My Father was a "Flight Engineer" on a B-17, B-29 and B-36. I was fortunate enough to fly in a B-17. My Dad got me a ride in that airplane for my fiftieth birthday. It wasn't like I had never flown in an airplane ... I was a member of the 101st Airborne and a "door gunner" on a UH-1C "Iroquois". I even jumped out of a number of different perfectly fine airplanes. I'll tell you this: That was the most visceral 1/2 hour of my life. It was a warm September day at Mather AFB. I had my flight jacket on and we never got above 5,000 ft. The wind, vibration and noise were just a taste of what those airman lived with day after day. Dad had some film of B-29s taken from the nose, but didn't even convey the feeling of that ride. When I was a child Dad showed me how to "skin the cat" ( the move the crew members do to get into the forward compartment) . I surprise the crew when I did it. Some of the guys flying the airplane were older than me and couldn't do it. Anyway, what a great day.
This is so much like my Fathers story being a navigator on a B 17 in WW II. He was also shot down, in a German POW camp for 1 1/2 years. He had some great stories, but it took him many years to talk about it......
I knew a former B-17 radio operator who went to see The Memphis Belle. But when they started a bombing run and ran into flak, he had to leave because he remembered the fear from 36 years before. He and his crew actually flew on "The Belle" when their Flying Fortress developed engine trouble before take off. Crews loved to fly The Belle because it was felt to be good luck.
You know, I gotta wonder if any of these old guys really saw any meaningful combat. My uncle was a B-17 pilot in Europe, and he ended his flying career as an American Airlines international Captain. I once asked him if he wouldn't like to be one of these guys to go back up in a restored B-17, and he said "son, I still have nightmares of my time in that airplane over Europe. Why in hell would I want to go relive that in any way?" Enough said.
I have an old friend, Al Anderson, who flew as a gunner in the bottom Ball turret during WWII. He flew close to 30 missions and came back to enjoy life in Lewes Delaware and ride his motor scooter with Rudy Johnson and me. - God Bless you "Andy."
You have to have the greatest respect for bomber crews in WWII. Of all the jobs in any air force in the world, this was THE most dangerous to serve in. Every mission, they knew up to 2/3 of a squadron might not make it back, yet they still kept flying missions. I once heard a line from a movie but it's true today: "Fighter pilots make movies, bomber crews make history." Saute to these men that looked death in the face and told it to @#&* off Something that all these vets seem to have in common is humility. They were very aware of the danger, yet when people thank them in person, the first thing they often say is not how hard it was, or how many targets they blew up, but just "I did my bit," as if they were picking up garbage in the street.
Reminds me of my great grandfather who fought in WWI. He had his engine shot out of his bi-plane. He ended up crash-landing, and broke his spine. Not to mention he downed 9 aircraft. Now that's service!
I don't know why, but I always love the sight of a B-17, it's such a beautiful aircraft. So much history and heroism happened on them, hell they practically won the war for America.
B-29's dropped the atomic bombs on Japan, they were the only planes big enough to load them, and were designed to carry them. But the B-17s killed way many more people.
There is a reason these WW2 veterans are called "The Greatest Generation". Don Nicholson embodies the spirit and patriotism that imbued these warriors - these keepers of Freedom. God bless them all. These men and women deserve our respect and admiration (as do our present-day warriors.)
and I know how he feels by being shot out of his plane and he gets chills running down and that feeling all over again of that day .... when I climbed in a Humvee after what happened to me it churns ur stomach its not easy but as he said it a ride he wont be take again . I know the feeling brother ...
Very beautiful aircraft and I was very glad to see the veteran retrace his foot steps into the world he was in before. I am really happy for him and the man the gave up his seat was very kind. Kudos to him! Anyways touching story.
same here eric, it always makes me feel good when these guys get back in their old planes one last time. werent we just talking about that on the bus the other day?
