My dad was the aircraft commander, Jerry McKay. He was a wonderful and loving person and just a great guy. I remember everyone in his crew. They were together for a long time. We looked for this film for years and years. The McKay kids are happy and grateful that someone posted it. And Jimmy Stewart was a true gentleman.
@@gkennedy2998 It was our family and our real names. It was my 3 older sisters, my mom and dad and me, “The little monster Billy.” The house scenes were our house. The only inaccuracy was that my dad didn’t have a motor scooter.
I had just Googled your name and found you on mylife. It says you are a retired military pilot so I assume you put in at least 20. Amazing what you stumble across on TH-cam and the internet.
He's a hero with 25 missions in B 24s and he didn't have to fly because of his rank! Yet he took on the most dangerous ones. He was also qualified in the B 52.
I cannot believe this !!! My dad was in this show. He is the ECM operator. Master Sergeant Bob Schmitz is my dad. We were stationed at Westover for around 5 years. I am so happy you posted this show !! Thank you so much !!!!
Now THAT''S GOOD Shit Right There - "WOW"..! Getting To See Your POP @ The Office , I Can ONLY Imagine How YOU Feel Having Watched This... The Thought Of YOU Sharing This Clip Of Grandpa' With YOUR Children, Has Brought A Tear To My Eyes... I'm SMILING Ear To Ear For YOU My Friend..! - God Bless America & All That Have Served...
My dad stayed in the Air Force until ‘63. After Westover we left New England and went to Homestead. He joined a new crew that was one of the first to break in the ‘H’ model. We were there during the Cuban missile crisis. We stayed in Florida for the entire time during that crisis. Dad’s crew flew to Michigan and flew out of there during that time. We did not see him for over 3 months. After this experience, he retired from the Air Force and we moved out west . I had very fond memories of my dad flying on B52’s. He passed away in 2005.
SAC Troop, here, Castle AFB, Ca 1989-1993. B-52G Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Specialist. Salute to Brig Gen James Stewart. One of the Finest Americans to ever live and serve. Took great pride in his military service and in his Country.
As a reservist, brigadier General and a celebrity he did not have to fly any missions over Vietnam. During one of his active rotations he did fly a mission as an observer in a B-52 over Vietnam. If you look at his salad bar and his career as a pilot and an officer, there's not much that he didn't do. Of man of tremendous courage, duty and honor. I suggest you watch the video of him talking about his stepson who was killed in Vietnam.
As a kid in the 60's, I remember sonic booms and I watched many B-52 go around Mendota and then head back to Castle. Many with their gear down and landing lights on. My friend's dad was beet harvesting (Tracy area?) when he saw someone leaning on his truck. It was a crew member who had jumped out of the Buff that crashed in the area (Yuba City/somewhere?) The chute is in the Castle Air Museum. Later, his family was invited as honored guests to a Castle Air Show. They drove up to the base in their pink 52 Plymouth.
I flew with one of the Yuba City survivors in SEA/arc lite. It was around 3AM and we were on our bomb run when three engines caught on fire. We thought we were going to bail out and Bill mentioned he had already bailed from a B17 in WWII, and the Yuba City plane, and that this would be his third bailout. Fortunately we finished our bomb run and orbited over the South China Sea for five hours to burn off fuel to get below our max ldg wt. Landed at CamRanh Bay, drank a lot, and hitched a ride back to UTapao the next day.
I just read that they are testing some new engines for the 52's . Said the new engines would keep the 52's viable for decades to come . Loved watching the Buffs drop Arc Lights in RVN . Awesome sight from the air , and scary on the ground and feeling the earth move :D
I went to Cathedral High School in Sprinfield MA with the McKay girls. They were all the talk when this came out and i had a crush on Cherie. Loved the movie and am a retired USAF pilot/officer. Great memories. Stewart.was a great pilot, patriot and actor.
This film brought me to tears. Where have men of their ilk gone? Serious, dedicated, professional, studied and sure of their mission. And fathers of families. My Dad was one of their kind. I mourn him and them, the last of the greatest generation. 🇨🇦
I had an uncle who flew with Jimmy Stewart, head of a bombing group. Uncle Johnny said that the actor was just as nice and kind in real life as he seemed. Stewart had a form of PTSD after the war. He was distraught because he knew that his bombs had killed innocent people, especially women and children. It was Henry Fonda who helped him. Few actors now have anything in common with the likes of James Stewart. Faithful in marriage, a gentle and humble man, a good father. He adopted Gloria’s twin boys, on of whom was killed in Vietnam. Yes, Jimmy Stewart, one of the greatest generation. There were millions just like him. Yes, we are blessed with many great men, but not the number we once had.
The Boeing products of that era made that company's great name. It's a shame Boeing's culture has been corrupted by traditional MBA execs over the past ~15 years. The latest products, from 787 to Starliner, are a fiasco. Too much focus on the stock market & not enough on the product. Short-sighted like the rest of America.
company was ruined when HQ moved to Chicago. with MBAs instead of engineers in charge and then 787 fiasco with non-inion SC plant, with zer0 pride in work since it is N0t a Career to them, just a current job then 737 MAX fiasco ...
I disagree! We chopped the tails off of 250 airframes, so the soviets could confirm they were not flyable. We have less than ten, for spares now. We could have put them in storage, by disassembly, but scrapped them instead. Just think, how fast they could be re-assembled, compared to building new. We have wasted hundreds of Billions over the years, on weapon systems, that served less than ten years. A great example of waste, would be the Zumwalt, and Littoral ships being retired after just 6 years, after spending Billions, for each one! With new bombers costing over 1 billion each, saving those 250 airframes, would have been like buying penny candy again!
@@ConvairDart106 I agree. But we still have 58 active and 18 in reserve and the ones you mention are all being used for parts. It's the best investment we ever made in an aircraft, next to the A-10.
Jimmy said the B-52's cost $8M each. That's in 1959 dollars. In 2021 that's equivalent to nearly $72M apiece. Still a lot cheaper than the average cost of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Think those came out at $2 Billion each.... let THAT sink in. ;)
@@juliancrooks7559 Correction: The only B-52 model still flying is the "H" - model which were delivered to the Air Force from May 1961 till October 1962. All "A" through "G" models were either scrapped or in a museum.
On behalf of the Schmitz family I’d like to thank you so much for posting this video. It made my entire family’s night to see my grandfather again. I cannot begin to express how deeply emotional this was for everyone in my family. Thank you thank you thank you!
They should but it seems certain people want to dismiss what it means to be an American Remember on Beffalo channel 7 before its children programs began They would play The United States Airforce song showing various aircraft
A GREAT actor and patriot! Unlike many "pretenders" who stayed home and just made war movies in Hollywood, he ACTUALLY served with distinction! Flying with the angels now for sure!
Along with Clark Gable who quit when he was the most famous Hollywood actor in the world and at the age of FORTY became a waist gunner and sergeant aboard a B-17.
Unbelievable. My dad had told me about this episode, and that his father ; SMSgt. (Ret.) Stephen Kimball had been part of the B-52 crew that was featured. I had been trying to find this episode for YEARS. Even contacted CBS back in 2011, it was “Revue Studios Schlitz Playhouse of the Stars Season 8, Episode 17 which aired on July 7th, 1959”, in hopes of acquiring a copy. Happened to google “Cowboy 57” on a whim yesterday and you had uploaded it 3 years ago!! Thank you so much for doing so.
