If they ever make a movie on brian and Walt and their sr71 missions, that would be legitimately one of the best dark comedies of military aviation genre..
Usually, back-seaters get no respect. Col Watson has my highest respect for things he has earned and given back. Starting with some adversities and striving to be the best. It is what makes the United States of America strong. Thank you for sharing your story!
Why are there no comments here? This man is a true American hero! I came here after watching a Brian Shul video. Makes me prouder to be an American listening to these two men and their stories. Lives well lived indeed.
Thanks for the video. Brian Shul is all over TH-cam and that's no bad thing, but I'd always wanted to hear from his crewmate, The Man Who Rattled LA Center. Much appreciated.
Watched a presentation with Brian Shul last night, and now this in the morning. These guys are fantastic! I was a grunt in the Army, so I can only imagine this stuff. Thank you for your service!
Thank you Colonel Walter L. Watson for your military career. Love hearing the stories of being a pilot in the military. SR-71, my favorite aircraft of all time.
I've just watched the TH-cam 'Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory' lecture 'Author Brian Shul on piloting the SR-71'. In the lecture Maj. Shul (retired) mentions his "backseater and best friend", Col. Walter L. Watson Jr. (retired), as being the only African American in the SR-71 program, so I was interested to learn more. Two fascinating characters, and both videos are well worth watching.
No comments here ?? These men are legends and we owe a deep gratitude to them and the USAF. Col. Watson is a super hero in my eyes. I missed Vietnam as I was a sole surviving son but I feel a hurt in my own heart when someone serves our great country. I will always stand and honor all of you! Mike Fifer
Great video!!! Walter is a good guy... That was a great story at the end of this presentation, of how Walter saw how the atomic clock was off , something that seldom if ever happens... So the anxious crew reluctantly removed the equipment to inspect it, and found out that Walter was in fact correct about the atomic clock being in error, by 6 seconds... Crucial in a mission that this mach 3+ plane was going to fly.... They were then extremely impressed with Walter, and so was his friend and fellow pilot , Brian Shul... Great story...
Thank you sir for your service it was a joy to hear your story I've heard so much about you from watching brian shul on different videos throughout the years once again thank you for sharing your story and being an inspiration to others
What a humble and interesting man. He was determined that being black was NOT going to hold him back. He achieved by pure brains, hard work, and ambition. He succeeded. Would that the youth of today listened to him., and others. Leaders who can see ahead to what can be achieved.
I saw you & Brian in Denver and Hays, KS for your SR-71 presentation. Thanks for posing for a picture with me and the terrific presentation and your service. Marc, Denver, CO
I feel more honored knowing that you & Brian were part of Operation Eldorado Canyon. I was stationed aboard the carrier USS AMERICA on the same day. Thank you for all the shared stories. I am honored to know that you both with in the skies on that day. I also remember the loss of the F111 pilots.
What a incredible job and story this man had ! Just showed that even with adversity he rose to the challenges presented to him as life does this to all of us ! Attitude is everything !!
I've watched many videos of Brian Shoul! Have his book "Sled Driver ". He certainly has a great deal of respect and love for Walter! Had to watch this because I respect him as well.
Such a Gentleman,men like this are true Americans and heroes. Thank you sir for your service,but thank you for your integrity and being such a wonderful role model.
This is so refreshing in this time of great doubt in the character of the american spirit. It is the spirit of young men reaching farther and farther and finding experience across the far reaches of mach3. We should all be so lucky. Thank you for this. 2020
Great interview. As one ages one finds that the giving for the greater good is, next to one's family, the most satisfying intense personal feeling knowing that one is leaving fulfilled lives after one is no more than a wonderful memory of those fulfilled. They become for one a "Speaker for the Dead" (Orson Scott card novel)
I am a Senior Member in the Civil Air Patrol at the Golden Triangle Composite Squadron, 603, based in Pittsburgh, PA. Every year we have an awards banquet in November. It would be an honor to have Col. Watson Jr. speak to our cadets at one of those banquets, or any time during the year!
My dad's dream was to become a pilot, but in the late 80s he got shot in the eye with a paintball. It was my dream to become a pilot, but then I found out I was colorblind. Everyone always told me since I was colorblind I would never be able to fly, little do I know Col. Walter L. Watson Jr. existed. :)
13,000 views and one comment. Something's wrong with the public. Crap on TH-cam gets millions of views, and this accomplished gentleman, with tons of experience to share for us to learn from, gets next to no attention. Crazy.
Great story Col. Watson your story is an inspiring one for the youth of today. Kids the moral of the story never give up, never underestimate yourself. Who wouldn't love to fly and especially in the SR-71. I wish I had that opportunity back when the plane was flying. Back then, I chose he US Army to serve, my back and knees are making pay now LOL
The legend that requested a ground speed read out while flying triple sonic in a blackbird. Salute sir.
