WWII P-51 Mustang Combat Ace on Dogfighting Germans | Joe Peterburs

Joseph Peterburs had plans to become a Catholic Priest, but with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the outbreak of World War II he instead joined the US Army Air Corps and began an aviation career that would span three wars and make him an 'ace' pilot.
During WWII Joe would join the 20th Fighter Group, 55th Fighter Squadron, flying P-51s, escorting B-17 bombers on their missions and defending against German fighter attacks. He flew 49 missions and logged 269 combat hours.
On his 49th mission, 10 April 1945 the Group was escorting 450+ B-17s to targets near Berlin. Just as the bombers were unloading, a swarm of Me 262 turbojets hit the formation. Lt. Peterburs was flying high cover and saw a 262 slicing through the B-17s. Peterburs had considerable altitude advantage and pulled into the 262s 6 0’clock with his six .50 calibers blazing. Sixty years later he learned the damage he inflicted on the Me 262 resulted in the engine disintegrating and the pilot bailing out; the pilot was Walter Schuck, a top German Ace with 206 victories. Shortly after Peterburs started strafing an airfield before being hit by ground fire. Unfortunately he was unable to make it back to friendly lines and had to bail out over Germany, was captured and became a POW. He escaped, linked up with the advancing Russians, and fought with them to the battle of Wittenberg on the Elbe.
In December 1951 he was assigned to the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron of the 18th Fighter Bomber Group flying the P-51D in Korea. He flew 76 missions over North Korea sustaining battle damage on several of those missions including a .50 caliber round through the prop of his P-51.
In the fall of 1967, Lt. Colonel Peterburs was assigned to Vietnam as Staff Operations Officer responsible for Command and Control in the war zone.
Interview recorded on November 2, 2023
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Megan Maggi

[@americanveteranscenter]

HISTORY LOVERS - before you comment, be sure to subscribe to this KZbin channel and ring the notification bell so you never miss a future upload!

[@jackrobboh]

This guy literally got shot down, captured, escaped , fought alongside the Russians, and got sent to Korea! HERO

[@vandylawdbg]

Amazing to hear a WWII fighter pilot calling the bomber crews “the bravest of the brave”! What a story! Great interview!

[@bch5513]

He knew the attrition rate. It was HUGE. Like flying in formation into a meat grinder.

[@daffidavit]

My dad's brother, (Uncle Jim) was a nose gunner on a B-24 in WWII. He never spoke about it and I never knew about it until after he died. His older brother, my Uncle Pete, was a tank commandar in North Africa under General Patton. He earned the Silver Star for holding off German tanks until reinforcements arrived. I never knew about it until after he died. I knew they were both in the war, but they never spoke about it and I never asked. I kind of wish I did.

[@dannyk1351]

Brave to bomb Dresden? Or any civilian center? Stoppp. More like a psychopath

[@Mike_Norris]

It's really fascinating that the enemy pilot he shot down, Walter Schuck...they met again in 2005. Remained close friends for a further 10 years until Schuck passed away.

[@bradmitchell3765]

Wow! I was a controller in the USAF back in 1969 and served with WWII, Korean, Berlin Airlift and Vietnam Vets. My hat is off to all of you! One gentleman I met had been a glider pilot and landed in France on D Day. All of those people deserve the respect of all of us today.

[@mikejrSAA]

ATC, TACP, or CCT?

[@bradmitchell3765]

@@mikejrSAA ATC

[@whatdothlife4660]

@@mikejrSAA BBC

[@busterdee8228]

I worked with an ATC Controller in the 80s who had served in VN. He used to joke that he shot down 3 Migs. While going off crew, some contrails caught his eye. They didn't jive with the flights schedules/routes he knew, so he called it in. Interceptors shot them down.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

So he left the aircorp to work in banking and finance. He returns to the military to serve in Korea. Has to fight the Sullivan rule to continue to risk his life for 73 more missions. Then tells us at the end it was his greatest privilege to serve. This man and others like him are my ancestors. I am so proud and so grateful for their contribution and dedication. These videos should be required viewing for high school students. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jeffsiegel4879]

My sons and I met Joe about 15 years ago at the annual Wings Over Camarillo airshow. My son, as a young teenager, had nominated a friend of Joe's, Art Fiedler, to the show DOGFIGHT! and Art had appeared on the show. Once the show aired, my son was a VIP as far as Art was considered. He recruited Joe to come to the show one year, introduced my sons and I to him, and we were surprised that he rememberd our names the next year. And that was about 15 years ago. That's right, at age 100, we expect to see him this year in August at the show. Joe is an amazing man with old-school values. He's extremely kind, patient, and surrounded by family who cherish him. He's a true blessing to the aviation community, and a great mentor to youth.