Well, my dad was in a years training at Westover in 1958 and I was nine years old! By August 1959 we had transferred to Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico when the first B52 G landed there. He was the commanding officer of the FMS and took me out in one of the squadrons trucks to watch her land. I had just turned ten years old. Our next station was Loring AFB, top o Maine on a flight line more than twice the size of Ramey. The sound of the B52s initiating their roll, then that timed roll and takeoff was like blood in everyone’s mind.
Jimmy thank you for greeting our Douglas DC9 at Norton AFB when we came home from Vietnam....... ever our HERO and a member of the GREATEST GENERATION !
If anyone loves History? James Stewart the MAN was the "Perfect" voice for this! He cashed every check he Ever Wrote in Advance, he put every dollar where his mouth was with Interest!! Hollywood should learn a thing or two from This Greatest Generation!! RIP boys and Thank You!
I worked for the Airforce as a DoD civilian for 39 years...I have the greatest respect for all the military.., James Stewart led a quiet life, and was a badass warrior IRL.
Jimmy Stewart was an inspired choice for narrator. As a former bomber pilot in some of the most taxing raids in WW2, he has an empathy for Maj. McKay and all those who fought our "Cold" War. It rings through most clearly in those closing lines, I think. An excellent reminder that military duty is hazardous all the time, not just when the flak surrounds you or the missiles are flying. Bravo for posting this!
Jimmy Stewart directed and narrated this documentary. The daughter's piano recital was in the auditorium of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school, Breckwood Blvd @ Boston Road, Springfield, MA - Beginning of film is Navajo Dr ... neighborhood of where my parents' home was in 1959. I attended OLSH '56 - '64
A great depiction of a B-52 mission. The one error is the de-breifing. That usually took another 2 hours. The heavy helmet and relieve in taking it off even for a shot time struck home with me. The earphones seemed to be driving into your scull after 4 hours. most of our missions were 12 hours long. Americans have no idea of the sacrifices and security that SAC men and women gave to their country. Planes in the air 24/7 365 days a year for 30 years.
Thank you for your service, sir...I was ground maintenance at my last PCS and we serviced the B-52H's loaded with nukes. Our pilots and crews were a great bunch of guys. Hated the ORIs and alerts.
Thanks for confirming, I play a simulator game that is quite realistic, and I always wondered whether spending 12 hours for a B-52 mission was realistic(this is why I only play on sundays).... Anyways, were you a B-52 crewman or ground technician during the time?
We used to follow up, "Peace is our profession", with "War is just a hobby". It took me a very long time to understand that the motto was true. You don't see piles of radioactive rubble where cities used to be in this country because we were ready, and peace really was our profession.
I clearly remember the Russian Missile crisis. I'm not sure that people outside of the military, their families and with the federal government know how close we came to WWIII.
I worked with a former B-52 driver at an Aluminum Company in the 90s. We called him “Wild Man”. He had some good stories about his time in SAC. Whenever we flew commercial, he’d instantly fall asleep as soon as the plane took off. He said it was his Air Force training; sleep when you can. I miss you Charlie!
Thank you for posting this; what a wonderful piece of filmmaking. It is mind-boggling to think that this was filmed with a real crew. True heroes, everyone.
I'm an Army LTC (former SSG). Blessings to you, BG Stewart and all the men, and women, of the Cold War to include the Air Force. I wonder about the named air and ground crew. Heroes absolutely all. Blessings to the Air Force and all our Uniformed Services.
Jimmy Stewart played a big role in PR for the USAF in the Cold War years. A real American hero. He quit a successful Hollywood career (one of the first stars to enlist in the military), joined the USAAF as a private and advanced to Col. during WWII. Flew combat missions in B-24 bombers and received the DFC. Even flew along on a Arc Light mission during Viet Nam war. Every time I see him, I think about his commentary in the documentary "World At War" in the episode about strategic bombing of Germany, where he opined that, for him, the German fighter pilot was the biggest threat because, unlike flak, "the pilot had eyes, and a pretty competent fella at the controls. And when he latched onto you, you were in trouble lots of times". And from what I know, he was a fine gentleman.
Not too many people address him by his rank anymore. When he retired from the Air Force Brigadier General USAF Reserves Ret. was his official title that he deserved for all his years of service and dedication to the Air Force and the USA in General.
I was an Aircraft Commander of C-141s 30 years ago and this video brought an immense sense of pride for my nation and my United States Air Force. God bless the Cowboy57 crew and Jimmy Stewart.
A Starlifter out of Quonset Point RI delivered my unit of Navy Seabees Security Platoon safely in Dang in 66. Thanks Skipper. A long but flawless flight. Respect to you and your flight crew Salute!
My dad was with SAC and was stationed at Mather around 1953-56. From there we went to Travis and Beale. And he too workers on B-52's. We were at Beale when the SR-71's flew in. I believe the B-52's have outlasted the Blackbirds.
I was born on Barksdale AFB....and my sister right here where the movie was made at Chicopee Falls....my parents divorced when I was young so didn't grow up a brat....but he says I am one any way 😁
Frank Warden and Pietri Guitars, Check out Ramey Air Force Base Historical Association on Facebook. We have a Reunion every two years in Puerto Rico if you would like to get back there someday.
These guys were some hard ol' Bastards and I say that with all affection. The men of the Strategic Air Command kept the wolf away from the door for many years during operation Chrome Dome. Awesome footage of a B52. I never got to see a B36 but did get to see a B47 around 68 or 69, however, the B52 is a magnificent old girl that has done her share and still keeps on going. I was born in 1964 and the threat of nuclear war loomed all of my childhood days. My father was a WW2 mud Marine 44-45 & a China Marine 46-48, brother was a Vietnam Army Soldier . I am a Proud Marine Veteran and I'm damn proud of the men who went before and after me. I honor all USA Veterans no matter what cline or place they served. Great story and made me proud of the land I call Home of the Free because of the Brave!
My Dad was attached to Westover about the time this was shot. Among my earliest memories are of B-52's in nose docks. Thanks to all the cold warriors, we owe it all to you.
Wow, today this serves as a powerful piece. It reinforces my belief we are in troubled times and at a crossroad. Peace through strength, importance of family, and true patriotism. I feel as though the importance of family, respect for our elder generations, and love for America as it was founded is under attack. Certainly men like Jimmy Stewart today in Hollywood are vilified, at a time when men like him are not only missed but needed. God bless the USA 🙏🇺🇸👍
The Old "D" model, had many happy hours in them flying out of Utapo in Thailand. By then the preflights were not as complicated as depicted. Flew Gs out of Guam during Linebacker 2. Sure brings back memories.
@@jcheck6 Hi..When I was flying them the crew chief did a lot of what was shown and the aircraft commander or copilot did a walk around. We normally arrived at the aircraft anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours prior to takeoff time.
As a" SAC Brat" I really enjoyed this. Dad wad a Line Chief in SAC following B-17, B-24, and B-29 flight engineer in WWII and Korea. Served at Smokey Hill ( Schilling) in Kansas and Greenham Common England
SAC Troop for 15 yrs....1974-1984, 410th BMW K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI....1984-1986, 8th AF NCO Leadership School, 305 ARW Grissom AFB, IN....1987-1991, 8th AF then 15th AF NCO Leadership School, 633rd ABW Andersen AFB, Guam....1991-1992, 28th BMW, USAF Hospital, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Lived under the direct flight path of the B-52's and KC-135's while at K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI. Our young sons would often ask what all the noise was. Told them (with pride), "It's the sound of Freedom!" Served for a total of 25+ years in the USAF and those 15 years in SAC were some of the best!