its never impossible to remake an old plane if you find all the parts have the time have the money and you know what your doing you can make a plane that isnt seen very often
Thank you Mr. Nicholson, We are free because of brave men like you sir. Also, thank you, to the man from Boeing that gave up his seat. God Bless the USA
I've read somewhere that there were something like 800,000 of them built, in their various forms from 1938-1945. Of those, the figure (in the mid-90s) is something like 800.I know of at least two in Australia; one is painted up in WWII-spec USAF livery, the other features a retro paint job, polished aluminium over bright orange. The latter belongs to Nostalgia Airways, and they do joy flights. Everything is how flying on a DC-3 would be back in the 50s; the cabin crew wear retro uniforms, the seats are canvas, and being a DC-3, they aren't as limited as a modern jet when it comes to places to land
The fact that so many of them are still flying, considering that the youngest DC-3 is almost 70 years old is amazing. A modern jet has an estimated service life of roughly 25 years with good maintenance. Some may live longer, but that allegedly is what many of the manufacturers recommend. The DC-3 is a simpler plane, but they still suffer from many of the basic issues of corrosion and metal fatigue, albeit to a lesser extent
The number of airlines that grew with the DC-3 as their backbone was huge. They were a favourite of small airlines because they were so adaptable. They can take off and land in places many larger planes have a problem with. There is one heritage airline in Australia known as Nostalgia Air. A DC-3 restored in 50s livery, her crew all in 50s uniform, she travels around regional Australia. Many farms and cattle stations have their own airstrips, and the airliner can land to visit if it takes the pilot's fancy. The farm and station owners don't mind. Not just because they get to see such a beautiful plane up close, but the social interaction is always welcome
And to think that Boeing lost the contract to build these planes for the war because of pilot error crash of its prototype on takeoff. The contract was later reinstated due to high demand for the war. THANK YOU TO OUR U.S. VETS AND GOD BLESS!
LOL that's funny, this reporter is CJ "Cassidy" was from our local news station that was fired sometime back for "undisclosed reasons" even though all her former news team eventually spoke up to what happened...now whether or not it's true I don't know so I won't repeat the specifics here.
To think that if someone didn't come up with flight checklists for pilots we wouldn't have any Boeing contracts with the military. xD I mean, a freaking LIST of things for a pilot to fly a plane is all you need for the best efficiency?!
Oh Danny boy. The pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen and down the mountain side. The summers gone and all the flowers dying 'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide...
My late uncle Bob was the navigator of the B17 called the "Spook". On the 24th mission the part of the tail got shot off by flak and took the tailgunner with it & it crashed landed on its nose!.! It was repaired and he went for their final 25th mission and returned to the US and married soon after. Had other uncles in the Army in germany and marines in the pacific of one which was wounded at Tarawa and married his navy Nurse They were phenomenal people .I hope we have the guts to fight the muslims who are here!! So help us GOD!!!! Yes I mean ISIS and whoever else wants to join them in murder for islam
My Father was a "Flight Engineer" on a B-17, B-29 and B-36. I was fortunate enough to fly in a B-17. My Dad got me a ride in that airplane for my fiftieth birthday. It wasn't like I had never flown in an airplane ... I was a member of the 101st Airborne and a "door gunner" on a UH-1C "Iroquois". I even jumped out of a number of different perfectly fine airplanes. I'll tell you this: That was the most visceral 1/2 hour of my life. It was a warm September day at Mather AFB. I had my flight jacket on and we never got above 5,000 ft. The wind, vibration and noise were just a taste of what those airman lived with day after day. Dad had some film of B-29s taken from the nose, but didn't even convey the feeling of that ride. When I was a child Dad showed me how to "skin the cat" ( the move the crew members do to get into the forward compartment) . I surprise the crew when I did it. Some of the guys flying the airplane were older than me and couldn't do it. Anyway, what a great day.
God bless you sir, thank you for your service!
This is so much like my Fathers story being a navigator on a B 17 in WW II. He was also shot down, in a German POW camp for 1 1/2 years. He had some great stories, but it took him many years to talk about it......
The greatest generation.
One of the greatest things about my carrier is that I get to meet WW2 vets often. They truly are "The greatest generation"....What happened to us ?
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obama
There is something beautiful in reuniting the man with his machine that stood the test of blood bullets bombs fire war and time .. RESPECT.
I knew a former B-17 radio operator who went to see The Memphis Belle. But when they started a bombing run and ran into flak, he had to leave because he remembered the fear from 36 years before. He and his crew actually flew on "The Belle" when their Flying Fortress developed engine trouble before take off. Crews loved to fly The Belle because it was felt to be good luck.
You know, I gotta wonder if any of these old guys really saw any meaningful combat. My uncle was a B-17 pilot in Europe, and he ended his flying career as an American Airlines international Captain. I once asked him if he wouldn't like to be one of these guys to go back up in a restored B-17, and he said "son, I still have nightmares of my time in that airplane over Europe. Why in hell would I want to go relive that in any way?"
Enough said.
kj99
nope. apparently some vets revisit old relics
+Andrea Varner نت
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I have an old friend, Al Anderson, who flew as a gunner in the bottom Ball turret during WWII. He flew close to 30 missions and came back to enjoy life in Lewes Delaware and ride his motor scooter with Rudy Johnson and me. - God Bless you "Andy."
