When a US Pilot Stole an FW-190

It’s midday on February 9th, 1944, near the harbor of Nice, southern France.
4 Supermarine Spitfires belonging to the 4th squadron of the 52nd Fighter Group circle their targets. One by one they dive, unleashing bombs and a volley of gunfire into the convoy of cargo ships below.
On board of one of these fighters is pilot Robert Anderson Hoover.
Hoover is making a turn when suddenly a single 20mm shell strikes him at the root of the wing. In a blur the wing shears off and his Spitfire twists in an uncontrollable tumble. Hoover hangs on and pulls himself out of the doomed machine.
Captured, Hoover is interred in Stalag Luft I, a prison camp outside Barth, Germany.
When he finally escapes he manages to get to safety by stealing a Luftwaffe FW-190.
It's an incredible story of an amazing pilot and his bid to reach home.
Yarnhub uses the Unreal® Engine. Unreal® is a trademark or registered trademark of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere. Unreal® Engine, Copyright 1998 - 2022, Epic Games, Inc. All rights reserved.

[@Yarnhub]

Please support us on Patreon patreon.com/yarnhub

[@chris.76256]

Cant but keep up the great work.

[@eljayppujalte7594]

Good work man super great

[@pettsonochfindusdvd4787]

Super yarnhub super

[@Wwt2nd]

You guys are crazy, with how you can get videos out so fast with such good quality

[@-Falconry-]

am i Late or?

[@chris.76256]

I love stories of pilots stealing other planes while captured. Keep up the great work team.

[@michaelhowell2326]

Are there others?!

[@suheylayildiz533]

Romanian air force

[@sparkafie]

@@michaelhowell2326 top gun maverick

[@atmatthew9699]

@@sparkafie lmao

[@theamericanmarinesu.sairfo8218]

@@sparkafie top gun 3

[@Britcarjunkie]

Bob Hoover was a fantastic guy: if anybody walked upto him at an airshow to chat for any reason at all, he'd stop what he was doing, and give that person all the time in the world. He was the best.

[@billguernsey6419]

I’m one of those people, his book is fantastic. I saw him fly at the Wasilla Ak air show.

[@Noid_Cave]

I agree I first met him in1977 at an air show, and after many other shows and many years he always recognized me and had stories to tell about planes and how the flew.

[@aw8388]

He was a gentleman among gentlemen. He treated fans of all ages with respect and kindness. I had a great couple of visits with him.

[@vernscheck9089]

Used to have his autograph from many years ago.

[@erzahler1930]

I met Bob Hoover once at a Wings Over Houston airshow. At that time, he was flying with an AT-6 aerobatic team, flying his own yellow AT-6. He was a great guy to listen to, had lots of war stories to tell, although he did embellish some of them a bit to keep them interesting. He was a life member of the CAF, which was how I met him.

[@medicalbeverage]

It’s insane how good Yarnhub’s animations are. Even when he started 3D animation, it was beautiful.

[@OLDMANWAFFLES]

I’ve been tuning in to Yarnhub for awhile now, and the improvements on the quality & depth of the animation, story, and everything else are ASTOUNDING. I’m stoked.

[@caturlifelive]

I agree

[@jacksos101]

@7:00 is especially beautiful

[@skyhappy]

Yeah, I want a behind the scenes of how he does all this

[@planemod8399]

Is* not was

[@xsawbonesx]

I had the EXTREME honor of meeting Bob Hoover a few times growing up. Such a kind a genuine man.

[@TimTVOfficial]

I had the chance to hangout with him and a private aviation event in Van Nuys, CA where he was only a guest just like anyone else, and only a few people actually recognized him. I sat at his table and had lunch with him. Humble guy.

[@hicknopunk]

So cool!

[@MrSpaceRatt]

What an honor !

[@johnbarwell1118]

@@hicknopunk loop pop I j

[@drostropod9794]

How could you miss him with that straw hat?

[@joelk9603]

As a student Naval Aviator In the early 1970s at an airshow at NAS Pensacola FL, I saw Bob Hoover do a DEADSTICK loop, aileron roll, turn, landing, and taxi to a precise stop in front of the announcer in his Rockwell Shrike. Bob rolled up in front of the crowd and came to a gentle stop with both props standing at attention. Have not seen such a display of such precise airmanship since. Hoover did not fly the airplane, he wore it like a glove! Bob, thanks for the inspiration.

