WWII Veteran Earl Robinsheaux "P38 Pilot" Discusses the Pacific Theatre

[@zoellar11]

I don't usually spend an hour listening to a KZbin video....but listening to Earl Robinsheaux as a P-38 pilot during WW 2 was an honor. I salute you, sir.

[@billsalgat8047]

Yes agree. He is the definition of a true patriot! Puts 45 and his so called “ patriots” to shame!

[@andrewe4277]

❤

[@clarencefoster5877]

This video was like a great book you just couldn't put down until you went from beginning to end and refreshed some of the highlights. I was born in May 41 and still remember the electric atmosphere surrounding the sight of the troops returning to the home many thought they would never see as many didnt.

[@toddmiller6158]

I'm 67. My Dad was a B17 Bombardier who flew 35 missions all of which were over Nazi Germany.. I'm listening to this amazing Americans story with tears running down my face.. MAGA MY ASS!!!!

[@robertgrant3034]

​@@billsalgat8047Unnecessary comment.

[@northwestprof60]

What a great man who had a wonderful life. My dad was a P-38 pilot in the 49th FG, 8th FS, and I love hearing these stories. RIP Earl.

[@marksheetz7488]

My dad flew P-51s & P-38s in the 433rd Sq.(never knew what FG)

[@dancrowe8274]

Our greatest generation IMO.

[@dks13827]

Earl Robisheaux is his name. Died May 14, 2017. We thank you, sir !!!

[@alanmydland5210]

Amazing fellow

[@goodboyringo9716]

God Bless You Mr Robisheaux ,may your soul rest in peace ! America loves you.

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

I really liked the way he explained how the airplanes actually worked and the differences between single and double engine fighters.

[@madmanmechanic8847]

Ahhhhhhhh what a bummer he was tough as nails like the rest of them. So strange with 64 Missions and all the training in Air Craft repair and flying plus his time in the cockpit he never flew again I wonder why?

[@louisguidry2401]

Lt Robisheaux thank you for your outstanding service! Sgt Louis Guidry from down the bayou, Vietnam vet. Lt, i was scared everyday i was there humping a m60 machine gun. Lt, prayers for your family and my you Rest In Peace. JOB WELL DONE, SIR!!!

[@davidcullen6797]

Fascinating! My father flew a P-38 photo version (the F-5) off of Morotai, which Earl talks about at around the 20-minute mark. Dad was probably on the island when Earl's group landed, having arrived there in November of '44. 56 combat missions later, the war was over for my dad and he and the other boys started coming home.... in waves. My Dad got back to the States and was discharged on Christmas Day, 1945. He wouldn't turn 21 for another month. He later went back into the Air Force as a pilot and weapons officer, retiring in 1972. Heroes all, these boys.

[@nervousordo]

Earl Edward Robisheaux Sr., 93, died May 14, 2017, with family by his side in Victoria, Tx. Earl was born February 24, 1924 in Orange Field, Tx to Willard Robisheaux and Loretta Delaune. He bravely protected our country during World War II and entered the Air Force at the age of 18. Earl earned his wings and commission from Aloe Field in Victoria, Texas. Flying the P-38 Lightning with the 339th Fighter Squadron of the 13th Air Force, he saw combat in New Guinea, the South Pacific and the Southern Philippines.

[@oscarrlee18]

Rest in Heaven Sir. Thank you for doing your part to save the world.

[@Shawnatdawn]

To bad yungsters these days have no respect for those who put their life on the line for our freedoms but literally for our survival.

[@csflmich2239]

Thank you for adding this!

[@bradparker9664]

End of an era in many ways.

[@bradparker9664]

​@@ShawnatdawnThere's a whole lot of things about people today that's just too bad. They don't build them like this gentleman anymore.

[@geraldstephens7481]

Great story. My dad was Navy PBY crew Chief Petty Officer. He joined summer before Pearl Harbor. He is dearly missed. His last words were to me "Son what you can do for me is Enjoy your life." God bless all of you men and families of WW2. My Neighbor is 99 and was a B 25 Gunner radioman in Pacific. Wonderful person. Great stories.

