WWII Pilot Flies His C-47 One Last Time

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Scott Glover with the Mid America Flight Museum had the honor to fly with Gerald Parker in the museum's C-47. Gerald actually flew this exact airplane in WWII. This video really shows how fond Scott is of Gerald and how much respect he has towards him. Gerald looks like he hasn't forgotten a thing about flying the C-47!!
We unfortunatly lost Gerald just days after shooting this video. He is sorely missed and thought of often.
GOD bless you Gerald. RIP

[@ankitknight6304]

I like how he's sitting on the captain's chair and not the co-pilot. Little touch but beautiful.

[@GusMortis]

He belongs no where else.

[@dillonbrown1658]

This is absolutely amazing I bet he felt 20 again up there. He’s a legend and a hero

[@Wrench245]

You made an old man very happy that day. Thank you for preserving a bit a history for us.

[@ryandoe11]

I never thought about it but your right, he is basically preserving a bit from history for the next generations to see, whom otherwise wouldn't.

[@nate8556]

god bless that man and keep him

[@willshirley8165]

Wrench245 your so right

[@337slab8]

I’m currently in the process of painting a c-47 at my job

[@337slab8]

I’m currently in the process of painting a c-47 at my job

[@Spragzsh]

This gentleman went to Heaven with an everlasting smile on his face. Thank you guys for sharing this great Moment of Jerry. RIP

[@davecrupel2817]

The man has certainly earned it. R.I.P.

[@ThatManFrank112]

Fair winds Jerry

[@stevemull2002]

Its very sad that this old veteran has gone, but its going to happen to all of us, He saw and witnessed stuff that none of us want to ever see, but he is a Hero, and we applaud him for that SIR

[@joe-pm3lb]

I agree with u seen things that should be seen, and he saw it at young man

[@bmused55]

I bet he passed with a smile on his face, his memory full of this special day you arranged for him. Bless all of you for making this happen. And thank you for film it so we could all experience it in proxy.

[@x...CrankyOldMan...x]

This is what KZbin is for.. remembering and documenting the real hero's that served with out question. A great man and generation.

[@lancelabarrete1012]

I agree KZbin is supposed to be a representation on broadcasting ourselves - not demonetise ourselves.

[@Youtubax]

‘I’ve never seen nobody who’s gonna die having a better time the week before’. And that’s how everybody who has given so much for his country should go. RIP.

[@solfridkristoffersen4956]

And for my country!

[@E39Passion]

3:42 he went back in time when the plane began to lift and he just grabbed the elevator trim wheel instinctively. :D

[@Kyle_Godfrey111]

4TaktRollerNeinDanke yep. Muscle memory that lasted 70 or so years

[@johnmagill3072]

I noticed that to

[@willshirley8165]

4TaktRollerNeinDanke I noticed that this is awesome

[@fiat.freakx19]

That's awesome like he didn't forget to fly and at age 95yrs that's great! I'm 55 and was in the Air Force 85-89 working on F-15. Military sticks with you!!!

[@frankglover1554]

Mr. Gerald Parker one of the nicest gentleman of the Greatest Generation that anyone will ever meet .. It was a privilege to know you ... God Bless and Blue Sky's for ever .. SALUTE !

[@andrewplumb6544]

Don't you just love the way Gerald went straight to the the pitch trim as the climb commenced. So familiar with the aircraft. RIP Gerald.

[@shawnmccrary5526]

God Bless him and every man and woman who served during WW2. Thanks for getting his stories preserved.

[@shawnmccrary5526]

Mr MEMé no I’m only concerned with my country men. I’m an American.

[@shawnmccrary5526]

Had to watch this again. So sorry our world lost him but so thankful that technology has allowed his stories and others to be preserved for those generations to come.

[@grahammckay6067]

HE WAS A VERY YOUNG MAN AT THE TIME..A WARRIOR ...YOU KNOW FLYING THAT C-47 FLUSHED HIM WITH MEMORIES ….I STAND AND SALUTE YOU GERALD

[@ohwow3158]

Gerald could pass in peace knowing he could and did fly his bird for one last time.

[@michaelstern1945]

Great video sad to see the loss of another one from the greatest generation.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

They truly were. My grandfather passed in 2017. Great man, helped build the infrastructure we all take for granted today.