[@kdaleboley]

He continued to do maneuvers like that for many years. I saw him do it over the years in Dayton. What a pilot!

[@clarencegilbert2990]

Even Harrison Ford quoted him “just fly the damn plane”

[@asquare9316]

@@clarencegilbert2990 Harrison Ford? the guy who landed on a taxiway by mistake, and crossed an active runway without permission, that Harrison Ford?

[@booby7856]

I saw Bob Hoover in 1977 at the Reno Air Races at age 11 and thought that his routine was normal. I WAS WRONG. :)

[@thomaszhang3101]

And that just reflects how easy it is to fly a Fw190. Fw190, from automation of prop pitch, engine, cowling, and fuel mixture, to cockpit set up to flap, control rod arrangement, were all designed around the pilot. It was probably the most pilot friendly aircraft of WWII.

[@kristoffermangila]

That also shows the attention to details of the plane's designer, Kurt Tank. He probably had long talks with fighter pilots in the field and took their inputs on what works and what doesn't, and incorporated them into the 190.

[@5peciesunkn0wn]

Yeah, the germans commented on captured P-51s (that or after the war, don't remember which) about how the pilot had to do so much themselves, it was shocking they had time to actually fly and fight!

[@guts-141]

@@kristoffermangila the brits was stupid not to hire him after the war

[@sirboomsalot4902]

That’s one reason why I think the FW-190 was perhaps the best designed German aircraft of WW2. It’s just such a (uncharacteristically not German) stupidly simple, rugged, and effective design that it’s just amazing. Plus the the fact that it used cranks and arms to control its flight surfaces, not wires like other aircraft of the day, is even crazier. And the fact that the flaps had three settings that were set with just a push of a button and it sported some of the best cockpit visibility of any fighter of the war. Their only real flaws were early cooling issues and poor high altitude performance (which led to the Dora). I usually think German engineering is incredibly overrated, but I think the 190 is actually incredibly underrated.

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Though I would argue the F6F might have it tied for being easy to fly as far as fighters go

[@slackerman9758]

Bob Hoover was a legend. I got to take a ride with him in his Shrike many decades ago when I was a boy.

[@RookVR_]

What an amazing story, that’s crazy how he wasn’t attacked while flying over the front lines

[@endyender1703]

The Germans were probably thinking “Look at that brave man, bravely taking the fight to the Allies!” while the Allies were thinking “A sole German plane? Those never appear behind our lines! It must be one of our pilots who escaped a prison camp!”

[@Sky_Guy]

@@endyender1703 And the Imperials were probably thinking "Hold your fire. There's no life forms. It must have short circuited."

[@Goddessღ]

@@endyender1703 plausible lol

[@k3D4rsi554maq]

Great video.

[@cbrvo8440]

He took the chances that life gave him and won!

[@ridgerunner5772]

Bob Hoover was a country boy from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His people were dairy farmers who became one of the leading material contractors in the Central South. They are known for limestone, concrete and building products. Mr. Hoover was a class act all the way..... A true gentleman to everyone. He would visit Ed Lowe's Air Service and Maintenance at old Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee which was a full service air company, and the regional hangout for WWII and Korean War aviation veterans. There was nothing they could not repair, build or fly. Mr. Hoover was kind and considerate to the wash jockey kids who serviced the aircraft for Ed Lowe. All those old war horses were a great bunch of guys and would teach anything they knew to anyone who was generally interested. Their body of knowledge and skill are lost to time, but they made their mark during War and to the education of future aviators in the industry today....

[@HouseGamers]

been watching you for a while now, crazy to see how much your videos have changed quality wise in just the past year! keep it up man

[@atomic_bomba]

cool pfp

[@gwydionrusso3206]

Did not expect to see you here

[@DandKGames]

yo!!! like the last guy said, didn't expect to see you!

[@novsovannara8574]

I know right

[@dpaplayz5849]

@@atomic_bomba you dont know him?

[@caseruels1924]

Bob Hoover was arguably the greatest aviator of all time. A world famous man in the aviation arena. This story is a minute fraction of his accomplishments.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Bob Hoover was a legend in his own time. Being professional pilot, I use to fly a Strike Commnder. And I got to see him well the man could fly way better that I ever would and then some. I retired last year after 47 years of accident free flying for a living. That generation is all but gone now. World War II was much closer to us when I was a little boy playing with surplus WW-II stuff, piles of it was still around and balsa wood airplanes. I will be flying west myself one day too!

