B-29 Enola Gay - Paul Tibbets Interview - Part 1

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.พ. 2021
  • This is history right here! An interview I did many years ago with Paul Tibbets, at my Weeks Air Museum in Miami, Florida. Of course, Paul was the pilot of the Enola Gay B-29 Superfortress on it's secret mission during World War II. What you might not know is that he was heavily involved in the development of the B-29, and the training of the first bomber group. Check out the interview and get the scoop directly from General Tibbets.
    Kermit Weeks
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subscribe with link above for notification of future Kermit Weeks videos.
    Follow Kermit on Facebook...
    / kermitweeks
    Watch all the other Kermit Weeks videos and Kermie Cam's here...
    / kermitweeks444
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    We welcome and appreciate the comments of our viewers. Voice your opinion freely and have fun, but please keep the comments civil. We won't allow name calling, bullying or foul language.
    Thanks for watching and making our channel possible.
    Kermit Weeks
  • บันเทิง

ความคิดเห็น • 1.3K

  • @flyjarrett
    @flyjarrett 3 ปีที่แล้ว +269

    It never ceases to amaze me the level of detail that old pilots remember decades later. It’s like they step back in time instantly.

    • @douglasskaalrud6865
      @douglasskaalrud6865 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

      It surprises you that a guy flying a plane that dropped a bomb that incinerated tens of thousands of people would clearly remember it?

    • @jamesdellaneve9005
      @jamesdellaneve9005 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I met a lot of pilots in my 35 year career in aerospace. The old pilots were always sharp. I think that the military was very selective.

    • @ypaulbrown
      @ypaulbrown 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      @@douglasskaalrud6865 go home....your comment is not appreciated...

    • @Mike-01234
      @Mike-01234 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I hope to be able to recall that much detail my memory not nearly as good as it was when I was young. I can see why the brightest guys ended up being famous pilots. I can't even remember much of my childhood kind of scares me sometimes not being able to remember my teachers names in school. My wife can recall all her teachers names 1-12th grade were in our late 50's now. I don't think I was all that interested in those people back then. I was daydreaming about Airplanes and going to airshows.

    • @originaltroll7511
      @originaltroll7511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jamesdellaneve9005 they trusted him one of the the most important missions in American history....he was def the sharpest they can find

  • @rogjackson
    @rogjackson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    A little annoyed with interviewer interrupting and rushing Mr. Tibbets because it seemed like Tibbets had much more information he wanted to tell in nitty gritty detail which was a golden opportunity for those who have not heard Mr. Tibbets tell the stories. Also, I agree with Tibbets' insistence on telling the entire story as much as he could because that is the way he experienced it. Tibbets can't just say "We fueled up, lifted off, opened the bombay doors and that was it." He has to tell the story, especially given the gravity of the historical record. These events were peoples' lives. This was his life. But nonetheless, a fascinating interview.

    • @fantabuloussnuffaluffagus
      @fantabuloussnuffaluffagus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Give Kermit a break, he's not a professional interviewer. He put this together and shared it with you at his expense. Let's just appreciate Kermit's enthusiasm and dedication to history and aviation.

    • @rogjackson
      @rogjackson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@fantabuloussnuffaluffagus Yeah I hear you. Good point. Forgive me if I was too critical. Thanks.

    • @cabramacho5940
      @cabramacho5940 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      he asked the pilot almost 10 time in less than 10 minutes at what point did they ask you to drop the bomb😑 just let the man tell his freaking story.😒 it got to the point where he was like alright let’s just take it one step at a time. Then the interviewer says fine ok like the story is a drag and to long. Smh

    • @theowlhouseseason3213
      @theowlhouseseason3213 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      dont call it Mr. Tibbets, that's a monster, an abomination

  • @boogerdog5247
    @boogerdog5247 3 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Bob Robins, was an MIT grad. Boeing Engineer, and Carnegie Management Institute man, later became the XB-47 Test Pilot, and then the Senior Project Engineer for the XB-52.
    This nation's Greatest Men, from this nation's Greatest Generation.
    God Speed Gentlemen, God Speed.

  • @GustavoMonasterio
    @GustavoMonasterio 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I have met General Tibbets in person at NBAA convention in 2004. I bought his biography book, which he gladly signed to me. I keep it as a treasure! He was a wonderful human being and pilot. RIP General Tibbets!

    • @tomascarrasco4182
      @tomascarrasco4182 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      he wasnt a wonderful human being...

    • @henryjames2484
      @henryjames2484 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      If it wasn’t for him and men like him, you wouldn’t have the freedom to even share opinions.