When I was a teenager, James Stewart was one of my great idols. Later I heard that he was a warhero and it make me like him even more. He was one of the brave mans fighting against dictators all over the world. to give us a safe world to live in. They are cruing in there heavens when they see what happends in the world right now. I love and never forget all this brave soldiers, fighting in WW2. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I used to hear the phrase "good old days" from my parents having been born in 1949 and roll my eyes.. But the 50's and 60's truly were the good ole days. Jimmy Stewart was the epitome of class and what a true gentleman was. He was a quiet unassuming man who not only flew bombers out of England during WWII but entertained millions upon millions afterwards. His poetry reading on the Johnny Carson show can still be seen on U-Tube. I am a grateful and proud Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force.
James Stewart, real war hero. Always wished I could have met him. Got to witness the "BUFFs" at March AFB (B-52D) from 1977 to 1981. Wonderful sight and sounds. Thanks for finding this and posting.
My dad says they wanted to pay them but they weren't allowed to accept so Jimmy Stewart gave them all transistor radios. He was also one of the pilots in the flyover for the 2nd inauguration for President Eisenhower
That was a huge gift in 1959. People today don't realize it, but even though the transistor was invented in the late 1940's, transistor radios didn't become inexpensive enough for regular people, until around 1965. During most of the 1950's, they didn't really have a good transistor manufacturing process, so for every 10 transistors produced (or something like that), only 1 worked. They likely cost $35 or $40 dollars each, which was a lot of money in 1959, when a grown up's lunch was 40 cents! $40 back then, is around $360 today.
@@sparky6086 yeah....he told me the same thing....said it was the equivalent to getting a state of the art iPad nowadays....I guess that was approved since it was a personal gift from Jimmy Stewart and not direct payment from the movie producers
How much did a transistor radio cost in 1959? The more modest radios were around $70- about $1,050 today. By the 1960s TV had already become the biggest home service. However, the portable transistor radio was all the rage and cost a premium for such a small piece of equipment. A Sony 8-channel transistor radio with batteries cost $49.95.
Never saw this before 😲 The 52 was and still is an awesome and magnificent military plane. Jimmy Stewart knew his stuff as a man who flew many missions in WW2, what a great man he was 😊 🇺🇸
In the 1960s, I was a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. Every year, we had a two-week encampment with Air Force orientation to encourage us to join the US Air Force. During one such activity, we got a tour of a B-52, climbed inside, and sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats. I remember when I was waiting for my turn and an Air Force Master Sergeant was in a panic, trying to get through the cadets. It turned out that the ejection seats were armed, and the Cadet in line could have thrown the wrong switch. Due to this, I didn't get to sit in the pilot seat, but I did get to fly a simulator. I'm grateful to the sergeant for ensuring our safety. At that time, my older brother was in the Air Force, stationed at Loring Air Force Base, where he worked on the Hound Dog missile, the precursor to the cruise missile guidance system. I was a Cadet in Civil Air Patrol in the 60s Every year we'd have a two-week encampment/Air Force orientation encouraging us to join the US Air Force. As part of our activities, we got a tour of B-52 climbed up inside, and sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats. I had made it through the line to where I was the second person in line to sit in the pilot or copilot seat. As I was waiting for my turn an Air Force Master sergeant Was literally in a panic clawing his way through the cadets. What was the issue the injection seats were armed and all the Cadet had to do was throw the wrong switch needless to say I didn't get to sit in the pilot seat. But I did get to fly a simulator. Thanks to the good sergeant no Cadet was splattered against the hanger ceiling. My older brother was in the Air Force at the time stationed at Loring Air Force Base he worked on the Hound Dog missile, the precursor to the cruise missile on guidance system.
My dad was station at Westover AFB in 1953 and my little brother was born there we went from there to Dover AFB,then to Berstrom AFB,Tx just outside of Austin Tx then Travis AFB I grow up in the Air force God Bless the Air Forces and all the military people
There are a lot of very good comments here already. I praise all of you who served in our military and speak of your service. I praise those who are serving now, under challenging leadership, and still approach their duties with the same patriotism and professionalism as is shown in this film. Nothing thrilled me more as a young teenager, when visiting Florida on at least two occasions in the 70's, when B-52's were either taking off or landing across the Beeline (I believe) at McCoy AFB in Orlando. It was really cool to see civilian airliners on one side and B-52's on the other.
I grew up under one of the flights paths into and out of Westover. When I was 6, both the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels came in, in formation to participate in the yearly airshow. Both teams were flying F-4 Phantoms. They came over my hometown (West Springfield, on the west side of the Connecticut River) at what I now know is FAA minimum. It was wonderfully earth shaking. Later on my brother was a loadmaster on C-130's after Westover became a Reserve/National Guard Base. From 1986 - 1991 my wife (a USAF Captain) and I (a USAFR Staff Sergeant) were stationed at SCA HQ, Offutt AFB, NE.
. . . ' on the glide path,' speaking my language . . . being once an Military Airlift Command airman, some 30+ years ago - Detachment 7, 37th Air Rescue Recovery Squadron - Minot AFB, North Dakota ! 🇺🇸
Great exposition of what a commander of a plane like the B 52 has to keep in mind constantly. My best friend from high school...he went through Air Force training beginning in college...he graduated, got his pilot slot, he initially wanted to fly A 10's but I got the news that he'd been slotted in F 16 training and a year later he was stationed in Korea. Today he's a Southwest pilot. Still dealing with the same mind bending equations and decisions as he was in the military, I suppose, with many more lives depending on his training, competence, and judgement. Nothing but respect for the men and women who train and master what I never could. God bless.
In 1959, my family lived in Oklahoma City directly under a glide path into Tinker AFB. I remember the B-52's coming over the house, shaking windows and dishes and my mother about in tears. The kids thought the sight of a '52 was terrific. Good times!
What I like about this is JS, as the narrator was a veteran himself. He knew what he was speaking about. Even the little comment about the chair being uncomfortable but not easy to fill speaks of experience.
WOW...this was great to see.... I worked on ECM equipment from 83 - 86 at CASTLE AFB which is now closed...they trained the crews there when I was there...Thank you for posting, brings back a lot of good memories
I was born at Westover. These days when I head out west on the Pike I look to see what's in the air and where it's heading. Great film! Thanks for posting and the reminder that we owed a lot to those men who flew those planes.
I was in SAC in Minot AFB, ND. I was a B52 mechanic and the upgrades to these Buffs is incredible since this was made. I've talked to B1 and B2 pilots who Flew all and he said he preferred the B52. Impressive. im amused by the over dramatics. These birds have way better Engines and navigation and coms and every single aspect is 10 times better than they were. I was in Pnuedralics and fuel systems. I built everything from brakes to shuttle valves and spoilers and flap actuators. I've seen tires explosions on landings and Bombay doors ripped off from low altitude bomb runs at high speed. Around 250 mph they fold up below 1k ft. Lol! It will be a good day to see all weapons of war turned into plow shears. God bless everyone here and thank you for your service too.
My father was a B-52 ECM officer at the time this film was made. '57-'60 Fairchild AFB Spokane. Originally a B-29 bombardier on Tinian, he was later on the first B-29 shot down by a MIG in Korea. Survived the war as a POW. My hero. RIP Major Lyle E. Dodd
@@JohnMac3837 we take care of our own people quite well, less people in poverty here than ever before. We do carry far too much debt, which is bad for our future generations. Drug problems are terrible, mostly because of too much welfare assistance which is taking care of our poor and being abused by our freeloader class.