[@breepete]

Jeff, you know we love you and the boys too. I'll be there this August with him. We'll see you soon. Thanks for always being so kind to him!

[@TJNtexas]

I have a 5 year old son. My father was military and we grew up in Camarillo. Been going to that Airshow and Port Hueneme air shows since I was 5. Grew up around WWII vets and I want my son to meet one. It would be an honor if you’d allow it. You can’t miss my kid he’ll be in a green pilot jump suit. Thank you for your service Sir!

[@brianmorger2174]

Hi Jeff, I'm from Great Falls, Montana and will be in Camarillo for my neices wedding in August. When is the airshow ?

[@jeffsiegel4879]

@@brianmorger2174 Hi Brian, Wings Over Camarillo is the weekend of August 17-18. If you attend, and would like a Chef's Tour, please look for me in an industrial golf cart with a couple of 55 gallon drums strapped to the back. If you know of a way to get you my contact info without publishing it here for all to see, I'll provide it to you so we can hook up.

[@mikehiers3332]

This guy is the man. I could listen to him talk all day.

[@timfromnc645]

Fantastic interview. My dad - tail gunner in the 491st and the 44th BG. He did not talk much about it but he was so thankful when the P51 was able to go to the target with the bombers! He loved those guys!!

[@Cam_88]

From the bottom of my heart...thank you for giving these heros a voice before they're gone. RIP Grandpa Sgt. Donald Sprague. Mortarman who landed on Utah beach. Your generation will forever be the greatest. ❤

[@mtlbstrd]

Colonel, sir, it’s our honor to hear of your service. Thank you for sharing.

[@Stealthy117]

Salt of the earth this generation. They don't make em like this anymore. Which is a shame. Thank you sir 🫡🙏🏻

[@davidjoachim1172]

Wow! That generation was the greatest. What an incredible life story. It was a privilege to hear it.

[@WilliamNicholson-vt9yy]

Wow this man's story is a movie in itself!

[@dotell3359]

The greatest generation ever!! From one veteran to another I salute you Sir. The best health to you Sir. My dad fought in the Pacific.

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

These memories, remembrances are very important to hear. Living History.

[@johndilday1846]

What a great guy and so clear in his remembrance of past events. Good bless this gentleman and thanks very much for your service to our country. I am proud to have him on our side.

[@greggd2027]

What a treasure this man is and others like him are. This upcoming 80th D-Day anniversary, I will be sharing videos like this. We owe our freedom and our lives to these vets

[@richardthornhill4630]

Great to hear his story. Thanks to all our veterans who served. Semper Fi.

[@ryandemaline7178]

Amazing man thank you sir for all you have done for our country

[@joecook8352]

Thank you for your service to our country and it’s a pleasure to hear your stories sir, God Bless you and your family!

[@mcedd54]

Just as nonchalant about his combat service as one could be. What a stud! Bless you Colonel and thanks for all you did to keep us safe and free.

[@user-mr8ep9lv1i]

Thank you for your service, Sir & bringing the reality of war to all.

[@irenehigginbotham6392]

Thank you for your service. God bless

[@robertgolden1080]

Outstanding story. Fantastic career Sir.

[@unothedestroyerG56]

Probably one of the coolest ones I heard

[@nelsonlanglois9104]

Salute To The Too Few Left WWII Veteran... Thank you Sir For your service

[@tysoncott7402]

Thank you for making and sharing this video, i cannot get enough of hearing these real life hero’s share their stories.

[@GhostRider247]

so lovely to hear their stories !!! and hear first hand what they did so we could have our freedom , won't be long before we can't hear them anymore and that will be one sad day believe me !!! thank you Joe

[@rodneymoore7270]

THANK YOU SIR!!!!!

[@lillianrotar2321]

What a story…thank you sir for your service! 🇺🇸

[@itsthatoneguy6225]

How are there any of you guys left man. Almost a century old. Im glad you are and I'm glad you told the story

[@crystalheart9]

Thank you Mr. Peterburs for your stories and service.💖

[@francispeltonen3772]

Is a real american hero. Thank you sir. My father was a world war two vet. He was in the ambulance core. His job was to remove wounded and dead off.The b seventeens on returning from bombing runs. Didn't talk. About it much.❤

[@catsooey]