    • @adamirishconundrum851
      @adamirishconundrum851 ปีที่แล้ว

      He was proud of murdering more humans than any 1 person in history. He is probably burning In hell

    • @Mijo1810
      @Mijo1810 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@henryjames2484 he killed babies how is he a good person ?

  • @artd.
    @artd. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    A very classy Interview of Mr. Paul, One Hell of a Man! Every American should Know the Name of Gen Paul Tibbets and what he did for our country. Thank you so much Mr. Kermt, looking forward to part ll .

  • @dejiadeleye5697
    @dejiadeleye5697 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I love how the interviewer is constantly asking about the bomb, and Paul Tibbets is just like, ONE STEP AT A TIME SONNY, WE'LL GET THERE

    • @787maggie
      @787maggie ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Because he doesn't want to face it

    • @Mijo1810
      @Mijo1810 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @MCADHD666 VOL2 he killed babies. Stop defending him

  • @UnoBadBadger
    @UnoBadBadger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thanks for capturing this story for all time Kermit.

  • @sophiejaysstuff4026
    @sophiejaysstuff4026 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I attended his 90th Birthday party at Epps Aviation PDK. Amazing experience!

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

    • @user-bq9oz4mm5v
      @user-bq9oz4mm5v หลายเดือนก่อน

      Loads of bull ​@@user-wb1nw8zy8w

  • @curtrose527
    @curtrose527 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great piece of history ! enjoyed it ! Thank you for posting !

  • @n6mz
    @n6mz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    13:25 Twenty-nine years old and you're handed this mission: "It's all your responsibility. We can't tell you what to do, you do it." What a man. What an incredible man. THANK YOU MR. WEEKS.

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

    • @muaddib9433
      @muaddib9433 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      thank you for what? for killing thousands of innocent civilians? every single US citizen should be ashamed of what their country has done.

  • @irishshintoshi8213
    @irishshintoshi8213 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow, thanks Kermit for sharing this. What a great day that must of been.

  • @hughcrosmun4493
    @hughcrosmun4493 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    I heard him speak 20 years ago, and i have his book with his signature in it. They asked him if he would do it again and he said " hell yes" or something like that.

    • @Crashed131963
      @Crashed131963 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      And the troops who did not have to beachland on Japan thank him.

    • @garfieldsmith332
      @garfieldsmith332 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@Crashed131963 There are so many who owe him a big handshake and a great big thank you.

    • @Crashed131963
      @Crashed131963 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@garfieldsmith332 Even the Japanese would have lost more people in a cross country land war than the two A-Bombs did.

    • @garfieldsmith332
      @garfieldsmith332 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@Crashed131963 Definitely yes. And a lot of them would be very young. Many would be civilians and children forced or brain washed into the fighting. I have read were they estimated 1 million U.S. military lives would be lost and 2 to 3 million Japanese lives. Those bombs stopped the war with Japan and the crews of both the two bombers did their duty and thus shortened the war.

    • @Crashed131963
      @Crashed131963 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Drunk Doggy More people died in the conventional bombing of Tokyo and Berlin ,how does the type of bomb matter?

  • @mytmousemalibu
    @mytmousemalibu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    I met Mr. Tibbets a couple times, salt of the earth guy and his crew. Years later, i worked with another man of the Tibbets family, hell of a guy!
    Legends of the Air Capitol!

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

    • @shwmimi3486
      @shwmimi3486 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Actually he's a cold blooded killer.

    • @mytmousemalibu
      @mytmousemalibu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@shwmimi3486 No amount of explanation is going to get through to a smooth brained individual as yourself nor is it worth it. Your safe space called, its waiting for you...

    • @odanobunagafan4964
      @odanobunagafan4964 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@mytmousemalibu He brutally murdered thousands of women and children. He does not deserve to be praised for his actions.

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@odanobunagafan4964 ...LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT JAPAN "BRUTALLY MURDERED" AN AWFUL LOT OF INNOCENT WOMEN AND CHILDREN- AND JAPAN STARTED THAT GODDAM WAR IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC!!!
      ...ALL THE JAPANESE GOT, WAS A DAM GOOD TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE- AND THAT SUITS ME JUST FINE!!!
      I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THE PRESENT DAY PEOPLE IN JAPAN- BUT THEN, THEY ARE A HECK OF A LOT DIFFERENT FROM THE JAPANESE THAT WE WERE FIGHTING AGAINST DURING WW2-!!!

  • @fredferd965
    @fredferd965 3 ปีที่แล้ว +116

    This interview is a national treasure! You could make a book out of it! It needs to be saved and preserved!!!!!