Thank you for sharing this video. My father was the tail Gunner on a B36 Stationed in Rapid City South Dakota. I love too learn as much as possible about the men who are you the tip of the spear in our national defense. As well as that of our allies. Thank you all for your service and your sacrifice.
I saw a B-52 at an airshow at McGuire AFB in New Jersey in 1959. I was three years-old. My parents embellished my memory of that airshow over the years and also there are home movies (somewhat washed-out and dark in places) that reinforce what I remember. The aircraft was gleaming in its silver tones and still had that new B-52 smell. 😉
I am thrilled by this "short!" BG Stewart is my favorite actor / air force officer / patriot. He rose from Private to Brigadier General. An amazing man. Thank you for posting this. If you have more, please post those as well?
In 1970 I was a student at nearby Western New England College. This was a busy time for the BUFs out of nearby Westover. I’ll never forget some professor’s frustrations as they had to interrupt their lecture for several minutes as these loud low flying monsters overflew the campus! Despite their angst, it was music to my ears as a future professional pilot!
I was Navy but my best friend was a B-52 Crew Chief up in the UP Michigan. He has told me of some of the things those big birds do. When I was in I spent time at Barksdale AFB in the 70s. An active SAC base. It was very cool and interesting to be on the ramp with those big beasts. The Airforce put us with the MPs to keep us from getting killed by crossing the wrong line. All worked out well. It was really cool to see them work and fly. Last it was cool to see General Stewart narrate this. I hadn't seen this.
Absolutely love this video! I felt as if I were watching a mixture of, It's a Wonderful Life, and Dr. Strangelove. Today is 1-07-2022 and we watched It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Day, 12-25-2021. I own an original 1945 Life magazine with Colonel Jimmy Stewart on the cover, it's a real treasure. I remember that day also buying a 1945 Life magazine with Audie Murphy on the cover, and a couple others, all for $5.00 each. As I watched this video, it was poignant to me to reflect that Jimmy Stewart was a real WWII combat bomber pilot.
I recall watching B-52s taking off and was always fascinated with how they stayed level-flat. No traditional ‘rotation’ like on other a/c. Was lucky to avoid being Sacumcized through my career when flying, with TAC, and later Electronic Systems Division. This brought back a lot of memories. We’ve come along way. I still recall hearing the Cowboy calls signs when flying throughout the country.
Tremendous video. The enthusiastic comments posted by those involved firsthand much appreciated. I was 14 years old in 1957 interested in becoming a pilot myself. In 1968 I qualified for enlistment in flight training at Los Alamitos Naval Air station. Because of mixed feelings about the Vietnam war, not wanting to be shot out of the sky or dropping bombs on people with whom I had no grudge, I chickened out. No regrets I made the right call.
Great story and wonderful comments bringing memories back to some of the families that participated. Thoroughly enjoyed and never seen before. Thank you for posting.
My dad was the aircraft commander, Jerry McKay. He was a wonderful and loving person and just a great guy. I remember everyone in his crew. They were together for a long time. We looked for this film for years and years. The McKay kids are happy and grateful that someone posted it. And Jimmy Stewart was a true gentleman.
Were the family actors or your real family? I suppose that they were actors but your dad was terrific in this.
@@gkennedy2998 It was our family and our real names. It was my 3 older sisters, my mom and dad and me, “The little monster Billy.” The house scenes were our house. The only inaccuracy was that my dad didn’t have a motor scooter.
@@wrmckay54 Gosh! Thanks. Must be nice to have this footage of yourselves at that age. Kind regards.
Awe
The “monster”
Thx for sharing
Cheers
What a very beautiful family. Thank you for your father and your family’s contribution to protecting freedom and our country.
Hi again, I was the co pilot and this was the best crew I ever flew with. Great memories with this crew. Still licking at 88 years old.
I had just Googled your name and found you on mylife. It says you are a retired military pilot so I assume you put in at least 20. Amazing what you stumble across on TH-cam and the internet.
Thank you for your service.
Guess I am the last of our crew , so R.I.P. dear brothers
Thank you, very inspiring.
Respect.
Jimmy Stewart is a perfect example of how our nation used to be and now should be. What a great American and patriot!
unfortunately, we have obummers "B" team. God Save us
Do you really want to go back to the 1950’s? Before the Civil Rights movement. A time when opportunities were only open to white men.
Jimmy Stewart was a retired Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserves.
He's a hero with 25 missions in B 24s and he didn't have to fly because of his rank! Yet he took on the most dangerous ones. He was also qualified in the B 52.
@@steveb6103 He was one in million..Top shelf quality
I cannot believe this !!! My dad was in this show. He is the ECM operator. Master Sergeant Bob Schmitz is my dad. We were stationed at Westover for around 5 years. I am so happy you posted this show !! Thank you so much !!!!
Too cool Bob!
We are still proud of our B-52’s and their crews!
Now THAT''S GOOD Shit Right There - "WOW"..! Getting To See Your POP @ The Office , I Can ONLY Imagine How YOU Feel Having Watched This...
The Thought Of YOU Sharing This Clip Of Grandpa' With YOUR Children, Has Brought A Tear To My Eyes...
I'm SMILING Ear To Ear For YOU My Friend..! - God Bless America & All That Have Served...
Here's the time link to go directly to Master Sergeant Bob Schmitz: 4:26
My dad stayed in the Air Force until ‘63. After Westover we left New England and went to Homestead. He joined a new crew that was one of the first to break in the ‘H’ model. We were there during the Cuban missile crisis. We stayed in Florida for the entire time during that crisis. Dad’s crew flew to Michigan and flew out of there during that time. We did not see him for over 3 months. After this experience, he retired from the Air Force and we moved out west . I had very fond memories of my dad flying on B52’s. He passed away in 2005.
SAC Troop, here, Castle AFB, Ca 1989-1993. B-52G Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Specialist. Salute to Brig Gen James Stewart. One of the Finest Americans to ever live and serve. Took great pride in his military service and in his Country.
The reason he did these was he was a true believer in the Air Force and America.
As a reservist, brigadier General and a celebrity he did not have to fly any missions over Vietnam. During one of his active rotations he did fly a mission as an observer in a B-52 over Vietnam. If you look at his salad bar and his career as a pilot and an officer, there's not much that he didn't do. Of man of tremendous courage, duty and honor. I suggest you watch the video of him talking about his stepson who was killed in Vietnam.
As a kid in the 60's, I remember sonic booms and I watched many B-52 go around Mendota and then head back to Castle. Many with their gear down and landing lights on. My friend's dad was beet harvesting (Tracy area?) when he saw someone leaning on his truck. It was a crew member who had jumped out of the Buff that crashed in the area (Yuba City/somewhere?) The chute is in the Castle Air Museum. Later, his family was invited as honored guests to a Castle Air Show. They drove up to the base in their pink 52 Plymouth.
I worked on the KC-135 Simulators at Castle between 1975 and 1979.
I flew with one of the Yuba City survivors in SEA/arc lite. It was around 3AM and we were on our bomb run when three engines caught on fire. We thought we were going to bail out and Bill mentioned he had already bailed from a B17 in WWII, and the Yuba City plane, and that this would be his third bailout. Fortunately we finished our bomb run and orbited over the South China Sea for five hours to burn off fuel to get below our max ldg wt. Landed at CamRanh Bay, drank a lot, and hitched a ride back to UTapao the next day.