[@vumba1331]

I gather this is the Bob Hoover that flew those incredible airshow routines in an Aero Commander? If so I have seen him fly, incredible pilot, tremendous skills and obviously someone with a copourful past. RIP Bob.

[@impossibledrms]

His skills and knowledge were more than Chuck Yeager, this according to Yeager.

[@grumpycat4584]

I had the great honor , to meet Mr. Hoover at an airshow, where I was a volunteer. He treated our small group , like we were the heros. We miss him, a real class act.

[@paulbartels6585]

He poured a glass of tea while rolling with engines off!

[@gogogeedus]

@@impossibledrms but he still got shot down by a better pilot, they didn't want him to fly combat because he was such a good aerobatic pilot and he had poor eyesight but aerobatics is not what you need to fly combat which is what Bob Hoover soon discovered.

[@Paladin1649]

BOB, the One and Only, told me this story in summer, 1977, when my dad and I were asked to pick him up at Evansville, Ind., airport and bring him back to Huntingburg, Ind., airport for the air-show there. He was a showman like no other; always friendly, always willing to talk, always eager to re-tell his memories of his years aloft. May God Bless Bob Hoover! Wheels Up!

[@jimieljoseph2322]

Kool 🇨🇦 👍

[@Ben_Kunz]

7:26 when the mechanic drops the wrench and hoover says "Ow" pure gold. 😂

[@DarthBrix1]

I love it to I can’t tell if he did it on purpose though

[@delbertdevries6127]

I had the privilege of seeing Hoover, Yeager and Anderson fly P 51"s several times at Airventure. So awesome a display to never be seen again! Three of the all-time greats!!! Thank you Gentlemen.

[@792slayer]

This channel brings great content. Even I, as a history geek, am learning of events I never heard of.

[@jacksonlee6760]

I thought almost all of us here are history geeks here, and are all learning new things about historical events?

[@norske_ow3440]

I thought I knew a lot about the famed Bob Hoover, but I’ve never heard this story before

[@madhukarjonathanminj2772]

@@norske_ow3440 yes i didn't know about Jerome Ennis and the actual escape plan

[@Brucedakat]

I didn’t know this even happened! And I know more about history (Mostly WW2) than anyone in my class!😅

[@trekker3468]

I saw Mr Hoover fly an show when I was 12 in Phoenix. What an incredible individual.

[@motionsic]

So glad Yarnhub continue to improve on their roots of story telling about heroic pilots and dogfights. Graphics and effects are more realistic than ever. And hurray for Bob Hoover my idol - for overcoming one hurdle after another throughout his legendary aviation career. He got Motionsic when he first learned to fly, but turned out to be the best rudder & stick man ever.

[@aaronfoster5680]

The music switching to an orchestral remix of "Where Is My Mind" during the Fight Club reference made me smile.

[@3DPT]

This should be part 1 of Bob Hoover's story... He went on to be a test pilot / airshow performer that was world famous. He has whole books published on stunt flying and test flights that would be a whole movies worth of animations.

[@skyeshi3570]

I just want to learn what happened to george

[@kippert8912]

@@skyeshi3570 and I want to know how Jerome Ennis escaped

[@Sembel-xh9vq]

The youtube channel is more about the fighting scenes, not really about the other stuff the people did.

[@JohnGeorgeBauerBuis]

@@Sembel-xh9vq perhaps a collaboration with another KZbin channel is in order again, such as Mark Felton’s?

[@alpha51omega38]

That is the Bob Hoover I knew. Hardly ever heard of his WWII exploits or this escape story.

[@jamesharp3445]

Jesus...I didn't realize this story was about Bob Hoover! One of the greatest pilots ever!. My father was a pilot in the Korean war and actually flew in a P-51 with Hoover in the 70s. I watched from the ground.

[@the38super911]

Bob was an absolute legend. A friend's dad flew P-47's in Europe and he said Bob would roll in and ask for the biggest dog on the ramp, take it up and make that plane do things that none of the other pilots could, even with the best example.

[@Snoqmike]

Bob Hoover had the best air show I ever saw. He would dive a Shrike and at the bottom of the dive cut both engines and feather the props. Then he started his air show doing loop the loops, etc. When the FAA told him he was too old to fly he moved to Australia and kept doing his air show.