My Grandfathers on both sides served in WW2, and many of my aunts and uncles were there too. My maternal grandfather was in the SeaBee’s and he built airfields in the Pacific. There’s a picture of him next to the Enola Gay which I never even saw until his funeral, so I never got a chance to ask him about that one. But he might have been there when the Ebola Gay took off and landed. Maybe he even built the airfield itself. Heavy stuff. But I meant to tell you that my other grandfather worked on b-17’s as a mechanic and he saw a lot of the same things that your father saw. My grandfather didn’t talk about it much with his family either. He was in rough shape after the war and I think it definitely affected him for the rest of his life. Just thinking about what those planes would look like, and how the blood would freeze from the low temperatures high up. I’m a virtual pilot myself (I fly German Bf 109’s and Fw 190’s on Digital Combat Simulator) and I know the kind of weaponry that was on the German aircraft. They not only had 20 and 30mm cannons (along with 13mm heavy machine guns), they had mineshells which were cannon shells uniquely constructed with thinner walls to hold more high explosive. So a 20mm cannon shell was closer to a standard 30mm in power. And the 30mm were like a 40mm, or even a little more. They were devastating and could easily take out a bomber with one or two hits. These guys were in danger every day no matter what job they did. They’re all heroes.

[@ivanhicks887]

I am91 - Korean War Vet USAF - Thia Man Col Joseph Peterburs Was Amazing Beyond Amazing

[@ivanhicks887]

This was not meant to be printed - It was an earlier comment

[@chrispierdominici3891]

Can never get enough of these heroes incredible stories. I'm always amazed by how clear their recollections are of their exploits decades later.

[@toddmassey2323]

Awesome man and story , greatest generation

[@kennethadorno7574]

Respect. God bless you and your family .Thanks to you we enjoy the freedom that we have. Best pilot flying the best plane ever!

[@mitchellswarthout2701]

They don't make em like this anymore. Pure class.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I have had a tremendous amount of respect for the fighter escorts. My own granfather was a navigator on a B17. He was downed on his 26th combat mission. I read that the bomber crews had the highest casualty rate of any US service men. I wonder how much worse it would have been without the P51s and P47s smashing the Luftwaffe. My deepest thanks and respect to you and your comerades.

[@digitalphoenix72]

It's incredible this man is almost 98 years old. I hope i look like him when im when im 70! I wish him many more years of fulfillment!

[@chrisledo78]

Wow....such a Humble HERO!! What an Incredible man.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you Sir for your service ❤️🇺🇸

[@gat569]

I bet my grandad and him ran across each other in Newfoundland. He was a pilot assigned there at the same time. He was a b17 copilot 388th bg 563rd who stayed in and made a career out of it. Wow!

[@garymorgan8915]

Amazing man, so sharp minded

[@RoccoSmith-oi2ii]

God bless you and thanks for everything you’ve done for our country and us

[@NCarolina4455]

Thank you so much American Veterans Center for all these videos. Amazing pieces of history. This guy is an American hero

[@pattycoe7435]

Thank you sir. My father was a member of those bomber crews and was shot down twice captured and escaped both times back to friendly lines. He never shared what happened with us we had to wait and read this in his service records after he passed.

[@brettmartin764]

Great stories. Thank you for sharing and for your service.

[@Asspiss100]

There is no way this guy is 100 years old

[@cblse]

It's almost as if they had video recording capability back in the 1990s. How dumb do they think we are?

[@togodamnus]

​@@cblse The dudes name (commenter above) is handicapped, he's young and ignorant and over assertive with his nonsense; he's learning still... Lol 👍 Confirmed victory cblse 👍

[@raycatlin3554]

@@cblse Sweetie , Give yer selfie a swirlie 🚽. . .Until you flush all that nonsense out of yer lil head. A lil research will PROVE to you that you do need help understanding HOW this was filmed. Good health to you , talk to more veterans & STOP making ASSUMPTIONS , educate yer self .

[@henryc1000]

@@cblse: nevertheless, why more cognitive than old Joe!!

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

I talked to this man last August at an airshow in California. He is just like this in person, and yes he'll be 100 in November. This video was shot recently.

[@jodismith665]

What would take these videos to the Next level is if you added pictures of the men in their younger days and maybe some video of the action they are talking about. I would love to use these in my history classroom! The kids love the visuals as the guys are talking.

[@jimgandee2570]

This man is the real deal! Ain’t no man buns here! Thank you for your dedicated service!

[@soundslikesight7876]

Thank you sir for sharing your story and for bless you and your family. Thank you for all you’ve done!

[@neilcrowesongs9768]

So mattwr of fact and chucking away. What an amazing mindset. The experiences he endured and overcame

[@eb-pe8xg]

Another well done interview of an amazing American. Thanks for your service Col. Peterburs! AIM HIGH

[@OlJarhead]

Quite a record of outstanding service!