If they ever make a movie on brian and Walt and their sr71 missions, that would be legitimately one of the best dark comedies of military aviation genre..
Salute to both Col Watson and his “chauffeur”.
Usually, back-seaters get no respect. Col Watson has my highest respect for things he has earned and given back. Starting with some adversities and striving to be the best. It is what makes the United States of America strong. Thank you for sharing your story!
Brian Shul sent me here after watching his SR-71 Video and mentioning his best buddy for life ..
Why are there no comments here? This man is a true American hero! I came here after watching a Brian Shul video. Makes me prouder to be an American listening to these two men and their stories. Lives well lived indeed.
I love this interview! Walter Watson and Brian Shul. Two amazing American heroes.
Walter, thanks for your service to America. I was lucky to be able to talk to Brian in person. You and Brian are true hero's of America.
Thanks for the video. Brian Shul is all over TH-cam and that's no bad thing, but I'd always wanted to hear from his crewmate, The Man Who Rattled LA Center. Much appreciated.
Col. Watson, you Sir are the MAN, You and Brian made an AWESOME team. THANK YOU for your service.
Most impressive man with a most impressive career, and above all a great American! Thank you for your service, Col.!
Watched a presentation with Brian Shul last night, and now this in the morning. These guys are fantastic!
I was a grunt in the Army, so I can only imagine this stuff. Thank you for your service!
This guy is a total hero. The best honor is from the front seater. Sad there are no comments. This man is a Hero
What a GREAT American!!! I watched this video with a smile on my face from beginning to end. We need more men like Col. Watson.
Thank you for your service Walter 🇺🇸 American HERO!!!
Thank you Colonel Walter L. Watson for your military career. Love hearing the stories of being a pilot in the military. SR-71, my favorite aircraft of all time.
Much respect for this man. Thank you for your service Col. Watson!
What a splendid life he’s had. Could listen to these stories all day. Thank you .
What a story and commitment to excellence. Those 6 seconds could have meant the world to that mission. Thanks for your service!
I've just watched the TH-cam 'Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory' lecture 'Author Brian Shul on piloting the SR-71'. In the lecture Maj. Shul (retired) mentions his "backseater and best friend", Col. Walter L. Watson Jr. (retired), as being the only African American in the SR-71 program, so I was interested to learn more. Two fascinating characters, and both videos are well worth watching.
No comments here ?? These men are legends and we owe a deep gratitude to them and the USAF. Col. Watson is a super hero in my eyes.
I missed Vietnam as I was a sole surviving son but I feel a hurt in my own heart when someone serves our great country.
I will always stand and honor all of you!
Mike Fifer
Brian Shul's RSO. "Center, I think we are closer to 2000".
Great video!!! Walter is a good guy... That was a great story at the end of this presentation, of how Walter saw how the atomic clock was off , something that seldom if ever happens... So the anxious crew reluctantly removed the equipment to inspect it, and found out that Walter was in fact correct about the atomic clock being in error, by 6 seconds... Crucial in a mission that this mach 3+ plane was going to fly.... They were then extremely impressed with Walter, and so was his friend and fellow pilot , Brian Shul... Great story...
What an incredible guy. I could listen to him for hours. This is what a hero looks like.
He is a hero and legend but a human. Thank for your service Col Walter L Watson Jr
Thank you sir for your service it was a joy to hear your story I've heard so much about you from watching brian shul on different videos throughout the years once again thank you for sharing your story and being an inspiration to others
What a humble and interesting man. He was determined that being black was NOT going to hold him back. He achieved by pure brains, hard work, and ambition. He succeeded.
Would that the youth of today listened to him., and others. Leaders who can see ahead to what can be achieved.
This is an amazing interview! Thanks so much! Col Watson JR is very interesting to listen to!
Thank you for the interview and for putting it online. Both their stories are amazing.
Thank you very much for your service, sir.
How has this excellent video only seen just over 9000 views in 5 months? Great interview, and a great little story at the end from Brian Shul.
A national treasure thank you for your service
I saw you & Brian in Denver and Hays, KS for your SR-71 presentation. Thanks for posing for a picture with me and the terrific presentation and your service. Marc, Denver, CO
I feel more honored knowing that you & Brian were part of Operation Eldorado Canyon. I was stationed aboard the carrier USS AMERICA on the same day. Thank you for all the shared stories. I am honored to know that you both with in the skies on that day. I also remember the loss of the F111 pilots.
Thank you for your service and sharing your extraordinary experiences w all of us. Thank you Sir.
What a incredible job and story this man had ! Just showed that even with adversity he rose to the challenges presented to him as life does this to all of us ! Attitude is everything !!
Walter and Brian two of the best!
I've watched many videos of Brian Shoul!