I’m watching this 63 years after it was filmed and not only is the ‘’Manned Bomber’’ still in use but the B-52 is too. Amazing!
....and will be to 2050!
The BUFF is amazing 🤩
The US certainly got its moneys worth from that $8million
I just read that they are testing some new engines for the 52's . Said the new engines would keep the 52's viable for decades to come . Loved watching the Buffs drop Arc Lights in RVN . Awesome sight from the air , and scary on the ground and feeling the earth move :D
IT SURE IS AND I AM VERY PROUD AS A USAF VETERAN! (FEMALE-one of the first in SAC.)
God I truly loved Jimmy Stewart. The man could read a phone book and make it sound like an epic drama. God bless the memory of this great man.
I would PAY General Stewart to read a phone book!
@@jonnyq680 Here, here... ^~^
(edit) gods my spelling is utter rubbish.
And he SERVED... in *3* wars!... unlike the loo-HOO-zer "entertainers" we have today.
@@MajorCaliber He was indeed a stud.
Delusional as well as an anonymous coward!
I went to Cathedral High School in Sprinfield MA with the McKay girls. They were all the talk when this came out and i had a crush on Cherie. Loved the movie and am a retired USAF pilot/officer. Great memories. Stewart.was a great pilot, patriot and actor.
We passed Westover on our many drives to and from Pittsfield, MA. Always a thrill to see the USAF at work! 🫡
My dad is the co-pilot, Lewis Van Bibber
Wow. You have to be proud. My dad was also in the USAF at this time as a flight instructor.
@@marktaylor8659 Very much so...
That is awesome, I hope all is well with him.
@@rostamr4096 he's ornery as ever thank the Lord
@@theresaa7510 :)
The words of a man who had been there and did that a true Great American General Stewart.
This film brought me to tears. Where have men of their ilk gone? Serious, dedicated, professional, studied and sure of their mission. And fathers of families. My Dad was one of their kind. I mourn him and them, the last of the greatest generation. 🇨🇦
There's a new generation out there, equally impressive and well prepared. 😎✌️
I had an uncle who flew with Jimmy Stewart, head of a bombing group. Uncle Johnny said that the actor was just as nice and kind in real life as he seemed.
Stewart had a form of PTSD after the war. He was distraught because he knew that his bombs had killed innocent people, especially women and children. It was Henry Fonda who helped him.
Few actors now have anything in common with the likes of James Stewart. Faithful in marriage, a gentle and humble man, a good father. He adopted Gloria’s twin boys, on of whom was killed in Vietnam.
Yes, Jimmy Stewart, one of the greatest generation. There were millions just like him.
Yes, we are blessed with many great men, but not the number we once had.
Right we have even more great Americans.
Great response.
I love seeing old Cold War stuff like this. I'm retired Air Force and a Cold War Veteran. God Bliss You Sir and my you Rest in Peace.
The older I get the more I appreciate servicemen like you. Thanks to all who serve!
61 years after this film was made the B-52 still plays a major role in the defense of America. Now that was an excellent use of tax-payers money!
The Boeing products of that era made that company's great name. It's a shame Boeing's culture has been corrupted by traditional MBA execs over the past ~15 years. The latest products, from 787 to Starliner, are a fiasco. Too much focus on the stock market & not enough on the product. Short-sighted like the rest of America.
company was ruined when HQ moved to Chicago. with MBAs instead of engineers in charge
and then 787 fiasco with non-inion SC plant, with zer0 pride in work since it is N0t a Career to them, just a current job
then 737 MAX fiasco ...
I disagree! We chopped the tails off of 250 airframes, so the soviets could confirm they were not flyable. We have less than ten, for spares now. We could have put them in storage, by disassembly, but scrapped them instead. Just think, how fast they could be re-assembled, compared to building new. We have wasted hundreds of Billions over the years, on weapon systems, that served less than ten years. A great example of waste, would be the Zumwalt, and Littoral ships being retired after just 6 years, after spending Billions, for each one! With new bombers costing over 1 billion each, saving those 250 airframes, would have been like buying penny candy again!
@@ConvairDart106 I agree. But we still have 58 active and 18 in reserve and the ones you mention are all being used for parts. It's the best investment we ever made in an aircraft, next to the A-10.
Was a waste!!!
Now the Grandchildren of those men are flying those planes. God love the B 52.
Great grandchildren, some of those B52s are 70 years old.
Jimmy said the B-52's cost $8M each. That's in 1959 dollars. In 2021 that's equivalent to nearly $72M apiece. Still a lot cheaper than the average cost of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Think those came out at $2 Billion each.... let THAT sink in. ;)
@@juliancrooks7559
Correction: The only B-52 model still flying is the "H" - model which were delivered to the Air Force from May 1961 till October 1962. All "A" through "G" models were either scrapped or in a museum.
On behalf of the Schmitz family I’d like to thank you so much for posting this video. It made my entire family’s night to see my grandfather again. I cannot begin to express how deeply emotional this was for everyone in my family. Thank you thank you thank you!
I am excited for you. so cool.
My husband met Jimmy in Guam at the O'club one year while stationed there. Said he was on heck of an officer! A people person!
This kind of show needs to air in every Jr. and Sr. High School in this country at least once every two months!
They should but it seems certain people want to dismiss what it means to be an American Remember on Beffalo channel 7 before its children programs began They would play The United States Airforce song showing various aircraft
A GREAT actor and patriot! Unlike many "pretenders" who stayed home and just made war movies in Hollywood, he ACTUALLY served with distinction! Flying with the angels now for sure!
Along with Clark Gable who quit when he was the most famous Hollywood actor in the world and at the age of FORTY became a waist gunner and sergeant aboard a B-17.
Freedom isn't free. Great video and thanks to all of the patriots that kept us safe.
Unbelievable. My dad had told me about this episode, and that his father ; SMSgt. (Ret.) Stephen Kimball had been part of the B-52 crew that was featured.
I had been trying to find this episode for YEARS. Even contacted CBS back in 2011, it was “Revue Studios Schlitz Playhouse of the Stars Season 8, Episode 17 which aired on July 7th, 1959”, in hopes of acquiring a copy.
Happened to google “Cowboy 57” on a whim yesterday and you had uploaded it 3 years ago!!
Thank you so much for doing so.
Cheers sis! ~P
Well, my dad was in a years training at Westover in 1958 and I was nine years old! By August 1959 we had transferred to Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico when the first B52 G landed there. He was the commanding officer of the FMS and took me out in one of the squadrons trucks to watch her land. I had just turned ten years old. Our next station was Loring AFB, top o Maine on a flight line more than twice the size of Ramey. The sound of the B52s initiating their roll, then that timed roll and takeoff was like blood in everyone’s mind.
Jimmy thank you for greeting our Douglas DC9 at Norton AFB when we came home from Vietnam....... ever our HERO and a member of the GREATEST GENERATION !
If anyone loves History? James Stewart the MAN was the "Perfect" voice for this!
He cashed every check he Ever Wrote in Advance, he put every dollar where his mouth was with Interest!!
Hollywood should learn a thing or two from This Greatest Generation!!
RIP boys and Thank You!
I worked for the Airforce as a DoD civilian for 39 years...I have the greatest respect for all the military.., James Stewart led a quiet life, and was a badass warrior IRL.
Jimmy Stewart was an inspired choice for narrator. As a former bomber pilot in some of the most taxing raids in WW2, he has an empathy for Maj. McKay and all those who fought our "Cold" War. It rings through most clearly in those closing lines, I think.