[@brunopadovani7347]

"They were going to Paris, and I thought 'What's better than that?'." 😊

[@simonvillalba6231]

Its incredible to hear such an amazing story from the main character himself, a 100 year old vet who has his memory as fresh as when he was young

[@dominichamel4685]

Thank you so very much for your many years of service, and for telling us your story

[@danielprice7521]

Three wars. Wow

[@peterware5173]

What a real hero you would have shat you pants many times along with your m8ts young guys now would be crying for their mummy's and dummies thank you for putting your life on the line for all of us real heros.

[@alextaylor29]

Amazing interview thank you. What a hero!

[@johngrogan7585]

Thank you Sir

[@brianjschumer]

Wow, just wow, in this age where we honor victims and not heros, you can thank a veteran like the colonel, for your freedom that you have today..balls of steel,injured, captured by an enemy, held in a pow camp, then an unfriendly Allie, later korea and then Vietnam..makes for a movie

[@alethiapotter9218]

😊

[@stevekovacs6250]

Thank you sir for your service. So many stories so many brave men. My Father was part of this "silent generation" and also had a long 35 year career in Naval aviation 1936-1971.

[@williamcarroll8601]

Hey all, you have to look up the Colonel on Google. This man was a bad As$ and a huge career in the Air Force. Bless you, sir and the service you gave to our nation.

[@woodsinme]

Wow! What a story! Thank you for sharing.

[@OlympusPublicAffairs]

COL: So I dove my plane under another plane while he fired at me so my Team Lead could take him out. Also COL: The bombers were the bravest of the brave. That humility is something only heroes could have.

[@howitzer8946]

Hero. Over and Out and SALUTE Sir

[@davidduval8681]

He remembers all the cities that were targets. Amazing guy.

[@williamlove6876]

This guy was 99 when he gave this interview!? He looks amazing.

[@stever7638]

Wow, what an amazing story sir thank you so much for sharing

[@KWC33]

I am in my 50s my great uncles of all served. I have met many veterans of the second war war but the one time I came upon man wearing a Tuskegee airman cap that flew P 51 red tails ! I melted in my shoes. It was like I met a God.

[@rElliot09]

So few of these amazing men, pilots, and especially aces left (though I don't believe Mr Peterburs was an ace with five or more kills). Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice.

[@anlerden4851]

Thank You so much for your services and lovely dedications to Our Beautiful USA!!!!🙏❤❤❤❤🤍🤍🤍🤍💙💙💙💙💯

[@Pb-ik7hl]

Amazing

[@para1324]

Here is a true American Stud of the first order. My full respect and gratitude to you. God Bless and keep you. 🫡🇺🇸

[@mauriceridesout]

Very brave chap!

[@dylanogden3075]

Thank u so much for ur service ur A true American hero the appreciation and the respect I have for all our veterans is more than any words can say God bless

[@nigill7081]

Nice humble man

[@Juggtacula]

Just banged my knee against the tail of my plane after bailing out in a dogfight...no biggie. Love these vets man. Don't make em like this anymore.

[@vikingmike8139]

A very humble, brave and interesting gentleman.

[@TuckFinn831]

100 years old? He has the mental sharpness of a fighter pilot.. wow.

[@stevenphilpott1493]

what a great man! 100yrs old and still with us! 🎉

[@rickrick5041]

He had to convince them for him to be a fighter pilot and right after they finally agree he does 76 missions he says casually. Then he's laughing

[@markflynfloat6779]

Awesome

[@matthewjohnson7652]

I love these guys. The best of all veterans.

[@Alex000113]

Hero. Such a patriotic generation. Amazing timeline, cant imagine flying with 1400 bombers. So close to death so many times. I wouldn't want his dreams.

[@louisprima2073]

Is this gentleman still alive he would be 99 years old is this a recent interview?

[@brianjschumer]

Yes he is

[@19.hertzz]

Imagine only getting 15 hours of training in a plane you never flew before and going straight to combat… that’s hardcore

[@kidkully]

Nobody is talking about how this man will be 100 years old in November lol 😎

[@aaronw1338]

WWII, Korea, and Viatnam. What an incredible patriot.

[@Robert-po9nq]

I had an awesome privilege to meet this BAMF!!

[@haroldmclean3755]

Very interesting indeed 👍

[@blumenthol]

Great story.

[@777poco]

great story

[@shephusted2714]

good background story on this one

[@PedroPatsf]

WOW! What a guy.

[@rskeyesful]

My father had a framed photo of his Flight of P51s on their first combat mission in North Africa. All seven of his mates were shot down and none ever came home. Before he passed I discovered that we both handled PTSD the same way. Badly.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

The greatest generation