[@paul_ujb]

Loved the Fight Club reference you added, well done! 👍 Another great video you’ve put together and the scene of the FW-190 taking off through the grass and flowers in particular looked gorgeous!!

[@UncleNavi]

I was wondering who else caught that

[@ricefield1783]

The first rules of fight club is not to talk about fight club

[@what3424]

Hey hey u don’t talk about it. First rule

[@83nav]

Got it too, but the first rule!

[@dennislord7931]

I had the privilege of meeting "Hoov" many times and listen to this tale. I also had a WWII family story he wanted to hear. Such a gentleman. A pilot's pilot, there were none better on the show circuit. RIP, my friend.

[@thelastcrusader5439]

The quality of the animation never ceases to amaze me, how does the team push out these videos so quickly?

[@Luna579]

I grew up watching Bob Hoover at airshows. An amazing pilot and human being. RIP

[@СергейВампир-л6в]

Вопрос, почему ваши мусульмане бегут не в страны ислама, где у вас одна вера, один народ, обычаи, климат даже еда, а в страны Запада к неверным кафирам . Во-вторых, почему ваши исламские страны, такие как Саудовская Аравия, страны Персидского залива и т. д., не принимают своих беженцев, мусульман единоверцев, в-третьих, почему вы со всех сторон повторяете, что ислам - это религия справедливости и равенства, но вы этого не делаете.Не допускайте неверных кафиров-зимми в ваши города Мекку и Медину, но вас пускают везде, в Ватикан, в храмы Будды Кришны, Стену Плача, Храм Христа Спасителя и другие святыни разных вероисповеданий. Разве это не расизм, фашизм и деление людей на людей первого сорта, то есть вас, мусульман, и прочих второсортных унтерменшей? А также почему у вас предусмотрена смертная казнь для мусульман, принявших другую веру и оставивших ислам, и в то же время вы ведете открытую пропаганду в странах Запада и других неисламских странах по продвижению вашего ислама и даже создаете там шариатские ополчения, хотя это является прямым нарушением конституций тех стран Запада, в которых вы живете, принявших вас в качестве беженцев, но при этом вы запрещаете пропаганду в своих странах любой другой веры, кроме ислама, и за это подвергаетесь смертная казнь. Разве это не расизм и исламский фашизм?

[@johanjamesmercado]

That literally has nothing to do with the video or the comment.​@@СергейВампир-л6в

[@captain_commenter8796]

I love how the farmers were ready to deal with Hoover like a witch in the medieval times, with pitchforks. Imagine if it actually was a German pilot that crashed on their farm

[@JacobBite]

Well I'd imagine they'd take him to the British just like they did in the video

[@madhukarjonathanminj2772]

just like Pat moon said,they probably would've given them to the British, which is very appropriate behaviour for war time

[@rudolphreindeer7910]

Well farmers rarely had access to firearms so...had to make do with whatever they got

[@hagestad]

If he was german he would have to return their stolen bicycles back.

[@gogogeedus]

I don't know what you're imagining but they are not a bunch of soccer hooligans.

[@MrFritzzz666]

I had the privilege of seeing him fly twice. Both times at Reno. You are missed Mr. Hoover.

[@randalltaylor3700]

Bob Hoover did not receive the Distinguished flying cross for that. He got the award for retrieving a B26 Marauder off a beach in Messina straights in Italy. There was very little runway and Bob had to strip the plane down to bare minimum to get it off the ground and recover

[@rolfagten857]

Crazy that Hoover hadn't fu (c) ked that French girl in that shed.

[@gregotterson6724]

You are exactly right. I met Bob Hoover at an airshow many years ago. He told that very story of the B-26 to several of us standing there chatting with him. No one else would try to fly it and they were getting ready to blow it up. He came along and volunteered. He had never flown one before, but figured he could do it and had them strip it down and with just enough fuel to get to a nearby base. Sure wish I could have recorded that conversation. I didn't know at the time about his stealing a FW 190 to escape. I would have enjoyed hearing firsthand about that.

[@rogerbuettnero3513]

I had the privilege of seeing Bob Hoover perform at EAA years back. Amazing performance in both a Shrike Commander and a P-51 Mustang.

[@rorykellas8962]

I said it last week, but your latest animation style is absolutley stunning! Brilliantly done as always! On another note, I introduced your channel to my younger brother, who has a few learning difficulties so often can't focus on educational content. But yours is done so well he was captivated! As far as I'm aware, he went to watch all of your videos afterwards and is now often asking me questions about history outside of the stories you've told. I really want to thank you guys for that, all the best!