[@MonkeyDolphin]

@@ChuckBeefOG Same here, Chuck - my condolences to you and yours. My grandfather, Bill Sahady, flew fuel over the Himalayas (The Hump) in C-46 and C-47 aircraft during the war. He and his crew had to bail due to a fire on his 91st mission, and he was picked up by friendlies on the Ledo Road. All crew were alive and accounted for, except one - whom he later met, alive and well, at a reunion. Alzheimer's took much of his memory in his last few years, but his friendly nature remained, and he could tell you all the details of his service during WWII, until he passed in 2017 at the age of 91. He was a proud man, and rightly so. What a generation! @ErikJohnston Thank you for this video. It's absolutely wonderful.

[@jcheck6]

@@MonkeyDolphin My dad flew the Hump as well. Lost his "houch mate" over the mountains who was my mother's first husband.

[@Siquemar1]

Now he is very happy and smiling there in the sky! RIP👏👏👏👏👏👏😊

[@gustavodeibarrapilot]

Amazing Flight with two heroes, the Veteran Pilot and DC3 / C47.

[@randyporter3491]

Much love Mr. Gerald, much respect and much appreciation. God bless you sir. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@joeborrajo186]

What an amazing man! I was fortunate enough to know a C-47 pilot and heard quite a few amazing stories!

[@marklawton1795]

Thank you for preserving this priceless window into history with this brave aviator. Thank you Gerald for flying into harms way for all of us.

[@alleyoop5305]

Dear Scott and Erik, that is absolutely wonderful. The story and also the quality. Two planes in formation! Wow! Thanks so much for being with Gerry and sharing with us!

[@ErikJohnston]

Alley Oop Thank you for your kind words! We sure are glad you liked the video. It was a real pleasure making it!! Gerry was a special man!!

[@zaphod22]

Thank you for this video. These war time pilots were amazing. My Dad flew the Gooney Bird as Co-Pilot, towing gliders in to Germany. Then he flew the P47 Thunderbolt for the 315th Fighter Group, 324th Fighter Squadron during WWII.

[@turkey0165]

All I could say is you're a great American for doing what you've done , both of you!

[@kevinburns5762]

All those years and stepped right back 70 years and flew like he was 20years old again. I love these people ❤

[@ryanmoeller3308]

Thank you Erik and the crew for sharing this once in a lifetime experience with us. I hope the future generations will remember what these gentlemen did for us and for the world. May God watch over him and guide him home. Keep up the great work my friend, I look forward to seeing you soon.

[@kikeamatore]

His smile flying is priceless

[@danielledykgraaf6483]

Lost my grandpa in 1995 who was in France in WWII and now we lost this nice gentleman too. Sad but we take happiness from your video of his last DC-3 trip and his recollections of the past Thank you to you sir and Mr Parker(posthumously)for this share. As for the four who thumbed it down...i am near speechless...on what it would take to impress you. Class act host..great video, classic restored war horse airplane, and one of the last of the greatest generation sharing his memories of the great war. If that is not impressive, you know not what is.

[@thefriar8883]

Wow, so fantastic that he got to do this again shortly before he passed away. Im really going to miss that generation, not many left anymore 😔

[@alanmoffat4454]

THANK GOD FOR MEN LIKE HIM GOD BLESS HIS MEMOIRS.

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

This video brought a tear to my eye. Great job Erik and Scott!

[@boogerdog5247]

@John, I've been close to many famous aviators from that era. I teared up just listening to the first of the vid. That's a beautiful aluminum Mitchell there. The C-47 has D-day markings. I miss my "buddies". They don't make those guys anymore, I don't care what anyone wants to argue. GOD SPEED OUR HERO'S

[@tommann7974]

My dad did the same as this brave pilot...dropped paratroopers and pulled gliders...got his tail shot up on one mission but nursed it home. As a 21 year old captain his crew dropped brand new 18 year old GI recruits into the Battle of the Bulge. He always felt bad for them

[@brianbrady4496]

This is beautiful to me. I haven't shed a tear in a while until tonight watching this..

[@abmbarry]

Wonderful and warm insight into a gem of a man. Very sad loss! The world would be so much better if it was full of "Real Men like Gerald Parker.

[@1986BBG]

Thank you for putting him in the seat one last time. Bless his heart. Bless all of them for their sacrifice. Great video. Thank you

[@cosmic-10r61]

Fantastic, the c47 is coming out for IL2 Sturmovik. I will think of Jerry and those many men when i get a chance to fly the channel. Thanks for putting this on KZbin. I have tremendous respect for these men

[@Juan_Doooh]

To have heard the stories about his missions as he piloted to his last days. What an honor, and a privilege, may he rest in peace.