An excellent reminder that military duty is hazardous all the time, not just when the flak surrounds you or the missiles are flying.
Bravo for posting this!
Looking for this comment - I imagine Jimmy Stewart is speaking from experience as much as narrating.
Jimmy Stewart directed and narrated this documentary. The daughter's piano recital was in the auditorium of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school, Breckwood Blvd @ Boston Road, Springfield, MA - Beginning of film is Navajo Dr ... neighborhood of where my parents' home was in 1959. I attended OLSH '56 - '64
He was in the movie Strategic Air Command a few years before.
He retired as a Brigadeer General.
A great depiction of a B-52 mission. The one error is the de-breifing. That usually took another 2 hours. The heavy helmet and relieve in taking it off even for a shot time struck home with me. The earphones seemed to be driving into your scull after 4 hours. most of our missions were 12 hours long. Americans have no idea of the sacrifices and security that SAC men and women gave to their country. Planes in the air 24/7 365 days a year for 30 years.
Thank you for your service, sir...I was ground maintenance at my last PCS and we serviced the B-52H's loaded with nukes. Our pilots and crews were a great bunch of guys. Hated the ORIs and alerts.
i debriefed crew once
Thanks for confirming, I play a simulator game that is quite realistic, and I always wondered whether spending 12 hours for a B-52 mission was realistic(this is why I only play on sundays).... Anyways, were you a B-52 crewman or ground technician during the time?
@@Selvikus Crewman with 92nd bomb wing
@@jimfling2128 92nd out of Fairchild? Cool. Also did you serve during the 60s or the 50s?
We used to follow up, "Peace is our profession", with "War is just a hobby".
It took me a very long time to understand that the motto was true.
You don't see piles of radioactive rubble where cities used to be in this country because we were ready, and peace really was our profession.
I clearly remember the Russian Missile crisis. I'm not sure that people outside of the military, their families and with the federal government know how close we came to WWIII.
Peace is our Profession, but War is our Game.... - an old SAC Captain I know
de
I worked with a former B-52 driver at an Aluminum Company in the 90s. We called him “Wild Man”. He had some good stories about his time in SAC. Whenever we flew commercial, he’d instantly fall asleep as soon as the plane took off. He said it was his Air Force training; sleep when you can. I miss you Charlie!
DRIVER????
@@billtbailey That's how he referred to himself....
Thank you for posting this; what a wonderful piece of filmmaking. It is mind-boggling to think that this was filmed with a real crew. True heroes, everyone.
I'm an Army LTC (former SSG). Blessings to you, BG Stewart and all the men, and women, of the Cold War to include the Air Force. I wonder about the named air and ground crew. Heroes absolutely all. Blessings to the Air Force and all our Uniformed Services.
Blessings to you too. I’m a former SSGT in the AF.
Jimmy Stewart played a big role in PR for the USAF in the Cold War years. A real American hero. He quit a successful Hollywood career (one of the first stars to enlist in the military), joined the USAAF as a private and advanced to Col. during WWII. Flew combat missions in B-24 bombers and received the DFC. Even flew along on a Arc Light mission during Viet Nam war. Every time I see him, I think about his commentary in the documentary "World At War" in the episode about strategic bombing of Germany, where he opined that, for him, the German fighter pilot was the biggest threat because, unlike flak, "the pilot had eyes, and a pretty competent fella at the controls. And when he latched onto you, you were in trouble lots of times". And from what I know, he was a fine gentleman.
Not too many people address him by his rank anymore. When he retired from the Air Force Brigadier General USAF Reserves Ret. was his official title that he deserved for all his years of service and dedication to the Air Force and the USA in General.
Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@michaelbenjmitchell1 Stewart's rank was promoted to Major General Retired by President Regan
Outstanding...Love General James Stewart, he's the greatest. Brings charm and expertise to this presentation...Well Done, Sir !!!
And a real combat pilot 😊
I was an Aircraft Commander of C-141s 30 years ago and this video brought an immense sense of pride for my nation and my United States Air Force. God bless the Cowboy57 crew and Jimmy Stewart.
A Starlifter out of Quonset Point RI delivered my unit of Navy Seabees Security Platoon safely in Dang in 66. Thanks Skipper. A long but flawless flight. Respect to you and your flight crew Salute!
Dad was a Crew Chief. USAF ‘51-‘73. I grew up on Ramey & Mather. Good days. I wish I could go back. Thanks for posting.
My dad was with SAC and was stationed at Mather around 1953-56. From there we went to Travis and Beale. And he too workers on B-52's. We were at Beale when the SR-71's flew in. I believe the B-52's have outlasted the Blackbirds.
I was born on Barksdale AFB....and my sister right here where the movie was made at Chicopee Falls....my parents divorced when I was young so didn't grow up a brat....but he says I am one any way 😁
I worked at McClellan on H-53's. We shared the ramp with T-39's and the atomic sniffers, WC-135's.
Frank Warden and Pietri Guitars, Check out Ramey Air Force Base Historical Association on Facebook. We have a Reunion every two years in Puerto Rico if you would like to get back there someday.
Brigadier general James Stewart truly a Great Great American Hero!
“American Patriot”
These guys were some hard ol' Bastards and I say that with all affection. The men of the Strategic Air Command kept the wolf away from the door for many years during operation Chrome Dome. Awesome footage of a B52. I never got to see a B36 but did get to see a B47 around 68 or 69, however, the B52 is a magnificent old girl that has done her share and still keeps on going. I was born in 1964 and the threat of nuclear war loomed all of my childhood days. My father was a WW2 mud Marine 44-45 & a China Marine 46-48, brother was a Vietnam Army Soldier . I am a Proud Marine Veteran and I'm damn proud of the men who went before and after me. I honor all USA Veterans no matter what cline or place they served. Great story and made me proud of the land I call Home of the Free because of the Brave!
God bless America and stop the leftists from taking over our country and destroying it.
Good Ol' SAC, Peace was our profession, bombing was our hobby. R.I.P. General Stewart, we miss you.
My dad was a crew chief on B-52's at CEF from 56 - 60.
He followed that up with 40 years at the CT ANG at BDL.
RIP dad.
My Dad was attached to Westover about the time this was shot. Among my earliest memories are of B-52's in nose docks.
Thanks to all the cold warriors, we owe it all to you.
Incredible bit of history! These sorts of gems need to be shown to everyone to remind them of what it was like for previous generations
Haven't heard Jimmy Stewart's voice in a long time. What talent he had! The dude was amongst the greatest, of all-time.
Wow, today this serves as a powerful piece. It reinforces my belief we are in troubled times and at a crossroad. Peace through strength, importance of family, and true patriotism. I feel as though the importance of family, respect for our elder generations, and love for America as it was founded is under attack. Certainly men like Jimmy Stewart today in Hollywood are vilified, at a time when men like him are not only missed but needed. God bless the USA 🙏🇺🇸👍
The Old "D" model, had many happy hours in them flying out of Utapo in Thailand. By then the preflights were not as complicated as depicted. Flew Gs out of Guam during Linebacker 2. Sure brings back memories.
Thank you for your service, Sir. I hope you have had no complications from Agent Orange.
Michael I was going to say. "really, 2 hours to preflight?"
@@cyriaquecharles Hi Thanks very much. Was not in country in Viet Nam so was really never exposed. Take care.
@@jcheck6 Hi..When I was flying them the crew chief did a lot of what was shown and the aircraft commander or copilot did a walk around. We normally arrived at the aircraft anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours prior to takeoff time.