    • @mackfisher4487
      @mackfisher4487 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Kermit, you should send a copy to the National Archives

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah.Because Kermit is a pilot that Paul Tibbets could relate to, I think we got a bit of 'extra' insight into this historical account.
      That man was sure focused and a real 'think it right through' thinker. (If that makes any sense?) Did not coat his words and straight to the subject.

    • @mertyag1596
      @mertyag1596 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      how many people died because of this dishonest
      Do you know

    • @mertyag1596
      @mertyag1596 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Laggy Google 👍

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

  • @jimmonti
    @jimmonti 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Kermit .... Amazing interview, as are all your interviews with our aviation pioneers!. Love learning how much of that effort was in Paul's hands. Can't wait for part 2 of the interview.

  • @mattharte7334
    @mattharte7334 3 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    A fascinating interview and incredible to hear this man’s story.
    And a very well made film also, I like the way you splice in all the extra detail from the past.

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

  • @carlevans5760
    @carlevans5760 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great interview. Rest in Peace Colonel. I met Dutch van Kirk, his navigator-at a gun show in 2003. Also met BGEN David Lee "Tex" Hill at the same show. He was one of three Flying Tiger Squadron Commanders. John Wayne ""played"" him in The Flying Tigers.

  • @wayneconkey3404
    @wayneconkey3404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Wow. Could sit and hear him talk all day. Can't wait for part 2

  • @wombatwilly1002
    @wombatwilly1002 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview,thanks for posting.!!

  • @lifeindetale
    @lifeindetale 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi Kermit! Love your videos. All the Amazing work you guys do as well.

  • @justinofboulder
    @justinofboulder 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Not sure if I can hold my breath long enough for you to release part two...what an interview! Thank you!

    • @clognog8049
      @clognog8049 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      still alive?

  • @davidcardin3271
    @davidcardin3271 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow i did not know these. I am so happy to see these. And can't what to see the next one.

  • @magna4100
    @magna4100 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Cracking interview. Well done Kermit, great stuff.

  • @ces188charles6
    @ces188charles6 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's just awesome......
    Can't wait to hear the rest.........

  • @gregoryknox4444
    @gregoryknox4444 3 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    I was about 5 years old when a man in a US Air Force Uniform stood on our front steps in Roswell NM. My dad introduced me to the officer. "Gregory, I want you to remember this man. He is a very important man of history. His name is Paul Tibbits. He's a pilot." He had dinner with us several times over the next few years.

    • @Nimgimmer1492
      @Nimgimmer1492 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      You're a lucky guy.

    • @GatorNick
      @GatorNick 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Very very cool!

    • @jamcam2760
      @jamcam2760 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Now THAT'S living history!

    • @Stl10699
      @Stl10699 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What's was he doing in Roswell?

    • @gregoryknox4444
      @gregoryknox4444 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Stl10699 Roswell was a very busy Air Force Base. My dad was a career air force. White Sands Missle base is there still. I'm sure Tibbets was stationed there.

  • @adrianclehmann
    @adrianclehmann 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Oral History. You did a good interview Kermit. It matters not what people think today, whether it was right or wrong. Paul Tibbets did what he was ordered to do. He along with countless others saved millions of lives. A brilliant and fascinating interview. Thank you Kermit.

    • @literallyshaking8019
      @literallyshaking8019 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Nothing bothers me more then when a current generation weighs in one what a previous generation did using the lens of “modern” social norms/perspective and all the advantages of decades of hindsight.
      It was literally a different world in every aspect, with drastically different circumstances. Instead of learning/empathize they criticize and demonize.
      Hell, with the advent of social media and everyone’s lives essentially being permanent public record, people are having their lives destroyed from things said as little as 5 years ago because the lens were looking back on them with has shifted focus so drastically.
      To me this ignorance and complete lack of critical thinking is the biggest threat to society we face currently. Everyone today thinks they would be another Oskar Schindler had they been alive in 1940s Germany, but most likely they would’ve been running the trains.

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@literallyshaking8019 As a 61 year old, a lot of what you say, I can relate to. There are a lot of the younger generation who do 'learn' from some of the history channels.
      With people living longer and having families later, often the Grandies are dead before the children get to the learning stage.

    • @jjthomas2297
      @jjthomas2297 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      One can argue whether it was necessary or not. The Japanese had been trying to end the war all summer, but that does not matter. Paul Tibbets was not a violent, racist or vindictive man. He did as he was ordered to, and followed them to the letter.

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jjthomas2297 I beg your pardon? I have never , ever, heard of Japan offering any form of surrender to the allies! Or are you referring to that 'arguable' conditional surrender they tried to negotiate through the Russian's?