Have his book "Sled Driver ".
He certainly has a great deal of respect and love for Walter!
Had to watch this because I respect him as well.
I got both books signed by Walter and Bryan. And the SR71 Commemorative Coin. First time to hear Walters voice. 😁
WOW. What an excellent quality of a very dedicated Leader. A Credit to himself, his Family, The USA and to those He Led.
I salute you sir!!!! You are an inspiration to us all.. I would love to shake your hand..
A great talk Sir. Thank you for your service, and especially for your service with the youth.
Such a Gentleman,men like this are true Americans and heroes. Thank you sir for your service,but thank you for your integrity and being such a wonderful role model.
Superb. Inspirational man, alongside Brian Shul.
Thank you for your service Sir and thank you for sharing your story.
Great presentation Thank You
This is so refreshing in this time of great doubt in the character of the american spirit. It is the spirit of young men reaching farther and farther and finding experience across the far reaches of mach3. We should all be so lucky. Thank you for this. 2020
Anyone here heard of the LA Speed story and is this the same Walter that Brian Shul talks about?
Great interview. As one ages one finds that the giving for the greater good is, next to one's family, the most satisfying intense personal feeling knowing that one is leaving fulfilled lives after one is no more than a wonderful memory of those fulfilled. They become for one a "Speaker for the Dead" (Orson Scott card novel)
Wait this is the Walter from the LA Speed check story?
I am a Senior Member in the Civil Air Patrol at the Golden Triangle Composite Squadron, 603, based in Pittsburgh, PA. Every year we have an awards banquet in November. It would be an honor to have Col. Watson Jr. speak to our cadets at one of those banquets, or any time during the year!
Walter, Brian and all SR 71 guys are my heroes.
Walter is a great human being
had no idea he was from just down the road in columbia, sc!! This is an awesome interview by the way, thank you for sharing!!
I have always wanted to hear his story. Walter, I wish I could meet you.
Thanks for posting this!
What a story. What an American. Thank You for sharing
These interviews are SO cool!
Thank you for the Great Story re: your valuable Career!
2 very true American heroes!!!
I love watching videos like these! How awesome!
Great interview, what a life. thanks for sharing
I'm in your debt, sir. You are a true Hero of all that America stands for !
My dad's dream was to become a pilot, but in the late 80s he got shot in the eye with a paintball. It was my dream to become a pilot, but then I found out I was colorblind. Everyone always told me since I was colorblind I would never be able to fly, little do I know Col. Walter L. Watson Jr. existed. :)
13,000 views and one comment. Something's wrong with the public. Crap on TH-cam gets millions of views, and this accomplished gentleman, with tons of experience to share for us to learn from, gets next to no attention. Crazy.
Awesome Respect for both Walter and Brian..... Great ending....
One of the greatest members of the Air Force, hands down.
Loved this! Nice to hear Brian's rear-seater tell some of his story! Never give up...show 'em you want it...work, work work, and it'll happen!
What an amazing man. I hope my life turns out 5% as interesting.
What a great if not THE BEST aircrew team 👍😊
Outstanding Life Story !!!!!!
One hell of a man! I would have loved to meet him!
I enjoyed this interview!
Why are there no comments?
Thank you sir for your service. Much respect.
Him and Brian Shul worked amazing together!!
Now here is a thought ....why don't we build a statue too honour this proud black-man .
what a tribute from Brian Shul to Walter!! Incredible
who down thumbs a credit to his nation incredible person
Great story Col. Watson your story is an inspiring one for the youth of today. Kids the moral of the story never give up, never underestimate yourself. Who wouldn't love to fly and especially in the SR-71. I wish I had that opportunity back when the plane was flying. Back then, I chose he US Army to serve, my back and knees are making pay now LOL
Thanks for the great video.
Flew with Brian Shul in the SR-71., two very great men that were not only born here but were BUILT here.
The interviewer needs to study body movement meanings. Col Watson sir, deep respect.
Actually L.A. Center, I show us a little closer to...2000
35:44 "What's Colin Powell's academic major? He's a genealogist, he studied rocks."
Somebody tell Walt to just keep talking. Could listen to him forever.
Love this.
The clock is wrong.
Inspirational.
That clock story is amazing! And how am i the first one to comment after 35k views?
Saw the sR 71 at VA
Ok,he is the one who flew with Brian Shul!
Why have so few people watched this? I don't think you could ask for a better interview, or person to interview.
Awesome Person.
Hand Salute fine Sir!!!
"It's six seconds off"
What a great team. 🙂
Cool life story!
At the 5:00 mark - Wow. I has not realized being colorblind was not an impediment to flying skill.
A true American giant!
Is it me or these two distinguished officers and pilots would sound like Riggs and Murtaugh in the cockpit of the Blackbird at 90k ft?