@@GFK256 That sure makes for a long day! Took only 5 minutes for me to walk around the F-4 and later DC-10 with the airlines.
As a" SAC Brat" I really enjoyed this. Dad wad a Line Chief in SAC following B-17, B-24, and B-29 flight engineer in WWII and Korea.
Served at Smokey Hill ( Schilling) in Kansas and Greenham Common England
SAC Troop for 15 yrs....1974-1984, 410th BMW K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI....1984-1986, 8th AF NCO Leadership School, 305 ARW Grissom AFB, IN....1987-1991, 8th AF then 15th AF NCO Leadership School, 633rd ABW Andersen AFB, Guam....1991-1992, 28th BMW, USAF Hospital, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
Lived under the direct flight path of the B-52's and KC-135's while at K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI. Our young sons would often ask what all the noise was. Told them (with pride), "It's the sound of Freedom!"
Served for a total of 25+ years in the USAF and those 15 years in SAC were some of the best!
Thank you for your service
@@theresaa7510 It was an honor and a privilege to serve plus a grand adventure, all 25+ years!
When I was a teenager, James Stewart was one of my great idols. Later I heard that he was a warhero and it make me like him even more. He was one of the brave mans fighting against dictators all over the world. to give us a safe world to live in. They are cruing in there heavens when they see what happends in the world right now. I love and never forget all this brave soldiers, fighting in WW2. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
You have touch so many hearts of the yrs...Sadly today there are FEW who could even fill your shoes.....R.I.P.....
A fabulous production!
(Filmed the very year I was born.)
Outstanding. Hats off to the McKay family, and all those fine USAF patriots.
My Dad was the navigator on these planes. Great video.
I used to hear the phrase "good old days" from my parents having been born in 1949 and roll my eyes.. But the 50's and 60's truly were the good ole days. Jimmy Stewart was the epitome of class and what a true gentleman was. He was a quiet unassuming man who not only flew bombers out of England during WWII but entertained millions upon millions afterwards. His poetry reading on the Johnny Carson show can still be seen on U-Tube. I am a grateful and proud Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force.
James Stewart, real war hero. Always wished I could have met him. Got to witness the "BUFFs" at March AFB (B-52D) from 1977 to 1981. Wonderful sight and sounds. Thanks for finding this and posting.
Dear God please send us some more Jimmy Stewarts.
This is a surprisingly well done movie. Very exciting. And Jimmy Stewart's narration is just right. Love this!
Brings back fond memories of my B52 Air Force service at Westover, Mass 1956 to 1958
I have always loved Jimmy Stewart. He completely brought this to life. Great video.
I miss Jimmy Stewart and his generation of generous, honorable and intelligent men.
My dad says they wanted to pay them but they weren't allowed to accept so Jimmy Stewart gave them all transistor radios. He was also one of the pilots in the flyover for the 2nd inauguration for President Eisenhower
That was a huge gift in 1959. People today don't realize it, but even though the transistor was invented in the late 1940's, transistor radios didn't become inexpensive enough for regular people, until around 1965. During most of the 1950's, they didn't really have a good transistor manufacturing process, so for every 10 transistors produced (or something like that), only 1 worked. They likely cost $35 or $40 dollars each, which was a lot of money in 1959, when a grown up's lunch was 40 cents! $40 back then, is around $360 today.
@@sparky6086 yeah....he told me the same thing....said it was the equivalent to getting a state of the art iPad nowadays....I guess that was approved since it was a personal gift from Jimmy Stewart and not direct payment from the movie producers
My transistor brought me terror at night when Whole Lotta Love first played...
How much did a transistor radio cost in 1959?
The more modest radios were around $70- about $1,050 today. By the 1960s TV had already become the biggest home service. However, the portable transistor radio was all the rage and cost a premium for such a small piece of equipment. A Sony 8-channel transistor radio with batteries cost $49.95.
@@rcpmac it was quite a wonderful gift...none of the guys could have afforded them. They were even more special because they came from Jimmy Stewart.
Never saw this before 😲 The 52 was and still is an awesome and magnificent military plane. Jimmy Stewart knew his stuff as a man who flew many missions in WW2, what a great man he was 😊 🇺🇸
Wow, every detail of every minute of what goes through a loyal father’s mind. Thanks Jimmy!
In the 1960s, I was a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. Every year, we had a two-week encampment with Air Force orientation to encourage us to join the US Air Force. During one such activity, we got a tour of a B-52, climbed inside, and sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats. I remember when I was waiting for my turn and an Air Force Master Sergeant was in a panic, trying to get through the cadets. It turned out that the ejection seats were armed, and the Cadet in line could have thrown the wrong switch. Due to this, I didn't get to sit in the pilot seat, but I did get to fly a simulator. I'm grateful to the sergeant for ensuring our safety. At that time, my older brother was in the Air Force, stationed at Loring Air Force Base, where he worked on the Hound Dog missile, the precursor to the cruise missile guidance system. I was a Cadet in Civil Air Patrol in the 60s Every year we'd have a two-week encampment/Air Force orientation encouraging us to join the US Air Force. As part of our activities, we got a tour of B-52 climbed up inside, and sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats. I had made it through the line to where I was the second person in line to sit in the pilot or copilot seat. As I was waiting for my turn an Air Force Master sergeant Was literally in a panic clawing his way through the cadets. What was the issue the injection seats were armed and all the Cadet had to do was throw the wrong switch needless to say I didn't get to sit in the pilot seat. But I did get to fly a simulator. Thanks to the good sergeant no Cadet was splattered against the hanger ceiling.
My older brother was in the Air Force at the time stationed at Loring Air Force Base he worked on the Hound Dog missile, the precursor to the cruise missile on guidance system.
My dad was station at Westover AFB in 1953 and my little brother was born there we went from there to Dover AFB,then to Berstrom AFB,Tx just outside of Austin Tx then Travis AFB I grow up in the Air force God Bless the Air Forces and all the military people
This whole film is fantastic but no one could have brought it to life like the legend Jimmy Stewart.
I've never heard a take off run narrated so intensely,Jimmy Stewart was perfect for this.
There are a lot of very good comments here already. I praise all of you who served in our military and speak of your service. I praise those who are serving now, under challenging leadership, and still approach their duties with the same patriotism and professionalism as is shown in this film.
Nothing thrilled me more as a young teenager, when visiting Florida on at least two occasions in the 70's, when B-52's were either taking off or landing across the Beeline (I believe) at McCoy AFB in Orlando. It was really cool to see civilian airliners on one side and B-52's on the other.
I grew up under one of the flights paths into and out of Westover.
When I was 6, both the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels came in, in formation to participate in the yearly airshow. Both teams were flying F-4 Phantoms. They came over my hometown (West Springfield, on the west side of the Connecticut River) at what I now know is FAA minimum. It was wonderfully earth shaking.
Later on my brother was a loadmaster on C-130's after Westover became a Reserve/National Guard Base.
From 1986 - 1991 my wife (a USAF Captain) and I (a USAFR Staff Sergeant) were stationed at SCA HQ, Offutt AFB, NE.
Outstanding short film! Thanks for posting it!