[@drjimjam1112]

Thank you so much for telling this story. I only knew Hoover as Chuck Yeager’s wingman and of course a great stunt pilot.

[@bumblethunder]

these animations are seriously getting better. keep it up!

[@gilfista5178]

Amen brother 🤙🏽

[@slamhead]

Back in the eighties I got to see Bob Hoover fly at an airshow. He was the test pilot for Short Aerospace. He was close to 70 years old at the time. He was flying a Shorts 360. It's an awkward looking twin engine plane. It was amazing. On take off he kills one of the engines and then proceeds to roll the aircraft in the direction of the dead engine. He was an amazing pilot.

[@maxwellharris507]

Bob Hoover, the greatest stick & rudder man who ever lived

[@rolfagten857]

Crazy that Hoover hadn't fu (c)ked that French girl in that shed.🤣

[@person732]

Why did my brain instantly thought of *"Steal & Runner"*

[@jimheimerl1637]

OMG - THE Bob Hoover? I saw him perform in Hillsboro back in ‘88. What a man!

[@ethanw041]

Wow the faces look especially great in this episode. I love how you’ve moved from cartoony animation to more realistic. It really makes the story feel more real.

[@agrofindastation]

Wow, I didn't even make the connection when you kept saying Robert Hover. Simply amazing! I got to see him do his demonstrations in the late 1980s and was so awestruck

[@EFontanezX20]

I truly appreciate what this channel is doing. Bringing forgotten moments in history to life.

[@Bigsky1991]

I met Bob Hoover when I was a young kid...years before I became an Officer and Pilot myself. He had quite the life and I think holds a record for maintaining a Pilots license and Medical longer than anyone else.

[@deweypyle696]

The FAA pulled his medical due to age, but the Aussies certified him so he continued to fly.

[@dieterlahme8604]

Bob Hoover was the gratest Airshowpilot in History. Saw him 1999 in Reno at the Airraces. His Energymanagement Show with a Businesaircraft is unbeleaveable. Regards from Germany

[@HritwRaje]

The subtle nuances are above and beyond the call of duty. The animation of Hoover leaving the handles of his bicycle while on the run is one such marvelous detail. That, along with the glare of sunshine against the French woman.

[@micoasters]

This is the channel that got me into planes and made me have to fly on a b17 for my birthday. I’ll always be subscribed

[@spikenomoon]

I’ve always hated animated films. But I’ve realized these animated stories really help me understand and appreciate what these content creators are doing. Great video

[@TDP8837]

I've been watching this channel for the past few years, and it's absolutely amazing how much the quality has improved with each video. You guys have come so far, collaborating with Sabaton, making a movie, definitely one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@napalm7460]

the fight club reference was the best part

[@TDP8837]

@@napalm7460 yes

[@SirScottland]

So Awesome! My dad and I met Bob Hoover 30 years ago at an airshow in Lancaster, CA. I was ten at the time and will never forget meeting him and watching him perform in his yellow P-51 Ole Yeller and his Aero commander.

[@mikulaszach2652]

I love how you managed to make the real pilot look like himself, while not making it uncanny, beautiful animation! Also the Pixies leitmotif, when the prisoners start fighting is super funny!

[@tallisdt4254]

Fight Club

[@adamtschmidt4303]

Thanks for calling it out!

[@ducktapepilot]

Bob Hoover was an awesome pilot and lead a very interesting life as a test pilot for the military. He was also a close friend of Chuck Yeager. His autobiography is called Forever Flying. I highly recommend it!

[@ravenlupus1241]

Can we talk about the quality of the graphics ???? This is so beautiful and realistic your job is amazing guys !!!!

[@kf5hcr176]

Bob Hoover's biography is highly recommended. Wonderful gentleman and superb pilot.

[@blackegret666]

I love the Hans Zimmer esque music in this. Great work Yarnhub!

[@jeffrenman4146]

as a kid and teenager I seen him fly many many times never knowing any of these things. I grew up thinking how wonderful he was I watched him at the air show year after year. He seemed like a hero to me just for flying in the air show I remember hearing the announcer say his name over and over I knew it well. He was brave and incredibly fortunate to survive the war. I imagine he was admired and respected by all that knew him. What an incredible story that I never knew

[@jackdundon2261]

Then there was 1, Bud Anderson!