    • @jjthomas2297
      @jjthomas2297 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@David-yo5ws Learn your history, partner. The Japanese were FAR more worried about the red army than they were us at the time. When Stalin declared war on Japan, THAT was the final straw..not the atomic bombs. The Japanese government, through the Russians, were seeking an end to the war in early JUNE, 1945. When the red army invaded China, bound for Japan, they knew it was over. The red army had over 10 million men at the time. The Japanese, for all their talk of "Bushido" and the like, knew they had no chance..Remember, Tokyo had been, for all intents and purposes, destroyed in a night in the firebomb raids. Yet they vowed to fight on, hoping for better surrender terms.

  • @robertstack2144
    @robertstack2144 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Back in 1964 I was in BOCKSCAR's fuselage at WPAFB museum. That was an awesome experience then. Little did I know I would stand on the pits where they loaded Fatman and Littleboy (they filled the pits in) at Tinian in 2000 while working overseas.

  • @mikefm4
    @mikefm4 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Invaluable interview. One of the most historical events in human history. Thank god we can immortalize peoples stories with video.

  • @Sirmellowman
    @Sirmellowman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    this guy is so damn sharp for his age. its almost unbelievable.

    • @captainh3831
      @captainh3831 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes, he has great recollection for names, places and events.

    • @rwright3395
      @rwright3395 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes he is , I bet he prayed ever day .

    • @robertparker7243
      @robertparker7243 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's fascinating just how sharp he is - at some points he's politely but almost close to impatience with the interviewer and anticipating his line of questioning; not only is there speed but his sorting of facts and ability to remain relevant and focussed is quite spectacular - at one point he is asked how he chose the aircraft from the production line and the conversation then goes off into a whole range of diverse but relevant areas; at the end he comes back to where he was and resumes the story without prompting even as you can imagine the aircraft has just moved a few feet further down the production line - back in focus on the point in hand with complete precision. A natural leader.

    • @brentdykgraaf184
      @brentdykgraaf184 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Clean living......

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

  • @joestephan1111
    @joestephan1111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +65

    The Air Corps was run alot differently, particularly after the war when they were letting pilots go in large numbers. My father, who flew B-29s during the war and had managed to stay in after, was called in one day to see the base commander. Thinking he was in trouble for some unknown reason, he instead was questioned, "I understand you can fly a C-46." When my father answered, "Yes", he said, "Great! You're the new C-46 instructor pilot!" When my father said, "I've only got about 10 hours time", said commander responded, "That's 10 hours more than anyone else on this base so you're the new C-46 instructor pilot!"

    • @haroldreardon1407
      @haroldreardon1407 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Sounds like the oil field or a few other jobs: See one - Do one - Teach one.

    • @mrhyperbolic7455
      @mrhyperbolic7455 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      "I want 3 volunteers! You, you and you!"

  • @CoastalAutoReactionCAR
    @CoastalAutoReactionCAR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this!

  • @peterlewis7292
    @peterlewis7292 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Many thanks Mr Weeks, what an interesting interview.

  • @mattjacobs4365
    @mattjacobs4365 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Kermit, I love your video's... been flying commercially 32+ years. You help feed my passion. Wanting to come visit your place sometime!!! Thanks Again!!!

  • @brustdiesel
    @brustdiesel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I wish to hell the interviewer would just shut up and let Tibbets talk...stop interrupting and let HIM unfold the story...geezus...

    • @rylandavis2976
      @rylandavis2976 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      He wasn't that bad

    • @bstrachan8527
      @bstrachan8527 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree.... just shut up and let Tibbets tell his story.

  • @tonykeith76
    @tonykeith76 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video.. Thanks Kermit and greetings from Italy

  • @edwardng1496
    @edwardng1496 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you! This saved a lot of lives.

  • @farmgene
    @farmgene 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    My great uncle flew with Tibbets as a co-pilot before they took Tibbets from the European theater to go fly this special project.

    • @ChipEstrada
      @ChipEstrada 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thats cool, I served with Col Paul Tibbets Great Nephew. We were good friends in our unit.

  • @alanrobinson375
    @alanrobinson375 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Extraordinary interview. This is great oral history.

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

  • @BillKinsman
    @BillKinsman 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    They don't make heroes like Tibbets anymore! He was just the best man for the job and he carried out the plan perfectly.

  • @davebowrin7361
    @davebowrin7361 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I was part of the original security team at the Udvar Hazy/National Air&Space. From 1/2003 to 10/2009. It was an honor and privilege to meet Paul Tibbitts and be around the ANOLA GAYE everyday

    • @flaviojunior4218
      @flaviojunior4218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Tibbits and "Anola Gaye". You're sure?