. . . ' on the glide path,' speaking my language . . . being once an Military Airlift Command airman, some 30+ years ago - Detachment 7, 37th Air Rescue Recovery Squadron - Minot AFB, North Dakota ! 🇺🇸
Reading that these were the REAL PEOPLE in a real circumstance, makes me TREMENDOUSLY HAPPY for the 25 minutes I spent watching it in 2024
Great exposition of what a commander of a plane like the B 52 has to keep in mind constantly. My best friend from high school...he went through Air Force training beginning in college...he graduated, got his pilot slot, he initially wanted to fly A 10's but I got the news that he'd been slotted in F 16 training and a year later he was stationed in Korea. Today he's a Southwest pilot. Still dealing with the same mind bending equations and decisions as he was in the military, I suppose, with many more lives depending on his training, competence, and judgement. Nothing but respect for the men and women who train and master what I never could. God bless.
Most people would choose the F16 before the A10, but the A10 is like hand to hand combat.
In 1959, my family lived in Oklahoma City directly under a glide path into Tinker AFB. I remember the B-52's coming over the house, shaking windows and dishes and my mother about in tears. The kids thought the sight of a '52 was terrific. Good times!
What I like about this is JS, as the narrator was a veteran himself. He knew what he was speaking about. Even the little comment about the chair being uncomfortable but not easy to fill speaks of experience.
Yep. He was a B-17 pilot during WWII. Post-war he continued in the Air Force Reserve and achieved the rank of Brigadier General if I recall correctly.
@@whirltech8031 B24 pilot.
He flew 'em over Hanoi...
WOW...this was great to see.... I worked on ECM equipment from 83 - 86 at CASTLE AFB which is now closed...they trained the crews there when I was there...Thank you for posting, brings back a lot of good memories
Thank you. A reminder of the sacrifices of our military personnel.
One we all need.
I was born at Westover. These days when I head out west on the Pike I look to see what's in the air and where it's heading. Great film! Thanks for posting and the reminder that we owed a lot to those men who flew those planes.
I was in SAC in Minot AFB, ND. I was a B52 mechanic and the upgrades to these Buffs is incredible since this was made. I've talked to B1 and B2 pilots who Flew all and he said he preferred the B52. Impressive. im amused by the over dramatics. These birds have way better Engines and navigation and coms and every single aspect is 10 times better than they were. I was in Pnuedralics and fuel systems. I built everything from brakes to shuttle valves and spoilers and flap actuators. I've seen tires explosions on landings and Bombay doors ripped off from low altitude bomb runs at high speed. Around 250 mph they fold up below 1k ft. Lol! It will be a good day to see all weapons of war turned into plow shears. God bless everyone here and thank you for your service too.
minot - you poor thing
Thanks for sharing your tribute to your father!🇺🇸🫡
Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing it with us.
No wonder that Jimmy Stewart became an illustrious American icon: you can hear the sincerity in his voice. He was a real deal.
A real Air Force pilot, a real hero... Jimmy Stewart~!
I was in my 1966 Corvair with the windows up over 100 feet from a b-52 starting its engines. i thought my head was going to blow up!!!
Absolutely wonderful narration, great story too thank you for posting this
My father was a B-52 ECM officer at the time this film was made. '57-'60 Fairchild AFB Spokane. Originally a B-29 bombardier on Tinian, he was later on the first B-29 shot down by a MIG in Korea.
Survived the war as a POW. My hero. RIP Major Lyle E. Dodd
Jimmy made the take-off sequence absolutely thrilling!
What a very beautiful and touching film GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR Family's
Jimmy Stewart was excellent
When America was the greatest nation on earth. Hope still is 2021
Far from it now.
@@JohnMac3837 Who would be greater? Nobody does more for this planet than USA.
@@jerryw6699 In some ways yes. In too many ways not so much. We're bankrupt as a nation and can't even take care of our own people.
@@JohnMac3837 we take care of our own people quite well, less people in poverty here than ever before. We do carry far too much debt, which is bad for our future generations. Drug problems are terrible, mostly because of too much welfare assistance which is taking care of our poor and being abused by our freeloader class.
It has a better chance of improving without Trump at the helm. 😄
Thank you for sharing this video. My father was the tail Gunner on a B36 Stationed in Rapid City South Dakota. I love too learn as much as possible about the men who are you the tip of the spear in our national defense. As well as that of our allies. Thank you all for your service and your sacrifice.
Thanks! Major General James Stewart! According to google! He retired 2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️
I saw a B-52 at an airshow at McGuire AFB in New Jersey in 1959. I was three years-old. My parents embellished my memory of that airshow over the years and also there are home movies (somewhat washed-out and dark in places) that reinforce what I remember. The aircraft was gleaming in its silver tones and still had that new B-52 smell. 😉
Jimmy Stewart, not just Actor playing a Part in the Military, A real Major General serving 27 years in the Army, Air Force and Air Force Reserve.
Brigadier General, I believe.
@@ninadbhave5133 correct.
@@ninadbhave5133 Promoted to MG by Regan
@@360Mike Nice! I didn't know that
My dad always talked highly of him.
Always liked his voice, its somehow calming.
Ohhh yes indeed, very soothing and almost healing.. such a rare quality in a man, and he had all the rare qualities, amazing human beings.
I am thrilled by this "short!" BG Stewart is my favorite actor / air force officer / patriot. He rose from Private to Brigadier General. An amazing man. Thank you for posting this. If you have more, please post those as well?
In 1970 I was a student at nearby Western New England College. This was a busy time for the BUFs out of nearby Westover. I’ll never forget some professor’s frustrations as they had to interrupt their lecture for several minutes as these loud low flying monsters overflew the campus! Despite their angst, it was music to my ears as a future professional pilot!
I was Navy but my best friend was a B-52 Crew Chief up in the UP Michigan. He has told me of some of the things those big birds do. When I was in I spent time at Barksdale AFB in the 70s. An active SAC base. It was very cool and interesting to be on the ramp with those big beasts. The Airforce put us with the MPs to keep us from getting killed by crossing the wrong line. All worked out well. It was really cool to see them work and fly. Last it was cool to see General Stewart narrate this. I hadn't seen this.
I was a tail gunner radar turret in 1957 at Westover AFB
Absolutely love this video! I felt as if I were watching a mixture of, It's a Wonderful Life, and Dr. Strangelove. Today is 1-07-2022 and we watched It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Day, 12-25-2021. I own an original 1945 Life magazine with Colonel Jimmy Stewart on the cover, it's a real treasure. I remember that day also buying a 1945 Life magazine with Audie Murphy on the cover, and a couple others, all for $5.00 each. As I watched this video, it was poignant to me to reflect that Jimmy Stewart was a real WWII combat bomber pilot.
Thank you for showing this. A lot of people don't know what we do.
I recall watching B-52s taking off and was always fascinated with how they stayed level-flat. No traditional ‘rotation’ like on other a/c. Was lucky to avoid being Sacumcized through my career when flying, with TAC, and later Electronic Systems Division. This brought back a lot of memories. We’ve come along way. I still recall hearing the Cowboy calls signs when flying throughout the country.
I have always noted that too. It’s like they lift off tail first, strange aerodynamic forces at work on the 52
Tremendous video. The enthusiastic comments posted by those involved firsthand much appreciated. I was 14 years old in 1957 interested in becoming a pilot myself. In 1968 I qualified for enlistment in flight training at Los Alamitos Naval Air station. Because of mixed feelings about the Vietnam war, not wanting to be shot out of the sky or dropping bombs on people with whom I had no grudge, I chickened out. No regrets I made the right call.
When America was great and men served proudly.
Great story and wonderful comments bringing memories back to some of the families that participated. Thoroughly enjoyed and never seen before. Thank you for posting.