[@cameronnewton7053]

that "ouch!"got a good chuckle out of me, great job once again yarnhub.

[@Crimson___moon]

I'm so happy this channel has grown like it has, it makes me proud that people are interested in history ❤❤

[@jbrhel]

This is the most remarkable story of the war I've ever heard and that's saying a LOT. Thank you for posting this. My Dad (Sgt. U.S. Army 1942-1952) would have cried like a baby.

[@terryrose4804]

7:26 The mechanic freezes and drops his wrench. You hear an "Owww!". Funny stuff.

[@edspencer7121]

I've Bob Hoover's performances several times but never heard this story. Thank you for sharing.

[@doubleohryo7606]

Another fantastic story and incredibly well presented. Thank you so much Yarnhub.

[@DoglinsShadow]

This story put a huge smile on my face. What a legend, and a legendary story, told by an incredible channel (one of my favorites!).

[@brocklaird2076]

Thanks for making so good videos and if people talk bad about you they are just jealous. Take all the time you need to make these amazing videos

[@jacksonlee6760]

Any time I've seen anyone talking bad about Yarnhub, after about 30 minutes they regret it quickly.

[@brucebeauvais1324]

I watched the whole thing thinking "what a great story!". It wasn't until the very last that I made the connection between Robert Hoover and North American Rockwell's "Bob" Hoover. I watched his performances in both the P-51 and the Shrike- amazing! Especially the deadstick finish of the Shrike performance.

[@unfortunateselection8489]

Always a great day when you post, the best animated channels out there.

[@Gallienus53]

Very well put together with the animations and narration.

[@carlcowin2246]

Wasn't expecting a Fight Club reference, but I'm all for it!

[@dotexdee4315]

Loved the fight club reference at 4:10! Quality story telling as always!

[@mosesacerdoti]

Two years ago I started to like this type of hobby. As you, I built first a Spitfire ,but it didn’t flight. I didn’t get up and after two years I reach the flight of some rc airplanes. I really felt your emotions in this video. Good one.

[@weeliano]

Bob Hoover is an Aviation Giant and legend! Amazing retelling of this story!

[@steve-ip6qs]

these vids should be shown in schools and let the next generations see what freedom they have is down to these service personnel

[@WORRO]

One line used in this video "he finally earned his Freedom." Indeed! Freedom ain't never been Free. It must be earned, and then fought for to keep! Excellent story. Put together very nicely. Thank you. Thumbs up 👍🏻 ~John

[@67cudaksa34]

Thank you for telling bob's story. From an early age, i knew Bob, my father was very good friends with him.

[@nickbryan6861]

I had the pleasure of meeting him twice. Amazing man. Rest In Peace

[@windwulfboi]

3:41 CAT!! But seriously, another fantastic entry to the channel. Yarnhub is amazing.

[@flyg13]

What awesome graphics and an incredible story!

[@miguellogistics984]

Bob Hoover was a Master. He flew Chase on the Yeager Sound Barrier Break. I saw his show at Charlie Brown Airport back when I was probably 10. Amazing.

[@euplot]

Bob Hoover was and will be the best stick and rudder pilot ever. His legacy will live forever.

[@jasonanalco542]

I personally heard the "Dumbest thing I ever done" at the '93 Reno Air Races. I recognized R.A "Bob" Hoover's iconic white hat in the mist of his onterage leaving the Silver Legacy. I just wanted an autograph, he bestowed on me a memory I'll never forget

[@vibe9338]

I’ve watched everyone single one of your videos & check every other day for a new one. Thank you for making a channel that has provided me with much enjoyment & knowledge. I really appreciate it

[@philiproyd6563]

On February 9, 2020 I met an elderly gentleman with both legs missing, he wore a cap with "USS Hornet" on it. I was in the grocery store in The Dalles, Oregon when I met him, and I spent nearly an hour listening to the man tell of his stories on the famous ship. Finally, I had to continue with my shopping, but I never saw the man again, and I wondered if he was still living because Covid started the following month, and I would have loved to hear more of his stories. I had told him that he needs to write the stories down, never thinking that I could have been the one to do it for him. It wasn't until I left the store that I realized I never got the old man's name and I have no idea where he lives, or if he is still living. Hearing this story about the pilot reminded me of the old man in the wheelchair I met in Fred Meyer's and the amazing stories he had to tell me. This pilot had an awesome story to tell for his children and grandchildren that they would never forget. Thank you for showing this.