What a great interview and how lucky us viewers are to see this man who's been there and done that.
Thanks much to this great hero.
You have to have the greatest respect for bomber crews in WWII. Of all the jobs in any air force in the world, this was THE most dangerous to serve in. Every mission, they knew up to 2/3 of a squadron might not make it back, yet they still kept flying missions. I once heard a line from a movie but it's true today: "Fighter pilots make movies, bomber crews make history." Saute to these men that looked death in the face and told it to @#&* off
Something that all these vets seem to have in common is humility. They were very aware of the danger, yet when people thank them in person, the first thing they often say is not how hard it was, or how many targets they blew up, but just "I did my bit," as if they were picking up garbage in the street.
Yep, my Father was shot down on his first mission
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Alex Drioupine
Reminds me of my great grandfather who fought in WWI. He had his engine shot out of his bi-plane. He ended up crash-landing, and broke his spine. Not to mention he downed 9 aircraft. Now that's service!
Wow it is your wonderful post Allahu Akber - thanks for your posting -.May Allah bless you always !
That's really impressive! Did he survive the crash?
yes! Messed up his spine but yes!
tristan digert
Assalamu'alaikum
how are you dear son?
bi planes were awesome... play war thunder sometime, its a good game
I don't know why, but I always love the sight of a B-17, it's such a beautiful aircraft. So much history and heroism happened on them, hell they practically won the war for America.
They did cuz what plane dropped the Atomic Bombs on Nagasaki and Heroshma the B-17s!!!!!!!,!!!,!
+Whiterun Guard Well... No.... That was the B-29.
B-29's dropped the atomic bombs on Japan, they were the only planes big enough to load them, and were designed to carry them. But the B-17s killed way many more people.
Steve McMeekin But in the end, most of the B-17 were stripped and melted down and used to repair the damages they caused.
+Michael Kirkpatrick 😂
There will never be a generation of aviators like there was during those days!
Mr Knight, what an awesome gesture. You're a star
There is a reason these WW2 veterans are called "The Greatest Generation". Don Nicholson embodies the spirit and patriotism that imbued these warriors - these keepers of Freedom.
God bless them all. These men and women deserve our respect and admiration (as do our present-day warriors.)
Bhaskar, Santosh K. "Impact of Technology in Elementary Classrooms." - EdTechReview™ (ETR). N.p., 29 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2014.,,
and I know how he feels by being shot out of his plane and he gets chills running down and that feeling all over again of that day .... when I climbed in a Humvee after what happened to me it churns ur stomach its not easy but as he said it a ride he wont be take again . I know the feeling brother ...
+Blade Ranger Hey, Vietnam people are cool to...
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE MISTER
There are 11 of them left flying, they are beautiful machines too, I'm glad he got to ride one last time
One of my most favorite aircraft in history. I would love to fly this amazing beast.
pm
me too they look so frikin awesome
I want to fly the metzersmeit
Yup, they are a beautiful aircraft
Thank you for the great video I got tears watching
kinda heart warming.
Very beautiful aircraft and I was very glad to see the veteran retrace his foot steps into the world he was in before. I am really happy for him and the man the gave up his seat was very kind. Kudos to him! Anyways touching story.
Thank you Boeing for all that you do!
same here eric, it always makes me feel good when these guys get back in their old planes one last time. werent we just talking about that on the bus the other day?
My great grandfather was the pilot of a B-17
my grandfather was a B17 and 29 pilot. the latter after he returned from Europe.
Unfortunately, the Memphis Belle was lost in a crash after this video... But true to her heritage, the crew survived!
Come to Comerative Air Force in Mesa Az. and you to can fly in a B-17, B-25, SNJ you can live those glory days of flying
its never impossible to remake an old plane if you find all the parts have the time have the money and you know what your doing you can make a plane that isnt seen very often
very nice aircraft and in excellent condition. thanks for sharing
Old people are adorable
Do you have a WW II Veteran license plate?
Nice video. I saw the Memphis Belle when it was on display in Memphis, TN at Mud Island located on the Mississippi River.
That woman was the most annoying voice...
Awesome! Great story.
I flew in that one in Concord NC. Great experience!
my salute to great hero..
Memphis Belle :) I remember that movie where the Memphis Belle got lucky to get back home !
Thank you Mr. Nicholson, We are free because of brave men like you sir. Also, thank you, to the man from Boeing that gave up his seat. God Bless the USA
A good story and something that all vets who flew in the 'Forts' should have the privilege to do. They earned it!!
beautiful aircraft, but the presenter's accent is so annoying
+dannypeck666 back in the wore! lol i know what you mean. that's not an accent though thats just a weird AF voice
des moines library
Yep
+George Shipler *-(¥$¥! ¥(
How many DC-3s are still in service? Many pilots prefer their sturdiness and fuel efficiency compared to other choices.