[@RobertRomero-jl5ee]

God bless America. Fuck the assjoled that run it

[@RobertRomero-jl5ee]

Assholes that run

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Wow, I’m proud of this bloke and I’m an Australian! These men are true heroes not the over paid sports stars that are held up on a pedestal. I’m so glad that he got to have a successful life. Cheers, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@RichyRichToo]

Amen, Bradda! 👍🇺🇸

[@chrispierdominici3891]

Amazing how good the memory of these vets is so many years later.

[@stephen4763]

✅

[@virginiamoss7045]

Whoever thought to have this remarkable guy at age 84 be recorded telling his story with such clarity, THANK YOU! My father was a bomber pilot in Europe who went through the same early training as Mr. Robinsheaux. He was the equivalent of first officer or captain of his B-24 bomber and was the same age as Mr. Robinsheaux. Unfotunately, at the time of this recording my father was in assisted living with Alzheimer's disease and couldn't tell us much of anything. He would have flashbacks of fright in his dementia as he would feel like he was back in that cockpit being strafed by German fighter pilots. He, like so many other war veterans, never spoke of the war. He had a long career as an airline pilot.

[@theworldwariioldtimeradioc8676]

I love these veterans’ interviews. They give a perspective of somebody who lived through the war.

[@mikekirk1513]

I'm totally impressed with this veteran's memory. He was sharp as a young man and he still is.

[@mitchellhawkes22]

He was about as sharp as a young man, yet is not a young man anymore. So that makes him a rare older gentleman. He tells a helluva story.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Fine, worthy story teller. Humble. No beer stories. Learned wisdom at a young age. Serious about fighting but not hateful. Honest about his recall. Truly part of The Grestest Generation.

[@michealdean3750]

I am not a religious person, but a loud AMEN.

[@mitchellhawkes22]

The "Greatest Generation" is an overblown concept. Tom Brokaw made it up so he could kiss ass and write a book. When the nation has been in jeopardy, EVERY generation of Americans who have been asked...have answered. That's why it's America.

[@drumzRfun1]

@@mitchellhawkes22 you seem fun...

[@jackt6112]

Greatest generation is exactly correct. That generation went from horses to the moon. The double-overhead-cam 4-valve-per-cyclinder turbocharged engines we have today they had in their airplanes. They designed and built aircraft whose speed records have not been equaled today. They invented the computer, solid state electronics, artificial intelligence, radar, sonar, microwaves, air travel, supersonic airplanes, self-sealing tanks, turbine engines, nuclear power, and the deepest diving submarines and submersibles. Most of the metal alloys we have today were invented and used then. The bloviators of today demean their courage, character, hard work, and accomplishments, in order to take credit for their accomplishments, to acquire undeserved significance, while possessing none of the traits required to make that possible. I am a retired military pilot who had the opportunity to fly with a few of the stragglers from WW II. They were smart, plain as an old shoe, and I learned more from them, would rather be around them, than my often arrogant contemporaries. Two were B17 pilots who flew on some of the same missions to Germany. One had a cottage on a lake near a base and invited me to stay with them one weekend. I mostly listened to talk about some of those missions and learn from each other about what happened to who. I was also dual rated. One night I was flying a chaplain in a rotary wing to another base. I learned that he had flow P-51s in Europe during WW II. For those who know anything about rotary wing know that without autopilot, they require constant attention and a rapid crosscheck. I let him fly, believing he would not do well. After all these years he could freeze the needles in an aircraft type that was more unstable and sensitive than anything he could have flown. The Gulf War was the last war I was given an assignment for but was not deployed in time. I was out prior to the Iraq War. I learned a few things. The people you were with during the hardest times of your life are the people you never stop caring about, even though with them a short time. I remember my mom not understanding why my dad was so severely affected when he lost a friend from suicide who had been a friend during the Battle of the Bulge. My ear is just naturally to the ground for anything good or bad in the life of my friends and we never stop corresponding. It was the best brat camp possible and imparted a maturity and confidence that I would have never acquired otherwise. On the other hand I don't remember those I went to school with for 13 years very well, and I couldn't tell you who was best man in my wedding without looking. The current and my generation in no way measure up to theirs, but have benefited greatly.

[@whatdothlife4660]

No beer stories?

[@ibuprofenPill]

P-38’s were the best planes of WWII. No other plane could fill as many roles. Mr. Robinsheaux is such a masterful storyteller and a true American hero.

