B-17 Bomber Pilot Dick Nelms Interview. 35 Combat missions over Nazi occupied Europe.

Enclosed is a pictorial interview with WWII B-17 pilot Dick Nelms. Dick is 99 years old and flew 35 combat mission over Nazi occupied Europe. Dick shares his bombing experiences including a walk-through of a typical mission, most challenging/dangerous mission, his crew’s response while under attack from an Me-109, how to mentally handle unpredictable FLAK, crew side arm carry guidelines, bomber ammo mixes, thoughts on tracers cartridges. Topics and video time stamps are as follows:
1:00 Walk though of a Typical Mission
7:10 Policy on evasive action during bomb run
8:30 Example of close FLAK hit
9:30 Slave labor sabotage likely saved the plane
11:00 The bomb release toggle switch
11:20 Bombing an oil refinery, favorite target
13:15 Worst Mission bombing Berlin
16:10 Threat from fighters vs. FLAK
19:35 Me-109 sneaking in to attack
22:40 Bomber gun range vs. German fighter gun range
25:20 Mission to support D-Day
27:30 Tactical bombing mission at Saint Lo, to support US Troops
29:35 Typical Mission duration
30:50 Flight engineer duties
33:00 Plane’s reaction to a bomb drop train vs. salvo
33:50 Chatter on interphone system during mission
34:50 Dispensing anti-Radar chaff
35:25 Loss of a tail gunner due to friendly fire
38:40 B-17’s ammo belt mix, usage of tracers
40:30 Policy on bomber crew sidearm carry
44:20 Thoughts on handling fear while in combat
50:55 Policy on carrying extra ammo on bomber
54:30 Final Thought

[@ekim0513]

Fabulous interview. So lucid at 99 years young. Thank you Mr. Nelms. You are an American treasure and an incredibly brave man.

[@robolmsted8161]

I had the opportunity to meet him at the Boeing museum in Seattle. He took the time to answer all my questions I had. My great Uncle was a B17 Copilot and was shot down over Schweinfurt on his 21st mission and was taken as a POW. I felt a connection to my Uncle by speaking to him. Such a great hero of our greatest generation! Thank you Sir

[@codyadams5586]

I'm so glad there is so many different people getting these guys stories before they're all gone... Most of the world doesn't understand what we owe these MEN!

[@theflyingfool]

I really appreciate the way you interviewed this gentleman, not pushy, gentle prompts if needed and no interruptions to his flow of though. That allowed him the space to open up and tell his amazing story. What a privilege to hear it!

[@S2Sturges]

Such a strong and honourable gentleman , a quiet soul of strength and valour, and a truly decent man... That you for this wonderful talk, inspirational .... Bless his soul

[@coldisle]

This is what a bona fide superhero looks like. What a gift just to be able to hear Dick recall these events. I am in complete awe of The Greatest Generation. Their bravery and sense of duty and Patriotism is a thing of true beauty…human beings at their very best. His recall is just remarkable. What a great…and important interview with a living legend and American Treasure.

[@horsehide3039]

Spot on, this fella is a treasure.

[@ajm1268]

This guy is still as sharp as he was when he was flying missions. 👍

[@user-qw8nk5wp4t]

Thirty Five Missions. Unbelievable. What an amazing man and not forgetting his crew. We must be "forever indebted" to people like them and to the other service men and women around the world who sacrificed their lives for us so we could be free from Tyranny. Remembrance Sunday should never be forgotten.

[@timstradling7764]

Wonderful man, and at 99 still so lucid with a remarkable memory. His calmness borders on placidity which almost certainly helped him and his crew to survive the rigours of their incredibly stressful job. Respect to him and all the other airmen who flew against the powers of evil.

[@Critter145]

1:51 the CQ to the Bombardier after throwing his shoe at him “I hope your accuracy improves today”🤣

[@WittnerMusic]

Wonderful recollection by Mr. Nelms. Ninety nine years young and he tells it like it was yesterday. From the daughter of a fellow B-17 pilot: Thank you for your service, sir.

[@geodeaholicm4889]

What an amazing individual. it is so cool he has retained his memory & intellect & positive attitude so well. thank you for getting his story & recollections on video for us & future generations to see.

[@WWIIUSBombers]

Couldn't agree more!

