s out of England, and his brother (my father), who was a P-38 pilot in the South Pacific. I knew them as older men whose heroic adventures lay in the past but whose bravery and courage lived forever.

[@chitstirrer1]

These men are true humble heroes.

[@tinachandler3091]

Fifty-four people are jerks. These people went through so much, my dad told me that sometimes these planes came back in nothing more than airframes, but be ready to go ASAP! These planes and pilots are a testament to the true American spirit. Thank you sir and godspeed

[@hoss73ford]

Exactly. Many made it back with half the tails shot off, the rudders missing, etc. A jet which suffers that kind of damage (JAL flight 123, AA flight 587, etc) almost always goes down.

[@Mechknight73]

Mark Muffs With modern jets, it's the explosive decompression that makes them break up. There was one case of a jet, Aloha Airlines that survived that kind of damage, thanks mostly to the pilots. Due to a problem with the outer skin, a 20 foot piece of the fuselage tore off, to a depth of almost 180 degrees around. It never flew again of course, but they did manage to land it. If the cabin wasn't pressurised, it wouldn't have broken up so badly

[@juergenschmitt2026]

Bombig civiliabs is a war crine

[@alexfad242]

With respect to all American veterans from Russia!

[@Brucev7]

American and Russian Military always fought with vigor. “To summarize: Three steps must be taken to smash the war racket. We must take the profit out of war. We must permit the youth of the land who would bear arms to decide whether or not there should be war. We must limit our military forces to home defense purposes." General Smedley D. Butler

[@kimgibson2368]

Thank you Russia from Oregon usa

[@slickwoodworker3023]

You Russians bore the brunt of Hilter's fury. America lost 400k whereas Russia lost clsoe to 20,000,000. Let that sink in for a bit

[@fostercathead]

Such bravery, then and now. Thank you for your service!

[@mcedd54]

God Bless America. Somehow we always seem to have service men and women like Marvin Skubick when we need them. "Lest We Forget"

[@RenegadeChauffeur]

Anyone who isn't shedding a tear at the end of this out of respect for the pilot is a fool.

[@hoss73ford]

rest assured it does me plus the fact we're losing about 900 of these guys in any given day now.

[@dlbdlb3919]

Anyone who isn't shedding a tear at the end of this out of respect for the people this pilot dropped bombs on is a fool.

[@RiceCereal24]

hhk khk Nazis?

[@glizzygordon5395]

hhk khk u nazi

[@thanoscube8573]

coming from the future in 2022; I might have not shed a tear from me eye, but I shed a tear from me heart

[@dougslittlediesel]

My father was in the Mighty 8th AirForce 306th bomb group 368th squadron. He got shot down the last day of Big Week February 25th 1944.He was a German POW FOR 14 Months. He served from the day after Pearl Harbir allthe way to when the Japanese surrendered .He's gravely wounded and covered his men while they made there escape and stayed behind God what may and got capured even though he was shot up and couldn't move because of a shatered leg and 287 pieces of shrapnel in his bodie. Even. the German doctors said he wouldn't. live long. He married my mother his beautiful English. bride and wored a job and a farm and raised 5 boys and 4 girls.. 9 children and many friends and beautiful wife he had when he passed away in 1987 at age 71. From a massive heart attack and a worn out body. He with mom and his crew now the men he respected most. When his plane Top Hat and crew were 5 Combat missons short of going. home when they got shot down . My dad is listed in many books at the 8TH Air Force Museum in Savannah Ga..He has the record for confirmed downed enemy aircraft. He could. shoot down a enemy figbtee at 1500 yards with a fifty caliber gun .He listed as the deadliest shot in his squadron. He is listed as Staff Sargent Clinton E. Snyder. My Father was like this man silmple easygoing a husband but was heeo qho did a heroic job but wouldnt here of any fuss over it.

[@VayaconChupacabra]

very touching. thanks for the vid.

[@danielbritton8588]

Superb. We do not need those who thumbs down this video at all. Not for one blessed thing in this world. That was waves of emotions for all involved.

[@worldwarwill1278]

Bless this gentleman and this being 12 year old video makes it very poignant! Thank you for this upload.