[@buzzcorrey7171]

There is a company, WestPac at the airport in Colorado Springs, Co. that restores vintage aircraft. I visited their facility a few years back and saw a P-38 that had crashed in the jungle of New Guinea that was being restored. It looked really a mess and obvious the restoration would take a while. A WWII veteran pilot in Colorado Springs, got wind of the restoration and since he had flown a P-38 during WWII, had his daughter take him out to see the aircraft. He was a wing commander in Australia when they got in some new P-38s and he assigned one to himself. He flew it on a few missions and then turned it over to another pilot and it was shot down over New Guinea. The vet and his daughter took down serial numbers from the plane and after some research discovered that this was the same plane her now 100 year old father had flown. On October 17, 2016, 101 year old Frank Royal witnessed the first flight of the beautifully restored P-38 he flew over New Guinea during WWII. In November of that year, he also watched from a chase plane as his P-38 flew over Colorado Springs accompanied by a restored WWII B-25 bomber. I was lucky enough to see that incident as they flew over my house. Frank passed away one month later, making his last flight to see his wife in heaven as he would say. I knew Frank and spoke to him several times about this. WH - Colorado Springs, CO.

[@vail8150]

Thank you for sharing a heart felt memory

[@paulsuprono7225]

What could I say ? . . . HAND SALUTE, READY FRONT ! 🇺🇸

[@paulsuprono7225]

Remember Colorado Springs very memorably. In 1984, I ran the accent of the Pikes Peak Marathon. Started in Manitou Springs . . . hit the Barr Trail. Upon its' completion, at 14.1 miles . . . completed the accent portion, of the race ! Time - 3 hours, 12 minutes. Same time as my one completion of the Boston Marathon - however Boston, was 26.2 miles. Yes . . . up at altitude, much less oxygen ! 😬🇺🇸

[@madmanmechanic8847]

Holy crap very interesting what are the chances of that ? Wow

[@twinturbo8304]

Great story Wonder what he would think of our new dem party woke etc?

[@mikemcpherson5550]

This old gentleman tells a wonderful, detailed story. Highly recommended.

[@richardmiranda640]

Sharp mind

[@MF11283]

I like the way this guy tells his story, like forest Gump (not meant talking shit) blunt to the point and "that's all there was to it". It's just here's the facts

[@mikemcpherson5550]

@@aaravarcher2391 go away J.O.!

[@matrox]

Yeh...from beginning to end.

[@richardmiranda640]

Yoma mata

[@tomnekuda3818]

My Dad was with the Army Corps of Engineers that put in the runways you boys flew from and he maintained P-38's. Looking at the maps I can see that Dad was on nearly every one of those islands and missed very few of the battles. He very rarely spoke of his time in the Pacific.....I think that mainly he wanted to forget the war. After Dad passed we found his Purple Heart in his sock drawer, carefully wrapped up with his certificate from the War Department. I think that never again will we see a generation of men like these WWII soldiers.

[@cyrusdubash3097]

No more like these men. Now they don't even know if they're men!

[@raymondkurtyka754]

What a great man it is because Of men like this that we owe our freedom

[@neilhunt835]

Brave & principaled men like this from my dads 'greatest generation' knew what dangers damn fascists posed and were proud to deal with them.

[@nolonlindataylor1689]

May GOD bless your Father!!

[@richardstevens2867]

An amazing man with such an inspirational story. So glad someone decided to record this for history's sake.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

You're right on that luckily in the last fifteen or so years people have been smart enough to get these veterans together and record their stories not many of them left my grandfather and great-uncle we're Naval aviators luckily our family got to hear their stories may they both rest in peace with all their buddies

[@robt5818]

Mr. Robinsheaux is very impressive. I am so glad that he followed his parents' direction. Thank you for your service!

[@matrox]

Its Robisheaux. Mistake in the title.

[@tedporciuncula3385]

RIP...what a story teller. Thank you for your service.

[@mitchellhawkes22]

This fine fellow Earl was a Texas pilot who helped America win the Pacific War against the fearsome Japanese. At the end of the war, when he got injured flying, he was discharged and had to go looking for a civilian job because he was newly married. He eventually got into sales. His homespun style -- which we listened to on this video for one hour -- probably sold a lot of goods and kept his family fed. His WW2 story here was humble, genuine, purely American.

[@nolonlindataylor1689]

Absolutely!