[@fasst5511]

My father was a bombardier on a B-17G in the summer of 1944. The Silver Meteor. 8th Air Force, 390th Bomb Group. He flew and survived 35 missions, 2 on D-Day. Realize they were mostly just young kids in their early 20's asked to do these missions where they didn't know when they took off if they would be returning. Many times with only 2-3 days between missions. He passed in 1984. He would occasionally talk about what he went through but never thought of himself as a hero. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and The Air Medal. He was fortunate in that by that time in the war they had P-51 escorts that could stay with them for the entire mission, but still even then their losses were high. He would say if they served them real eggs instead of powered eggs for breakfast they knew it was going to be a really tough mission. One of his favorite TV shows to watch back in the 60's was 12 O'clock High. I would sit and watch it with him while he told me about some of the missions he flew. . The more I learn about what these very young men went through I realize what heroes they all were. They were truly the greatest generation. After watching videos like these oh how I wish my father was still here to watch them with me and tell me more about what he went through. Reply

[@ReflectedSimulations]

I could have listened to him for another 4 hours. What a legend. Thanks for sharing this. What made it so interesting is that the interviewer was also an expert of the subject and knew what to ask. The visual aids were great too.

[@chrisnewtownnsw]

Was hanging on to his every word. What a legendary man.

[@garyk8558]

My dad did 35 missions to Germany and back he was a radio operator and machine gunner when needed he was a member of The Lucky Bastards Club i tried to take him up for a ride when The Wings Of Freedom was here he would not go he passed away a week later RIP Dad i miss you

[@irrigationjoehenggeler2863]

What a wonderful interview of an American hero, Dick Nelms. My father also was a B-17 pilot & flew out of an airfield about 15 miles from Dick Nelm's airfield. This is one of the most informative presentations on what it would have been like for a B-17 crew member. Bless all of those heroes!

[@ashlittle4545]

Absolute living legend. Big salute and thanks to this man for all he and his crew did in WW2 🫡

[@LABoyko]

Thank you for getting this interview. Bless this gentleman and his peers for the amazing horror they endured fighting evil.

[@cowbdave99]

That was a great video. That man is a true hero. Great work guys

[@thomasreffle8313]

This was a great interview by both the interviewer (his knowledge and preparation) and especially the pilot. What an incredible service he rendered our nation , his professionalism, love for crew & country, BUT most incredible was his memory, story telling ability all at his age. Truly a great American from a great generation! I can't help think of all the thousands of stories (by gentleman like this) that are now gone due to history as they "Rest in Peace". Thanks for finding the guest and bringing us incredible stories along with a TRUE ROLE models in this modern world . Very well Done! Tom

[@jackquaddy]

Fascinating. Thanks for recording this for posterity.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Calatriste54]

Bravo!

[@joshboy1st]

bless his heart, Thank you for your Service Sir! All the very best regards josh from the UK

[@airstation2030]

I was just there in Rattlesden home of the fighting square K I walked the runway and the T2 hangars and quonsets and runway and perimeter track Its a farm now and a small aero club occupies the okd control tower July 13th of 44 that was the last day a friend ran this runway as first pilot in his -17 along the main runway that still endured the vagrancy of English weather I walked The local pub and memorial still reminds us of the American town that sprung up here Godspeed and Bless them all Thank you for the video Russel Hilding who flew in the 447th and ended up POW in Buchenwald would have loved to watch this

[@gorlab9549]

This deserves all the views in the world. You’ve overnight become one of my favorite channels. Thank you for all the hard work you do putting together the information and research to make these. Most of all god bless our veterans, we will never be able to thank these men to the degree they deserve. But you’re doing the best effort I’ve seen to ensure they get it. You can tell Dick enjoyed having someone genuinely interested in his service.

[@johnbelus7828]

Reminds me of the song " grampa, tell me bout the good ole days" Can only imagine the stories he used to tell his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Mr Nelms... you are an inspiration to so many people. Thank you for your service.❤

[@bertski60]

i doubt i'll have his memory at 99 cause i sure don't have it at 64. what an interesting gentleman, and a standout from the greatest generation.

[@johnnicatra570]

Great interview.Over 46k airmen lost their lives in those years and over 52k brits in bomber command.

[@LARPing_Services_LLC]

Now THIS was awesome. This is the first time I get the delight to see and hear a veteran alongside (very) high quality subject-matter primary sources providing context. I just love this gem of a channel. Outstanding work, mate.