    • @conradinhawaii7856
      @conradinhawaii7856 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      And I guess that "spelling skills" weren't a hiring requirement to be on that security team. 🤔🙄

  • @WellsLarry
    @WellsLarry 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    The fact has become apparently clear to me, and I didn't know this before watching these TH-cam videos, that Mr. Kermit Weeks is a very famous man. It is fascinating his knowledge of aviation history, planes, places, and people. Well done Mr. Weeks, very well done.

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

    • @IanD-ut4dy
      @IanD-ut4dy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@user-wb1nw8zy8w Truth? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡

  • @CharlesCornettFL
    @CharlesCornettFL 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Hey Kermit, thanks for getting this out there. I particularly appreciate you filling in the gaps with the photos of the people he mentioned. That had to have been an amazing experience to sit down with him. I know you have a bunch of work in this, and appreciate you doing this.

    • @naveensati2013
      @naveensati2013 ปีที่แล้ว

      Usa people will go to hell 😡😡

  • @spencerbass7142
    @spencerbass7142 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent video, thank you.

  • @hardheadjarhead
    @hardheadjarhead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    For an old man, he was sharp as a tack!

  • @TheVacutech
    @TheVacutech 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    When you are in the presence of the man, close your fly trap and listen. You learn more listening then talking!!

  • @armandobetancourt8488
    @armandobetancourt8488 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is a historical documentary. Thanks Kermit

  • @brentdykgraaf184
    @brentdykgraaf184 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mr. Weeks sir.......you sure get to meet some of this world's most interesting people and aviation legends. Great video. Your interview with Mr. Sikorsky I had to watch it 3 times.

    • @KermitWeeks444
      @KermitWeeks444  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for the kind comments. Appreciate it!

  • @kevgermany
    @kevgermany 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Worth waiting for.

  • @laz288
    @laz288 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Great stuff. Thank you Kermit for keeping history alive.

  • @garyrunnalls7714
    @garyrunnalls7714 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This is real history, thx

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

  • @italianoDOCG
    @italianoDOCG 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great interview and historical narrative for the future.

  • @jwingo7257
    @jwingo7257 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Amazing interview...thank you Kermit!
    Fantastic historical account for the history books!!!
    Thank you!!!!

  • @petermasters9460
    @petermasters9460 3 ปีที่แล้ว +186

    This should be on the school curriculum of every teenager in this land...

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      How to push on, when everything is against you! When the chips are down, the big overseer-er may not have all the answers, but he has the right stuff.
      Definitely!

    • @model-man7802
      @model-man7802 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      The Dems would never allow that.

    • @kimchipig
      @kimchipig 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@model-man7802 stop being silly.

    • @45thnMoncrief
      @45thnMoncrief 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@model-man7802 More the ridiculously sensitive and dense headed than the democratic party.

    • @gailcarey3597
      @gailcarey3597 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and his grandson in Savannah. It was such an honor..
      Sadly, History classes are going the way of Phonics and Cursive handwriting.
      Don’t get me started on Mathematics.
      We need to teach our children and grandchildren, ourselves. Anything a school would offer, now, would be edited.
      We are ushering another Dark Ages.

  • @NEAFarmKid4010
    @NEAFarmKid4010 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Mr. Tibbets had forgotten more about the B-29 than many will ever know. Thank you so much for posting this, it really is teaching me a lot.

  • @robertbarnett3779
    @robertbarnett3779 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Spent some time with him in 1993 what a nice experience. Asked him to autograph book titled TheTibbets Story. I still treasure it today.

  • @Journeyman-Fixit
    @Journeyman-Fixit 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks so much for this great piece of American history.

  • @skunkworks2059
    @skunkworks2059 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow now that’s a man I could listen too for weeks no pun intended.

  • @thomasrusso4506
    @thomasrusso4506 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is one incredible story

  • @freightdawg6762
    @freightdawg6762 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Incredible stuff

  • @trulysurprised-bk7cy
    @trulysurprised-bk7cy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I saw him speak at NEAM in Windsor Lochs Ct...mid 90s.....amazing man and career !!! ❤🤍💙

  • @hogey74
    @hogey74 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Watching this on a lazy Sunday in 2021, hearing the matter-of-fact thoughts of a man who was a name in a story for me. His attitude and actions in managing his role, his people and his part in the whole effort... wow. Protecting his outfit over on Tinian...