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

I had a friend here in Texas, from Brownwood Texas. He was a P-38 pilot and flew some with Dick Bong. The gentleman's last name was Dirtsche. A awesome guy.

[@davidlj53]

The man had a remarkable memory, he was a warrior, thank God for men like him!

[@williamscott3444]

Outstanding storytelling from this fine gentleman. I lived in Corpus Christi for many years & wished I had met this man so I could shake his hand & thank him for serving his country. So glad I happened upon this video. Thank you for your service & rest in peace.🇺🇲

[@bdcguru01]

My father flew a bomber in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. We owe our country and our wonderful way of life to heroes like Earl. Thank you Earl Robinsheaux for your service to our country! And thank you TV15 in Victoria for bring this man's brave adventure to us.

[@robfredericks2984]

I was a US Navy pilot during Viet Nam. I trained in the southwest part of Texas. The courage of men like Earl Robinsheaux and the sacrifices they made should be remembered. Thanks to Vtv15 for helping us to understand what they accomplished.

[@gregpopp4847]

Thank you for your service Rob !!

[@richardkirk5098]

What an amazing adventure for a young man right out of high school. To find himself flying a P38 against Japan. Just remarkable.

[@robertsimmons1491]

As a retired Military I truly enjoyed Lt. Robinsheaux's discussion of his experiences as a fighter pilot during WWII. Amazing recall of his training and career.

[@DrJLP55]

A truly remarkable man. So generous to have shared his experiences with us all. RIP. Job well done.

[@gglen2141]

We are so incredibly lucky to have these men around to tell their stories and share their experiences. Even more so to have the medium to easily share them with the world and keep them online forever.

[@tedwilson5713]

His memory is stunning. Truly a born pilot.

[@motogp001]

I’m happy I was able to watch this. Thank you for recording his story for us and future generations to enjoy

[@dwightneisler3844]

When i was in my teens I worked at a drive-in theater, the owner had been a P38 pilot in the war and remained in the reserves flying jets. He retired as a Lt. Col. He talked me into joining the Air Force where I became an Air Traffic Controller and then joined the FAA. I owed him a lot for steering me in the right direction.

[@bobbybaucom9440]

Some people have a way of telling a story that makes it so interesting. This gentleman has that. He doesn't heap praise on himself, just tells the story. If he didn't participate in some operation, he says so. Very refreshing.

[@laurenceho]

The free world owes you a depth of gratitude that can never be repaid. Rest in peace.

[@blackprince4074]

As an Aussie, Sir I salut you and do thank you. You sir have the gift of story telling, I do hope this is played in all schools by the department of education as we need the younger generation to appreciate the sacrifices that so many made for your country.

[@marthakrumboltz2710]

Unfortunately, they have a much more important agenda with teaching gender reassignment and infecting young persons minds. Far too few people know or even care abt these old and tired stories.

[@47mphill]

Greatest interview I’ve heard. A real hero of WW2

[@russmartin4189]

What an exceptional memory. I hope he is still with us.

[@elkabong6429]

Quite the story. He had great recall, too! My dad’s first cousin flew a P-38, but was shot down over Bremen, Germany, his body was never found. He was also training Stateside, but volunteered to fight instead. This man, my cousin, my dad, all of these then young men and women of that era were made of different stuff.

[@elkabong6429]

@@PacWestFish Thanks, I’ve always been a klutz with the family tree nomenclature! The saddest thing is that cousin Milton was an only child and according to everyone that knew him, a lovable, humorous and generous soul. He could have stayed in the states as a trainer, but he wanted to fight. He was about ten years older than Pop and called my dad “Little Buddy.” Pop still has some letters. He is the only one left of that generation and will be 94 this year. When he was stationed in Germany in the Occupation Army (45-47), he spent a considerable amount of time trying to find any information he could about Cousin Milton, but nothing ever turned up. His P-38 is believed to have been lost over the North Sea, after tangling with German fighters over Bremen. There was a display about him here in Richmond, VA at the Air Museum just outside of the airport. That museum is gone now and all of the display items about Major Milton Joel are in the possession of one of my more distant cousins, related to him, with the same last name.

[@richardkirk5098]

God rest his brave soul.

[@JoeBlow-fp5ng]

This guy was still sharper than many people half his age. What a hero. What a life.