I've read somewhere that there were something like 800,000 of them built, in their various forms from 1938-1945. Of those, the figure (in the mid-90s) is something like 800.I know of at least two in Australia; one is painted up in WWII-spec USAF livery, the other features a retro paint job, polished aluminium over bright orange. The latter belongs to Nostalgia Airways, and they do joy flights. Everything is how flying on a DC-3 would be back in the 50s; the cabin crew wear retro uniforms, the seats are canvas, and being a DC-3, they aren't as limited as a modern jet when it comes to places to land
The fact that so many of them are still flying, considering that the youngest DC-3 is almost 70 years old is amazing. A modern jet has an estimated service life of roughly 25 years with good maintenance. Some may live longer, but that allegedly is what many of the manufacturers recommend. The DC-3 is a simpler plane, but they still suffer from many of the basic issues of corrosion and metal fatigue, albeit to a lesser extent
The number of airlines that grew with the DC-3 as their backbone was huge. They were a favourite of small airlines because they were so adaptable. They can take off and land in places many larger planes have a problem with.
There is one heritage airline in Australia known as Nostalgia Air. A DC-3 restored in 50s livery, her crew all in 50s uniform, she travels around regional Australia. Many farms and cattle stations have their own airstrips, and the airliner can land to visit if it takes the pilot's fancy. The farm and station owners don't mind. Not just because they get to see such a beautiful plane up close, but the social interaction is always welcome
And to think that Boeing lost the contract to build these planes for the war because of pilot error crash of its prototype on takeoff. The contract was later reinstated due to high demand for the war. THANK YOU TO OUR U.S. VETS AND GOD BLESS!
the b-17 bomber is awesome
LOL that's funny, this reporter is CJ "Cassidy" was from our local news station that was fired sometime back for "undisclosed reasons" even though all her former news team eventually spoke up to what happened...now whether or not it's true I don't know so I won't repeat the specifics here.
Why was she fired
com on me
+Hoodmonsa -thats not fair...tease
+james stewart que 5
Wow. This is wonderful :)
Sounds like this lady is talking through her nose lol
only a dozen...that's alot, there are only 3 Lancaster bombers, 2 of which can fly.
To think that if someone didn't come up with flight checklists for pilots we wouldn't have any Boeing contracts with the military. xD I mean, a freaking LIST of things for a pilot to fly a plane is all you need for the best efficiency?!
The WOAR! Nice video
I liked the video. Keep em coming.
On the side in the thumbnail and in beginning on the side of the plane there's swasticas
great video
i agree. did you see the oscars this time? same voice.
Shame the reporter's voice is so annoying
hooray for him, old stalwart.
+Greg amalee I agree that woman had a fake news reporter voice
Amen to that Kyle
WHAT WHAT YEAAAA MEMPHIS BELLE!!!
danny daly " danny boy" was the radio operator on the mempis belle
Oh Danny boy. The pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side.
The summers gone and all the flowers dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide...
now for the B-29! 😊
BEEEEEEEE SEVENTEEEN BALMA!
Wow there's a dozen of them ? i thought there was only two.
+Richard Vert that's the Lancaster
+Flying Creepers iioo9o
Findik Osman what?
you should make a video about the b-24😉
I don't think the b24 was mad by boeing
+TheAllYouCan Watch Channel as made by consolidated aircraft
My late uncle Bob was the navigator of the B17 called the "Spook". On the 24th mission the part of the tail got shot off by flak and took the tailgunner with it & it crashed landed on its nose!.! It was repaired and he went for their final 25th mission and returned to the US and married soon after. Had other uncles in the Army in germany and marines in the pacific of one which was wounded at Tarawa and married his navy Nurse They were phenomenal people .I hope we have the guts to fight the muslims who are here!! So help us GOD!!!! Yes I mean ISIS and whoever else wants to join them in murder for islam
my thoughts are live peacefully pls no more wars
anyone else notice that the plane was Memphis bell and it looked different in the movie?
Brave lad.
Boeing should start building reproduction bombers for museums and collectors
Flak was even worse....
i agree
theres 1 b-29
Like for Chamila
hoorah!! isnt a fighter ... its a bomber!!
hoorah was a chant used in the marines...not army air force.
Stud !
Jeez. What a god awful voice that woman has. :-{
the winners arnt killers they are saviors
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maybe Boeing should start a reproduction div