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

  • @tomfolkes4997
    @tomfolkes4997 3 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    My wife and I met Paul Tibbets at a speaking engagement that was part of a series of talks featuring WWII Aces and other significant pilots of that era. He was a short man, especially for me at 6'5", but he literally commanded the floor of the entry way to the San Diego Air and Space Museum as he entered. It was immediately apparent that he was a force to be reckoned with. Later we were able to talk with him, get a signed copy of his book, and have our pictures taken with him. He was personable and kind to all of us who where in attendance, and my wife fell in love with him. It was an event that impressed us both and will be remembered for the rest of our lives. He was an historical figure with few peers. thanks for the video, Kermit. Priceless!

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

    • @vasili1207
      @vasili1207 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@user-wb1nw8zy8w religon of pedos worship

    • @icemana51
      @icemana51 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@user-wb1nw8zy8w You literally commented on a video about the success of plane and it’s very special BOMB OF DEATH LOL And with love yall still killing each other yet we drop TWO bombs and the Japanese are like “peace all day everyday, idk why I doubted peace, I love peace, let’s try peace for once”
      hahahaha

    • @DBDYAKU
      @DBDYAKU 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I bet my nuts that you are not 6.5

    • @tomfolkes4997
      @tomfolkes4997 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DBDYAKU Why would you make such a bet? Do you not value your nuts?

  • @ChipEstrada
    @ChipEstrada 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I served in the 82d Airborne Division in the same unit / company / platoon / and was good friends with Col Paul Tibbets Great Nephew.
    Greg Tibbets is a good man.

  • @glenn5903
    @glenn5903 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Thankyou sir for your service!

  • @AJ-hm5ck
    @AJ-hm5ck 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I Can't get enough of this stuff. I met Col Tibbets at the 8th AF Museum in Savannah. He autographed a photo for me which sits in my display case. I could listen to him talk for hours!

    • @AJ-hm5ck
      @AJ-hm5ck 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@dgansz705 Free.... no charge for the picture or autograph. And there were probably 50 of us who listened to his talk and asked for an autographed picture. I think I heard Yeager sold his autograph....but it was just something I heard.

    • @dalecomer5951
      @dalecomer5951 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AJ-hm5ck And Yeager wasn't even the first human to pilot an aircraft faster than 1.0 Mach.

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dalecomer5951 He was the first pilot to 'officially' break the Mach 1.0 sound barrier in level flight.

    • @dalecomer5951
      @dalecomer5951 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@David-yo5ws Officially, yes. In level flight, more ot less. Historically, no. Do you think "breaking the sound barrier" in a dive didn't count?

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dalecomer5951 The money being poured into designs and wind tunnel models and test pilots being killed whilst doing it, was not about the sound barrier.
      It was about beating the Russians, British and every other nation, with an advanced jet plane and gaining the 'edge' by dominating the skies by over-coming the sound barrier. After Pearl Harbour and the South Pacific losses, the military wanted to make sure NO ONE got the upper hand over them ever again. And I am not from the US but from New Zealand, where 'unofficially' Richard Pearce beat Wilbur & Orville Wright with sustained flight. We accept that Kitty Hawk was officially recorded. Richards plane was a few witnesses and an article in the paper.

  • @jaymeseaston8117
    @jaymeseaston8117 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This is in my very humble opinion, the best G.D. F-ing, interview that I've seen with Paul Tibbets. If there is one event you may carry the rest of your life, I believe it may be those precious minutes and hours simply letting the man speak.

  • @briand3837
    @briand3837 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I also want to thank you for the time, effort and considerable expense you have contributed to aviation history. Your channel is very educational and informative.

  • @mattwilliams3456
    @mattwilliams3456 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you for this Kermit! I was fortunate enough to meet Col. Tibbets and Maj Van Kirk at Tico in the early 2000’s. Pillars of history and aviation.

  • @christopherfranklin1881
    @christopherfranklin1881 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I met General Tibbets at a book signing in the Pentagon in the 90's. The highlight of my day there.

    • @kystars
      @kystars 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      yes I met him also in 96. he was 87. he had a body guard there with him..

    • @Gumbypotty
      @Gumbypotty 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, almost like meeting Eichmann or Mengele.

    • @brrrrrtenjoyer
      @brrrrrtenjoyer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Gumbypotty Nah the only people who were like Eichmann or Mengele were the Japanese.

    • @jamest5804
      @jamest5804 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kystars I believe General Tibbets lived near Columbus Ohio and he would come over to Wright Patterson where he was able to stay on base and shoot skeet. Whenever we saw him we would point him out to other shooters and they would go to the Air Force Museum at the base and buy his book for him to sign. He was really nice guy always willing to autograph his book for those who requested it.