[@theaviationarchaeologist8519]

What was your dad's first cousin's name?

[@mtnbiker014]

“...made of different stuff”. Won’t deny that, but it was also a vastly different time and war (e.g., US was attacked, world dominance at stake)

[@luvbigiron]

I could listen to this old war hero for hours. His recall is incredible overshowed only by his humility. His generation was amazing in their eagerness to join the fight. I was wondering myself as other commenters did why he never seemed interested in flying after the war. I've heard that it was all about the mission and once it was over, they moved on with their lives. I had a college room mate that flew F4's in Vietnam off a carrier and he became a flight instructor in San Diego after the war.

[@cyrusdubash3097]

I'm hooked! There are lots on KZbin!

[@gardabartlett1093]

Thoroughly enjoyed Listening l😮learning how he became a P38 Pilot. Thank you Sir for serving your country🇱🇷 Your sharing held me memorized. God Bless you✝️🙏🙏

[@TheSniperGTO]

My grandpa flew SBD Dauntless dive bombers during the war. As a kid, I asked him how come he never flew after the war. He said he never wanted to climb in a cockpit again. He was happier climbing into the cab of a tractor I guess.

[@76guzzi78]

What an outstanding account! Strange that he did not continue flying after leaving the air force, however to you and all who gave their all during those times, thankyou very much for your service. Most appreciated from Perth, Western Australia...

[@danielburke8350]

I just listened to this and it gave me chills, because it sounded just like the stories my Dad used to tell me. Dad was in the 17th Airborne, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment. God bless you, Mr. Robisheaux. Thank you for keeping our country safe.

[@duckwalker1]

Lt. Robinsheaux, thanks for your service.

[@jameshartsfield8585]

This man gives an incredible speech--much more impressive than an interview. His mind seems to be as sharp as a tack!

[@Leeskicitizen]

Not smoking or doing alcohol has that affect in the later years of life.

[@rogerpattube]

Maybe they cut the questions out?

[@davidvalensi8616]

It's the most unfortunate thing in the world when you have someone like this, and they've had a stroke or are at the beginning of dimentia, they're trying to impart important things, but you just can't understand them, he's talking like it happened yesterday.

[@gijoe775th6]

It was amazing how quickly they trained some great fighter pilots. God bless all who are serving and those who have served. Thank you.

[@573998]

This is the 3rd time I have watched this and every time I say . What a guy , God bless Texas

[@RammYou2]

Sharp as a pin. Never a fade or lost train of thought. This old warrior is a testament to clean living and thank god for him. I also love that he was a P38 AND a P39 pilot. This just gave me an insight into the type of men that fought the last war won by the USA.

[@stonboy]

How does he do it? I’m 42 and struggle to remember what I did yesterday sometimes! What a guy

[@Spectre407]

Fantastic interview. Thank you for taking the time to film this!

[@robertbenson9797]

What a great episode! How valuable to have that in-depth interview. The P-38 was in it’s best element in the Pacific. There was no need for a heater in the cockpit. In Europe, pilots complained about being cold because there was no effective way to get the heat from the engines to the cockpit because of the twin boom configuration of the P-38. The range of the P-38 was problematic when the US first entered WWII. It took a civilian to teach the Army pilots how to get the most range out of the P-38. This civilian told the pilots and ground personnel that they need to run the engines on the P-38 as lean as possible. His recommendations were much leaner than the Army or Lockheed had ever tried. Many crew chiefs in the Pacific were sure that the civilian’s recommendations would burn up the engines on missions. However, the civilian had a lot of experience in long distance flight. His engine procedures became gospel. After several P-38s returned to base with half full gas tanks, the military soon realized that the civilian knew what he was talking about. The civilian flew 50 missions in the P-38 and was credited with one “kill” of a Japanese plane. When the story of this civilian made the news, General Douglas MacArthur ordered the the civilian, Charles Lindbergh be flown to Australia as quickly as possible.

[@glenkelley6048]

What a wonderful blessing it is to have such fine and soft-spoken MEN in our world. They went forth and SAVED THE WORLD, and then they came home and had little to say about their adventures. My Dad was among them and I am forever his proud son.

[@0Hillbilly]

This is one of the best interviews I have seen. Not just big mission oriented. Great video.