[@Jules-6022]

Really enjoyed this video, what a sweet guy you are, Gerald! Rest in Honor, Sir. 🇺🇸❤

[@jeffreymanestar5319]

This just came up on my feed 3 years late. I am so glad it did. God bless u guys.

[@mentuemhet]

wish it were longer

[@safdarakbari]

What a way to pay tribute to a WWII pilot - loads of respect for you Sir

[@johnf517]

The people who gave thumbs down reminds us of why we must remain vigilant and ensure that Honor, Decency and Love remain the American values that must be passed on to our children.. RIP Gerry, it is because of you and the sacrifice of soo many that we enjoy freedom... even the sad ignorant human beings who gave thumbs down...

[@kimcampbell9501]

RIP Gerald. Thanks for helping to save the world.

[@briar35981]

This era of men were something special. They did it all for the love of their country. Thank you for providing this hero one last taste of what his youth was like.

[@AKATEATime]

Awesome video, Erik and everyone else. Thumbs up to you Gerald! 👍

[@markhepworth]

Stunning shot of the low pass over the field,favourable winds and blue skies to this old pilot!

[@ES44AC-2]

That was awesome for this Gentleman to get to fly one more time. Thanks to everyone involved in letting him do this . I bet he was so happy.....

[@warp65]

What a wonderful interview. Rest in peace Gerald.

[@jrgreiner]

Scott, a hearty thank you. Gerald, RIP and know that your efforts will always be remembered.

[@m-jay356]

This put a smile on my face. RIP sir

[@FlyByPC]

Gerald was a cool guy. Thanks for sharing his story with us.

[@triplanelover]

marvelous; my uncle is 96 flew B24s in 8th airforce and I've taken him up in a lot of my old birds...he still can fly,. but so heartened to see this video. I loved flying the DC3 myself and I'm sure Gerry did that day...thanks for doing this

[@bluesatsunset]

This clip really hit me hard. A true war hero given the opportunity to re-live his legacy flying this old bird. Great job lads.

[@leenewsom5075]

So good of you to Post this Pict! of a great VET!!! Im sure it warmed every ones Heart!!

[@ericboyle8296]

Thank you so much for posting this video. RIP Gerald. So glad he got that opportunity and you were able to preserve his stories.

[@PaulPescitelli]

What a wonderful tribute. Kudos to you and the film crew. RIP Gerald.

[@wrightflyer7855]

You folks did a wonderful thing for Mr. Parker--a beautiful gift for someone who deserved it so much. Thank you.

[@robnnorthaustin]

This video is a great find on YT and I want to thank the whole team that made it possible. Thank you.

[@fntsmk]

Awesome! Simply awesome and I can't imagine how Mr. Gerald Parker felt to be back at the controls of his old airplane again. God bless Gerald Parker (RIP) and everyone involved in making this happen and recording it for us to enjoy!

[@ChasingLindbergh]

Awesome video and an awesome guy! Thanks for sharing.

[@justinsalaskanadventures]

How stinking cool, thank you so much for sharing and documenting this legend of a pilot!

[@johannmckraken9399]

I have so much respect, admiration and gratitude for these veterans. They went to war as kids and the fortunate ones came back as heroes. They saved the world for us who came after and we must never forget their sacrifice or their duty. I can’t imagine how anyone could dislike this. Thanks so much for sharing this Eric.

[@johannmckraken9399]

To add some thought to my original posting this is about the Douglas and it’s place in aviation history. I’ve always considered the DC-3/C-47 to be the most significant aircraft ever designed. It revolutionized air travel by being the first aircraft that could earn a profit for it’s owners and made air travel accessible to the public. The airline industry as we now know it really exists because of the DC-3 and what came after. It’s contribution to winning WW2 is well known and I believe Eisenhower considered it an essential tool for victory. Then there’s the fact the so many of these planes are still earning their keep hauling people and freight to some very remote places that is remarkable. I hope to see one flying when it’s 100 years old but I probably won’t last quite that long. One thing I still need to do is to go for a flight in one. I’ve yet to accomplish that’s so it’s a must. I’ve always said that when I hit the lotto my first purchase will be the Douglas!

[@pauldelaney9488]

Sending love and respect from 🇳🇿.heart warming to say the least.👍

[@chipking2765]

Thank you for your service RIP

[@mrbigmo215]

Gods speed Mr. Parker. Thank you for your service. Love the video.