[@scottdunn2178]

This should be on The History Channel 👍

[@erickent3557]

Thank you, Mr. Nelms, on the perspective between agitating what might be, versus being thankful for what is... What More can we ask from a combat veteran than an emotional and beautiful lesson learned during the toughest moments of ugliness and violence?

[@parrot849]

Outstanding interview. It’s wonderful to see how good his memory is after all years ago. Thank you

[@user-bf4sb3jx9s]

Salute to Mr. Nelms! Great interview and I gleaned a great deal of information from the interview that I wasn't aware of. My grandfather was a waist gunner in the same squadron. Sadly, he passed away in '75. Thank you & God bless!

[@andrewberg751]

Thank you for sharing this video. I’m sure it will blow up someday and be popular

[@gazzpazzer]

Thank you for this fascinating interview. I have so much respect and admiration for this gentleman. Not only did he survive 35 missions in WW2, he's survived to his ripe old age with his intellect intact. This has been the most informative, interesting Q&A, I've witnessed. And I've read and seen, sometimes in person, quite a few on this subject. Well done!

[@dipdo7675]

99 years old??!! Seems like he could go do mission #36!!

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

this should have way more likes. excellent! thank you both!

[@jgonzalez101]

We're so proud of you Sir for your gallant courage and selfless devotion to duty! I so much enjoyed hearing your amazing and insightful experiences. May God continue to bless you! Truly Freedom isn't free! ♥️🙏🇺🇸

[@peacenow4456]

Best interview I've EVER seen, especially the never heard linear detail Capt. Nelms shares and love the real documents... now some constructive criticism: Mount the camera on a tripod, mic the subject, turn on all their lamps, buy a ring light, have an outline that he can read and prepare ahead of time for recall, and you can follow to keep story linear. Give him a break, provide tea and honey and cookies for energy. Proceed in 30m. These are elderly men and tire easily. I too have interviewed 99 yr old veterans and they do fatigue easily. Plus you are asking very stressful emotional questions which brings back deeply suppressed emotions. If you see their stomach quivering, you've passed their tolerance threshold and their emotions have surfaced, and you must stop til another day. Have subject provide more introductory info; home town, age at full duty, dates of missions, lay their life background prior to 12/7/41 to time and place and at the end, ask what they did after the war, if they got "battle fatigue" and if they ever flew again. Best to remember, the elderly have great long term memory, prompts help them recall, but don't interrupt in your desire to get your questions answered. Thx, good work.

[@dalebraun5497]

How sobering to hear from someone who was there, actually flying in harms way over France and Germany. It took a special guy of man to do that for 35 times. Thanks for sharing Mr. Nelms interview.

[@peterbondi751]

Wow. Great stories and recollections, but also great life lessons around the 48 minute mark onwards!

[@paulprigge1209]

Thank you did a great job. There’s a dude out of Colorado who goes around interviewing veterans but he is so aggravating and sometimes very rude to these people and ask some of the most silliest questions. Very challenging yet he does a great job of getting out and interviewing the veterans but sometimes he is very very difficult to listen to. Keep up the great job God bless. He also appears to beg for money to support doing what he’s doing which I wish he would put some adds in and quit Repeatedly asked for money.

[@randonsoderstrom3647]

What a great video. Thanks to him and you taking the time to interview him.

[@user-pr6ow3ws2c]

One of the most amazing things about this video as well as the research done by the creator it the detailed bomber mission graphics and plans. I had no idea that every mission takeoff formation path as well as flack maps even existed. Its so easy to think that because this war was so long ago, they were unorganized compared to today. In reality, this war paved the way for future conflict management.

[@ValerieGriner]

This was a FANTASTIC interview! He is amazing! Thanks for posting this. I had 10 great uncles who fought in WWII...one flew a B-25 and one was a flight engineer with the Flying Tigers. I love to hear these stories and think about The GREATEST Generation. They were so very brave.

[@hearseboy1]

Enjoyed this very much. Thanks for sharing!

[@horsehide3039]

These men are amongst the most courageous war fighters . An honor to see and hear these accounts. Quite exceptional.

[@dannyo3317]

Mr. Nelms is still as sharp as a tack! Thank you for your service Mr. Nelms.