[@bigblockstang9368]

I enjoyed every minute of his story. Thank you and God bless you.

[@ColonelMarcellus]

Thank you for your appearance here, Lieutenant Robinsheaux. God bless you. My father was working at a defense plant in California in 1941, and was deferred from the draft. He quit his job, gave up the deferment, and enlisted, and served during WWII in the United States Army. He spent most of his time on a Mine Planter (go look it up) and after the War served the balance of his enlistment in the Infantry. After all these years, I never found out what he did in California. Every veteran has a story and thank you, Lieutenant, for yours.

[@thekinginyellow1744]

I did look it up, and I learned something new today. Thanks

[@frankmike9931]

Fantastic recall.

[@michaelfuller2378]

Great interview, I am so glad that this interview was collected for posterity.

[@Docjonel]

I met a fellow who was a P-38 engine mechanic during the war. When I asked him how he liked the plane he just said "Twice the work."

[@kilocharlie2453]

Thank you for your service and your bravery, Earl. You make us all proud, and we love our freedom. Also thank you for your efforts in telling your story. We love you. One of my uncles flew P-47 Thundrbolts and -40 Warhawks in the Pacific in the late years of the war, and he died ferrying a P-38 Lightning from Guam to Iwo JIma in the last days of the war, when the convoy lost radio contact in a storm. This was probably about he time of the Nagasaki bomb. My other uncle flew 33 bombing missions over Germany in B-17s and B-24s. My father came in to the service during the last few months of the war, he and one other fellow parked most of the returning aircraft at the Davis-Monthan "Boneyard" airfield in Tucson, AZ. I salute you, sir, and them, and all the brave men and women who fought and served, and those helped in the home front. I wish today's generation had your qualities.

[@martentrudeau6948]

What a story, Mr Robinsheaux lived a charmed life and lived to tell us his story, what a great man, R.I.P. Robinsheaux, thank you.

[@kennethpettingill5873]

Man I love listening to these real hero's. Doing what they were told with no questions asked. Thank you for your service sir.

[@goodboyringo9716]

The P38 is one of the most beautiful planes ever built.

[@davidturner2187]

Yes, she is a fine plane.

[@matrox]

@@davidturner2187 Indeed it is.

[@Hamann9631]

Good boy Ringo. Great comment. It also solved the problem of shooting and propelers better than any other plane.

[@ronlal652]

Design was way ahead of its time.

[@MCOult]

The P38 has always been my favorite WWII fighter. It's a shame that most of them were never brought back to the USA, but were sold or given away where they were at the end of the war. I believe there were more versions of the P38 than of any other U.S. fighter/interceptor at that time. It was/is a beautiful aircraft.

[@akakgak]

Hadn't really planned to watch this entire interview, but here I am at the end. Fantastic storyteller.

[@82ghall]

what a great video ... sharp as a tack story telling

[@francopasta3704]

The man’s recall for names and units is quite impressive…

[@soyounoat]

The memories this man is recounting here are vivid and clear, and it seems like they happened a few weeks before this video. Massive respect for his bravery and determination to fly 64 missions (!) in the Pacific. Earl Robinsheaux and men like him - my father being one - brought that war to it's end, then returned to build the greatest nation in human history. Honor to these, and all veterans for their selfless courage. To the self-serving cowards who in 2021 seek to destroy it from within, I look forward to your defeat.

[@greenyonline]

Amen to that!!

[@waynebyers224]

Same here. My Dad spent almost five years serving this great country in WWII in the Army and Mom served in the Navy. I despise these Socialists today and will do all I can to destroy them. In November 2022, there will be an incredible repudiation event. Inflation will be so painful for the Democrats and the other idiots that support Socialism they will forget all about “free” money.

[@touristguy87]

wait a minute, is this about Earl Robinsheaux or about you and your dad? Seems like you're trying to make it about you and your dad.

[@19tractor52]

AMEN

[@touristguy87]

@@19tractor52 what is wrong with you two idiots? "it seems like it happened a few weeks before the video"?