[@alanwilson6367]

God bless him. A member of the greatest generation. Thank for you’re wonderful video an all you’re hard work.😊😊

[@clintonlemarluke1507]

I was privileged to watch Bob Hoover perform in the Shrike Commander. Amazing skill.

[@big666jim3]

Unbelievably amazing as always, I can't get enough of these video's, from the animations, story line and to the narration. Plus, I loved the fight club reference!

[@usaturnuranus]

Yarnhub, you've outdone yourself this time. Great graphics, narrative, and of course Bob Hoover, aviation legend extraordinaire. I salute you on this one sir. Until now I had never heard this chapter of his exceptional history. Outstanding.

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

I was lucky enough to have met Bob Hoover several times very down to earth man. And yes he really did think this was the dumbest thing he ever did in his entire life. RIP Bob Hoover

[@davidholmgren659]

BOB HOOVER!! I really had no idea. Of course I've heard of him...but not this story. Fantastic...great video, wonderful graphics, and wonderfully narrated. Thanks!

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

2:05 *”YOU’VE GOT W HOLE ON YOUR RIGHT WING!”* - Hoover’s team on the radio.

[@kimchi2780]

I met Bob Hoover multiple times and saw him flying Lightnings at Zamperini Field in Torrance, CA as a kid. Dude was an absolute unit.

[@boanyang9201]

The German pilot to shot down Hoover was Siegfried Lemke, a highly decorated ace (knight’s cross holder) credited with some amazing 70-96 aerial victories and became one of the few lucky enough super-aces from JG2 „Richthofen“ to survive the war

[@pandepanda31]

Incredible. A legend shooting down another legend.

[@riezu1836]

The moment i started watching this channel the graphics and stories get better and better.

[@geniol28186]

A short time ago I discovered your channel, I was amazed, you do a great great job.

[@patrickpowero.n.z.m2773]

I did my Commercial Licence flight training at Archerfield,Brisbane,Australia at Barry Hempel's Flying School in 1995.The FAA had pulled Hoover's licence simply because of his age,despite passing the medical. He had been invited to display at Archerfield and the Australian CAA accepted his medical and required him to undertake a Commercial Flight Test with Barry Hempel .They did it in the T 28 ,which was hangared with Hempel's aircraft. Hoover had flown one for decades.His flight test consisted of the full aerobatic routine with Barry "asssessing" from the back seat. He said to me that it was like being in the presence of a god. Everything from initial checklist, from memory, to closing down the engine was sheer perfection. The man standing on the wing at the start of the video is Hempel. I watched this and his unbelievable routine later in his Aero Commander where he strung together barrel rolls ,hesitation rolls,a low level loop,an Immelman at low level ,first on two engines...fantastic! Then on one engine,the other shut down and feathered....impossible ! My instructor was beside me and he couldnt watch the hesitation roll in asymetric thrust. Then Hoover went up to altitude in cloud and re-emerged with both engines shut down,did the whole sequence,landed and taxied up to the announcer's podium ...all without engine power. Flying elevated to art. Hempel was an amazing pilot and great instructor himself, but a bit of a rascal.....he always was at odds in some way with the CAA. He was killed when he was flying an aerobatic joyride in his YAK 52 over the sea near Brisbane. It may have been a medical event,but also possible that the passenger took his camera off its neck strap and then lost it into the rudder pedals in an inverted manouvre,locking the airplane in a spin.The camera was not around the neck of the passenger when his body was retrieved and the aircraft was not salvaged for inspection.kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4S2Y2tsi96VoZo

[@steveshady5658]

i thought you couldn't get more realistic than the 303 squadron but you did good job Yarnhub team

[@audiophile1024]

I saw Bob Hoover at airventure near the end of his life. He described the incident and had everyone present enthralled.

[@activ-1758]

The Fight Club reference was so well put

[@stijnvandamme76]

Bob Hoover was the most epic pilot ever, Giant of Aviation..

[@CezarySwatek]

I love the attention to detail when hoover fell and was stil laying on the ground and the mechanic dropped his tool he said ow XD

[@77chance]

One of the best decision I have made in a while was subbing to this channel.

[@OuiBaguette05]

Omg, didn't think this was yarnhub till I heard the iconic voice