    • @benjaminnavarro4324
      @benjaminnavarro4324 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Gumbypotty Eichmann & Mengele we're friends with Tojo & hirohito & they started the war! It just that Tibbets help end the war saving many allied & Japanese civilians lives in the long run,! ❤️🇺🇸

  • @jerseymike4135
    @jerseymike4135 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    We owe Colonel Tibbets so much. My Dad was assigned to the Manhattan Project and he'd never spoke about it. Now I understand why.

    • @evanfinch4987
      @evanfinch4987 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      what?

    • @jerseymike4135
      @jerseymike4135 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Jimmie Dean - You have quite an imagination. Either that or you got into a good bit of cheap wine.

    • @porkyfedwell
      @porkyfedwell 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@jimmiedean8035 In your case I can understand why you comment using an anonymous name.

    • @theraptorsnest5891
      @theraptorsnest5891 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jimmiedean8035 Do yourself a favor and look up Robert Oppenheimer. Do some research and then come back and see if you still stand by your comment.

    • @johnnls94
      @johnnls94 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The nazis were looking into nuclear weapons before the Allies

  • @kimward5746
    @kimward5746 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    And HERE is the reason why I don't have TV. Why would I need anything but youtube and fascinating interviews like this? This is a great production. Great content, great added pictures, great character. God bless Colonel Tibbets and so many others who brought us this great America.... and God bless the creators of this video for bringing it to us.

    • @KermitWeeks444
      @KermitWeeks444  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You’re welcome! Follow our other content, and subscribe too. Thanks

  • @digital_element
    @digital_element 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you for uploading!

  • @williewonka6694
    @williewonka6694 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Until watching this video, I knew Tibbets as simply the pilot associated with dropping the atomic bomb. I had no idea of his talent, initiative and the level of responsibility placed on him by highly placed officers of the Army Air Corps for so many projects vital to the war effort. Thanks for creating this historic interview of a great American

    • @JackDaniels-ee1fo
      @JackDaniels-ee1fo ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I do find it interesting that anyone sharing responsibility for genocide would be remembered as “great”. At the very least I would hope that isn’t a factor in such reasoning, but that’s what the man is mostly remembered for

  • @jillwyzywany4980
    @jillwyzywany4980 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I had the pleasure of meeting this humble and gracious gentleman at Barksdale AFB. Almost had the chance to bring him home for a home cooked meal.

  • @lancelot1953
    @lancelot1953 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    General Tibbets and his peers (Admiral W Parsons, ...) were America's "cream of the crop" at a time when loyalty to one's country was paramount. All my appreciation to these great men. Ciao, L (Veteran)

  • @marks.schwartz8468
    @marks.schwartz8468 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is great, Mr. Weeks !!! I can't wait to see part II and watch your other videos !!! Thank you !!!

  • @tripple3473
    @tripple3473 3 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    One of my favorite videos yet. Tibbets seemed quite mentally "with it" even then. I love his humor and of coarse the history of it all. My favorite part was " I havent been in one either but were going to go fly it".

    • @David-yo5ws
      @David-yo5ws 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I liked it went he asked the engineer if he knew how to start the B29?!?!? Talk about 'fly by the seat of your pants!'

    • @MeaHeaR
      @MeaHeaR 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      *Of Course*

    • @IamDoogy
      @IamDoogy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, that probably would've started my heart racing...and me running for the exit!
      Fortunately, there are people like Mr. Tibbetts and his crew who seem to be fearless.

    • @user-wb1nw8zy8w
      @user-wb1nw8zy8w 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      .Islam is the religion of truth, so whoever wants to search for the truth, I advise you to follow Dr. Zakir Naik, I love you all 🍃.🕊………..

    • @odanobunagafan4964
      @odanobunagafan4964 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      "Mentally with it." He's mentally insane.

  • @iflyc77
    @iflyc77 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow! Thanks for posting this. Can't wait for Pt 2

  • @arthurpearson3407
    @arthurpearson3407 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview with the rest of the story😉

  • @Marc816
    @Marc816 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Col. Paul Tibbets......one of my greatest heros. - Marc Smith, born August 16, 1943.

  • @DavidG62
    @DavidG62 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thanks for putting this on

  • @chestercallahan8856
    @chestercallahan8856 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a wonderful series with Mr. Tibbets.

  • @davebowrin7361
    @davebowrin7361 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was part of the original security team at the Udvar Hazy Center National Air and Space museum. I remember that Paul Tibbets and Dutch Van Kirk would sit in the chairs at the nose and meet/greet with visitors when the museum opened.