[@SPEEDOFDOG]

what a spectacular gentleman. 95 and memory intact and was still able to fly. rest in peace sir.

[@smokythecat393]

This made me realy happy you made an old man happy. It's sad that we lost him but I am sure that he is in heaven! R. I. P

[@89foxguy]

Brought a tear to my eye. You can see the joy this brought him. Thank you for everything you've done may you RIP.

[@noworriesmate8287]

Thanks for sharing. Thank you Jerry for your service and my freedom!

[@JohnKorvell]

These old boys always make my eyes wet. I don't know if it is from incredible respect or sadness from what we on Earth lose when they pass on. Smooth skies, Gerald.

[@n.leeball3049]

This is an awesome video! Loved how Gerald shared his experiences about his time flying for the military during combat and training. Gives a real insight to the dangers these men faced daily. Thank You for sharing this one.

[@collinfraser1218]

Kudos, to you both for creating this priceless remembrance for this priceless soul. As sad as it is, we should all be so fortunate as to have a couple of young fellas to make our day before our time comes.

[@mnrobards]

Thank You for sharing.

[@emilsm8407]

Thanks for your service sir. RIP.

[@user-bi3ww3im3s]

Fantastic video respect to the veteran pilot flying at 300feet or below take's skill and experience avoiding flak 💥💥💥💥 total respect to the flyer and the C47 🫶🙏👏🤝

[@marknelson5929]

What a gent! How amazing is that, flying his old wartime C-47. A priceless experience for him and know doubt you all who took him along. Excellent filming as well!

[@sandspar]

They knew the stakes and the impact their actions would have on the world at the time. The echoes of their dedication still making lives richer 75 years later. Thanks for posting, it certainly enriched my life to see this. May God Bless.

[@pauldrake9312]

Loved the vid, thanks for your service to freedom Mr. Parker, love from Australia

[@adrielbarrios4559]

This is so amazing, this is beautiful. RIP sir

[@mazeneltigani]

AM GLAD THERE ARE NICE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD!!!

[@zhardoum]

No words, just a “thanks”.. can’t say thanks enough.. ❤️

[@joshuaericilac]

Rip airman Gerald we know your now flying with your brothers in that sky above us

[@drunk3n_m0nk12]

It's almost like he was waiting for one last flight in his bird.

[@rixxy9204]

His life was some crazy adventure that is fun to talk about but clearly horrendous to live through.

[@davecrupel2817]

Soon as they left the ground, it was like everything flew right back into him. His airplane, he jumped right on that trim tab and stick. God bless this old soul for everything he did.

[@reaper378]

Why would anyone give this video a thumbs down ? Beyond belief ! Simply wonderful.

[@kennedysingh3916]

Great interview.

[@Paiadakine]

14:01 is a great perspective. Thanks for the video and what a great man Gerald Parker is.

[@fetengineer9151]

I have great respect for this WW2 AAF combat veteran... history... wow right here on this video!

[@bobmassey7227]

Very nice, thanks for posting this.

[@AlanCanon2222]

A hundred years from now that C-47 will probably still be airworthy.

[@mrhoffame]

You can't say this about many people, but WWII Vets LITERALLY saved the world.

[@michaelhughes3302]

Amazing to see. Gerry you an absolute legend! The rest of the boys onboard and those on the ground must just be in awe of you. May you rest in peace Sir.

[@eapbking1]

Very, very, very fricken awesome!! May he rest peacefully in the clouds.Thank you guys for giving him this experience one last time, to cool! Also thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@solfridkristoffersen4956]

Thank you Sir , Love from Norway!

[@BrazenNL]

Man, his last mission was over my country. Thank you, Mr. Parker, we will never forget you or what you have done.

[@justtl5885]

Good work,thank you.

[@globalaide49]

Great video!

[@brianpruitt3081]

Sorry for your loss man. I can only imagine what a great guy he was.

[@VMCAviationVideos]

I just watched the video Erik, and it made me tear up 😪. Thanks for this great video!

[@2good2often]

as we honour the remaining veterans British , Canadian , American who came ashore on June 6 / 1944 .. 75 years on it is a tribute to their bravery that the DC3 community keeps these planes flying . Donald Douglas and all those engineers designing a plane with slide rules would be so amazed their invention still is in the air when almost all other 1930 era planes wore out their main spar , existing now only in photographs