[@mongolike513]

Great interview. Much respect to Mr Nelms and yourself.

[@boonedockjourneyman7979]

Stay in touch with this airman as much as possible. Give us updates. We care already. It will also increase your channels engagement.

[@WWIIUSBombers]

Thank you, I will

[@alamogordo280]

Great, great video!

[@thevet2009]

Salute

[@davidbowen8649]

Wow, that was an incredible interview.

[@gordonbutler5142]

What a lovely interview.

[@johnned4848]

Great interview. Dick Nelms was amazing so sharp and relaxed .

[@jimwong9233]

splendid video!

[@WWIIUSBombers]

Thanks for the visit

[@ericloebsack8310]

your use of charts and photo to explain the narrative was great mr. melms thanks you

[@winningedge19]

Incredible Simply amazing Thank you Mr Nelms ❤️

[@rodanzig]

a great interview , thanks .

[@bogdanhoroszowski603]

I’m very pride of you I salute you,-Polish veteran of the second warld war.

[@ghostmost2614]

Thank you sir! SEMPER Fi

[@janetkjar2480]

I am so grateful to hear his account before his story was buried with him. What a great sacrafice for our freedoms.

[@aweebunny]

I really enjoyed this interview. Thanks.

[@TastyTarco]

he has some good genetics, 99 but he seems much younger

[@johnpendarvis7885]

My dad flew 35 as a waist gunner. At that post there was a 75% higher mortality rate than any other on the plane.

[@trevorowen6564]

Brilliant interview

[@DWBurns]

Incredible interview. Go back for part 2, 3 and 4.

[@wyattmccain5697]

Thank You, For My Freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jlcsr9163]

Sharp as a tack. Incredible story.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

My Grandfathers Buddy was a Tail Gunner in a B-17.. The plane took a direct hit of Flack .. it killed the Pilot and Co Pilot.. My friend was badly burned and trapped in the tail.. The plane had a huge hole in it.. The Navigator managed to fly the plane back to base .. They said they didn't know how the plane could still fly .

[@Calatriste54]

Providence ever present.. Thank you.

[@jonire8917]

Wow! 👍🤗

[@Repocat]

Bravery unmatched

[@britgerus4503]

Excellent interview. Many thanks FLAK = Flugabwehrkanone = anti aircraft canon ( direct translation) . Otherwise anti aircraft gun... Cheers Gruß Glenn

[@Robert-is7du]

He mentioned a run that hit the German rear guard armored personnel and that strategy is what prevented a successful German counter space attack that facilitated General Onar Bradley's outfit with General George Pattons Third Armored Corp that made it eaier for them to advance to the German border Siegfried line Thanks for sharing and still veing with us Bless ur heart and Soul Spirit essence U lived to share it with so many people to learn what war does B cuz all of Europe was drenched for thousands of years with blood sacrifices that requires masive healing through pure eternal absolute love Mu ah 💋🌈💜

[@garywaddell1343]

I really enjoyed this interview. My only criticism is I wish you'd used a tripod for your camera. The constant movement of the picture was a little distracting.

[@gordkenworthy616]

I had the privilege of flying with several bomber pilots during my airline career during the 70s . The last pasted in 2020

[@francopasta3704]

Great interview but the inserts/graphics were to short to read…

[@LARPing_Services_LLC]

> *9 months ago* Have you managed to find the Pause button yet?

[@tonyhampton240]

Sharp mind

[@GlenDoer-gq1rs]

Need sub titles ..no volume

[@_Patton_Was_Right]

WE DEFEATED THE WRONG ENEMY!

[@xfire7]

Get a tripod !

[@uncleTedK]

I wonder if he regrets it now? 🤔

[@dave.of.the.forrest]

Not at all. See his final comment in the video.

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

regret doing an absolute amazing job 35 times? why would a WW2 pilot regret fighting Nazis. ive met a lot of veterans from just about every war since ww2 to Afghanistan. the WW2 vets are in their own class of bad ass. the greatest war the world has ever seen, and the most important war the usa has been involved in post revolution. these men & women from ww2 should have no shame.

[@gorlab9549]

Did you not finish the video?

[@marlonorsburn4345]

What a stupid comment

[@garysieg9355]

Cannot hear your pilot.......

[@randyclere2330]

What a bright,engaging Elder!! Wow!!

[@TCK71]

Excellent video.