    • @odanobunagafan4964
      @odanobunagafan4964 ปีที่แล้ว

      I send my sincere regards. I would despise being within such close proximity to the devil himself.

  • @Danny-in6hj
    @Danny-in6hj 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great story Kermi

  • @danward64
    @danward64 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My Great uncle George was one of the designers of the B-29.

  • @baker2niner
    @baker2niner 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I wish this could have run longer, letting Tibbets talk. He was interviewed several times and people seem to edit just for the "why did you name the plane after your Mom?" story and ethics of the atomic drop. The real story is what he did for 2 1/2 years to help make the plane work.
    I believe he's referring to YB-29s, not the YB-40 or YB-9 (!) in the pictures. "Y" prefix simply means prototype/pre-production.

  • @topfuelfan
    @topfuelfan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This video is full of neat little facts that fill in history with a whole amazing backstory. Love the part about the new engines and props. Neat stuff !

  • @philvaughan4091
    @philvaughan4091 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for posting this video. Wonderful interview. Amazing history lesson. Y’all stay safe... 😊

  • @gregaussie5254
    @gregaussie5254 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What an amazing life and story , well done Kermit for this story

  • @michaelshingleton1628
    @michaelshingleton1628 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Of all the interviews of mr Tibbets this is by far the best. Very level headed man.
    Thank you

  • @sr633
    @sr633 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A lot of good information here.

  • @stevemapes5126
    @stevemapes5126 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great interview, looking forward to part 2 Thanks for sharing.

  • @davef.2811
    @davef.2811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great man, great American. A true patriot that stepped up and did what had to be done for our country when he was needed. I was there for his visit to Miami at the Week's Museum back then and shook his hand, thanking him for his service as he signed his book for me. He said that he would fire up the B-29 and go do it all over again that day(!) if he were called upon to do so. A true icon of the "Greatest Generation". Thanks for this memory, Kermit.

  • @giuliavigano1495
    @giuliavigano1495 2 ปีที่แล้ว +131

    It’s amazing how when people die it’s suddenly nobody’s fault and everyone has some kind of deniability.

    • @douglasskaalrud6865
      @douglasskaalrud6865 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      In management it’s called “everybody is responsible so nobody is responsible.” There is safety in numbers and it’s easy to bury the truth.

    • @sleevelessace
      @sleevelessace ปีที่แล้ว +4

      yeah its crazy how we as humans do that.. Germans, Americans, Canadians rn with the resendtial schools n indeginous people... its always the next guys fault... accountibility is rare after the fact

    • @Jake-rs9nq
      @Jake-rs9nq ปีที่แล้ว +23

      @@sleevelessace While I had no part in this attack nor war, I wouldn't be ashamed of dropping the bomb. It was a horrific necessity. Any alternative would've required far greater loss of life, of both civilians and soldiers.

    • @benjaminnavarro4324
      @benjaminnavarro4324 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Jake-rs9nq you are right on!

    • @kiosmayosTV
      @kiosmayosTV ปีที่แล้ว

      No, for me is the Hero... You said Like this because u Don't know history.. Japanese soldier was very cruel.. looted, raped million people..

  • @craigd426
    @craigd426 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wow....what can I say but wow!

  • @tomcollier1287
    @tomcollier1287 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I meet paul a few time and talked with him. He was a great man

  • @anonymousbrown
    @anonymousbrown 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Thank you for your service General Tibbets. There are still people that remember. Because of your service, there are still people still alive on "both sides".

    • @Nimgimmer1492
      @Nimgimmer1492 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ain't it so.

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Nimgimmer1492 ...well, "ya can't please EVERYBODY!!"

  • @allgood6760
    @allgood6760 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I respect this man.. 👍🇳🇿

  • @tinlizzie37
    @tinlizzie37 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Kermit, They set off the first Atomic bomb on my Birthday July 16th 1945, I turned 8 years old that day. This coming July, I'll be 84 years old. I remember the News Papers saying we bombed Japan, and a few days later, after the second bomb, the surrender of the Japanese Empire . I also remembered the attack on Pearl Harbor at only 4 years old! The News Reels were shown all over any place that had action., and we had seen much about the European war area, and also the South Pacific theater. It's one reason I wanted to fly, who wouldn't want to, after seeing all that action of the fighters and bombers? Thanks for showing Mr. Tibbets, it's been a while since seeing him on the big screen. Bob U.

  • @GiuliaSuperMarco
    @GiuliaSuperMarco 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview Kermit, information at first hand can't be better. Looking forward for part 2