[@seanweir7311]

Thankyou so much for this. P-38 is my absolute favorite WWII plane. Was a pleasure to listen.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

VICTORIA - Earl Edward Robisheaux Sr., 93, died May 14, 2017, with family by his side in Victoria, Tx. Earl was born February 24, 1924 in Orange Field, Tx to Willard Robisheaux and Loretta Delaune. He bravely protected our country during World War II and entered the Air Force at the age of 18. Earl earned his wings and commission from Aloe Field in Victoria, Texas. Flying the P-38 Lightning with the 339th Fighter Squadron of the 13th Air Force, he saw combat in New Guinea, the South Pacific and the Southern Philippines. After leaving the Air Force, Earl returned home to begin a career in sales and was the owner of Corpus Fire & Safety for 56 years. After retiring he moved to Goliad and eventually Victoria, TX. For over 50 years, he was a Master Mason, Shriner and member of the P-38 National Association.

[@robertbinder106]

Thank you for your service. My family is "free" because of you

[@bruceterrell9287]

Why are there always trolls who give thumbs down to such incredible interviews? I just don't understand some people

[@overlandbobcat1712]

99% of the time no one ever notices the downvotes unless someone has to post "WHO ON EARTH ARE THE TROLLS WHO DON'T LIKE THIS VIDEO".

[@christianmotley262]

@@overlandbobcat1712 bunch of commie egg sucking light in their loafers ratchet jawed heifers

[@generatormike]

They are worthless selfish unappreciative people

[@dmmdmm5435]

That's the only power they can dredge up from their ugly little minds

[@lindaedwards5598]

They are punks who wouldn't know courage or patriotism if it bit them on the butt. God bless the greatest generation.

[@lindamorgan2678]

One of the most interesting hours I have had in a long long time. Thank you so much for everything, the producers the uploading and of course Lt Robinsheaux for his amazing story, he is so well spoken, organized in thought and what memory for detail. Exceptional man you can tell. God Bless him. Thanks again from Alberta Canada

[@brachio1000]

When the U.S. sprouted heroes like dandelions in spring.

[@richardmiranda640]

So true!

[@mlcochran78]

Well put!

[@ericfermin8347]

And remeber, pilots and infantry made up 2% of the total force. We only ever hear about these two types in uniform. Where are the other stories from the 98%?

[@dougdownunder5622]

And now.

[@joesmith3501]

Who in the hell were the 49 that disliked this video?

[@kathleenk1857]

All these men have passed of course. But I am so grateful for their service and so happy so many survived. Thank God for all those who serve in the armed forces. ❤

[@davidssunstar]

This was so amazing. Thank you to whoever posted this.

[@mikericketts7057]

Outstanding program! I very much enjoyed listening to this American Hero.

[@adamg4975]

My grandpa flew p38 lightning photo recon in the pacific. He's passed as of 2 years ago. Amazing stories and career.

[@ezekiahseven672]

My highest respect for him. My father served in WW2 from 42-46 Army Airforce

[@matthewsorensen2147]

What a Hero ! Thank you for your service. God bless you.

[@KirkReed]

Wow. My father served on Middleburg Island. Other tan my father's account, I had never heard of anyone who knew of Middleburg. My father George Thomas Reed was in Army Air Corps and was a tower operator. He was a morse code operator and told me many stories of P38s, and other types of aircraft he was in the tower helping. He told me one time the wind sock was across the runway, and P40s came in to land on the short runway, and he warned them but they must have been on the wrong channel and cartwheeled upon landing. Nobody killed. When Google Earth was available, Middleburg Island was one of the first places he wnated to see. He identified the 1.1 miles runway, 3/4 of it is still visiable. He had a bowl of shells he had collected next to us. Now I knew where he had collected those. It was on the north east side of the island. Thank you for this info!

[@kdpjsp]

Such an honorable man. First, he honors his parents wishes, then he honors his country with his service. RIP

[@mattf49006]

I had the chance to chat with Rex Barber years ago..his version of the ambush and attack was as this gentlemans...

[@dtc1117]

Absolute HERO! He and all that served and those that serve now! Not many truly think about what kind of country we would be without these hero's! I had the privilege of knowing two WWII Pilots. Neither were ones to talk about their heroism but heroes they were! Thank You to this "channel" for documenting and sharing these Historical accounts!

[@jimdouglas43]

Imagine throwing up 5 straight times and going and cleaning up the mess and almost being washed out but persevering to become a pilot and surviving the war! Then reminiscing such a incredible story

[@rickcordell7343]

I was privileged to know my wife's uncle, Richard Gilbert, who flew 38s in Europe. It is a joy to hear another 38 pilot tell his story.

[@srnordli]

Genuine hero! This man is a significant part of history. Thank you for your service!

[@peterjones4621]

What an amazing man, I salute you sir, you're one of the tough ones!! They sure don't make them like Earl anymore, a very brave man. Earl passed in 2017, rest well.

[@powertrain4786]

Amazing video.... Thank you sir for your brave service when your country and the world needed you the most.

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for recording this and sharing.

[@hscollier]

Fascinating interview. Love my fellow Texan’s pronunciation of Yamamoto as Yomomata. 😊

[@Virgin_Stacker]

Rest in Peace good sir. Thank you for stepping up Mr. Earl Robinsheaux. 24 February 1924 - 14 May 2017 A real American Hero. An incredible presentation of a small glimpse of your life. Unconditional valour. Amazing story. Thank you Sir.

[@terrytenley9327]

Just a wonderful story. I am sure his parents were so proud and anyone that knew this man after the war .. Thank you sir for your service.

[@softailspringer9915]

I can’t even express how remarkable this video and this man and his story are.

[@jamiehanson5567]

You had me glued to the seat for an hour and got quite an education on what you all went through that I never heard before. The explanations were perfect, learned a great deal about your many difficulties like flying through tropical storms, flack, barge traps, horsepower requirements, Fuel, ammo, torque and so much more. Really impressed with your memory all these years later and how you maintain a level head through all that chaos. Thank you for all you and your squadron mates did to keep on the winning side. There won't ever be another generation like yours to bring us so safely through so much turmoil.

[@nolonlindataylor1689]

Thank you Sir All of you!!

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks so much for preserving Lt. Robinsheaux's memories of his service on WWII. I have read several books about the P38 and seen several videos, and this video is definitely one of the best sources of information and the most entertaining that I have had the pleasure of watching!

[@ronaldweed6103]

This man had great recall. Gotta Repect him & thank you for you Service 🙏

[@82ghall]

true .. like a debriefing

[@michaeljamesca]

Excellent video interview. My father in law was Lt. Col. Charles Shallenberger, P-38 fighter pilot in the pacific in the Vampire squadron. He was proof that his generation was the greatest. I enjoyed this video very much. I wanted to do the same with my father in law but he passed before we ever got around to making the video. I'll never forgive myself for that.

[@nolonlindataylor1689]

GOD Bless Your Father!! May GOD Bless you too!!

[@dlkline27]

Mr. Robinsheaux's memory is remarkable. Many thanks for his story.

[@Trev0r98]

"I don't know why, but I was always the Colonel's wingman." You were his wingman because you were a damned good pilot. Typical self-effacing / humble guy. The mark of greatness.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

My thoughts exactly! Well put and, no doubt, accurate!

[@mikelanglow-bi2sv]

Fascinating auto biography.Start to finish. THANKYOU

[@pamcm1098]

As a warbird enthusiast, I found this gentleman's stories fascinating. I could listen for hours.

[@WadePluff-r2d]

I could listen to this man all day!! What an adventure!

[@ChosenWon]

A very impressive speaker. Never scared: Wow. I believe it. I can imagine this guy eating a ham sandwich on a strafing run. A unique personality that believed in his country and did what was asked of him. I thank him.

[@ianando9459]

As a very young pilot who believe they are 10ft tall and in bullet proof may explain his lack of fear? Failure of imagination lol.? From a mate in Qld Australia . We in Aus remember US serviceman sacrifice in the SW Pacific . Many in this world have the memory capacity of a cockroach .

[@ChosenWon]

@@ianando9459 He even mentioned fear and other pilots. It was common and talked about often. It had nothing to do with being young.

[@Westcoastjazzer]

God Bless this wonderful man. One of the best interviews I have enjoyed listening to in a long time. His detailed memory had me captivated.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

This Gentleman, must of flown with a Friend of mine, who has since passed - George Chandler. As George was also with the 339th Fighter Squadron. I met Mr. Chandler, from a "Air Classics" article He wrote, & His organization - 'the Second Yamamoto Mission'. George was a real Gentleman and all around Good Person. I miss Him.

[@kevinkranz9156]

CANT GET ENOUGH OF WWII HEROES RIP U GREAT PEOPLE AMEN 🙏