"Old 666", a Courageous Mission to Bougainville, And Two Medals of Honors
H/T Canis 61
Thursday, 3 June 2010
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89 comments:
It is stories such as this and others from my Air Force that must be told to those who are ignorant of the reasons why we enjoy the life we live today. The courage of those fliers is beyond definition; their contribution to our Freedom will never be fully appreciated. They died in their thousands while carrying out the missions (sorties as we called them) given to them. May they Rest in Peace.
There are many organizations hat support these wonderful guys. I feel not enough is being done or said to "enlighten" our younger generations about what this war was about and the sacrifices these men made to have them truly appreciate these heros. Schools today are more interested in telling the kids how bad our ancestors were with regard to slavery and other issues that have since been corrected. Great story keep it up guys !!!!!
Great video. I posted the vid and mentioned this blogsite in my blog. ~Peregrine
I love those guys! Perseverance is what being an American is all about. I salute all of our military men and women, especially those that were in WWII. We are losing them daily to old age, make sure you thank them when you see them, they will appreciate it. Thank our current military men and women as well, they need to hear it, don't take what they do for granted.
Great video. With all the pro-homosexual propoganda we face today, don't have to wonder how these guys felt about homosexuals serving in the military.
Got to wonder if 10 years from now, our Country will produce the caliber of men and women it took to win the Second World War.
Anyone find that gene yet that makes people homosexual?
These men were all hero's....it was this kind of action that gave us our freedom....We should never forget.
Phil79, your comments add absolutely nothing to the subject at hand. My highest regards to all who have served our country. My thanks to those who shared this story of American history.
Pad was too easy on Phil79. Why he chose this video to spew his homophobic venom is beyond me. There are a lot of closed minded people out there and I include Phil79 in that group. I know a few homosexuals that are a lot braver than I. Phil should open his mind and heart, if he has one, and be more tolerant of others.
Thanks for posting the video clip of old 666. For more info and pictures of B17s in WW2 combat, check out www.b17sam.com. I flew 35 B17 combat missions over Germany.
How did the posts get from WWII to homosexuals??? How far off base can you get?
Phil79 seems to have an attention span problem along with other more serious defects.
Phil79 is exactly right, and is relevant.
http://www.frankbuckles.org/ -- please support the National WW1 Memorial
My dad flew 20 mission in Europe. He was shot down on his 20th mission and spent 19 months in Stalag Luft 1. He passed away on Sept 16, 2010. I miss him terribly...
It is amazing how effective the homosexual lobby has been in this country in framing the issues in their favor as reflected in the use of the term "homophobic" (a term pejorative and dismissive term purposely coined by the homosexual lobby). To say Phil79's post is irrelevant also shows how little some know of the profound threat this issue poses to our military.
The B 17 was an incredible aircraft. Some of them literally had about 1/3 of the plane shot away and still brought the their crews home. I had the honor of helping to restore one of these flying legends every time I went through Texas. Its a real shame these most of these birds were scrapped...they and their crews must never be forgotten for what they achieved. Surviving a mission such as this and many others, they were miraculous workhorses of the skies.
A real story my dad had almost the same thing happen. Ed
Men and Women of all six services(Yes Six!If you don,t know the sixth,ask a Merchant Mariner, they,ll set ya straight!)Still to this day put their life on the line so YOU can post your opinions on blogs like this.DON,T YOU EVER DOUBT IT!
Not all teachers and students today have forgotten. It has been such an honor to witness the reception my father receives when he visits schools. His book "Last Roll Call- One of the Last Memoirs of WWII" has been adopted by local schools which he then visits and talks with the students. He was a B-17 tail gunner with the 15th out of Italy. I'm absolutely thrilled when so many of the students ask to buy their own copy of the book and have my dad sign it and often have their picture taken with him. To see pictures visit his website www.lastrollcall.net.
17 to 1 advantage and the stupid Japs can't even bring down one lumbering bomber. How fucking inept can a bunch of slant eyes be? Must be their sons who build Toyotas. (Had a recall yet?) Offend anybody? Tough shit. Remember, it was these pissy little cowards who started this thing in Pearl Harbor. Don't fuck with the U.S., we'll kick your ass!
Phil79 and those that fear homosexuals are sad excuses for Americans. Do you morons have any idea how many gay servicemen and women serve our country with distinction.
Oh wait. Your minds are too small to even consider that possibility.
Your life is a shambles because of your low life character not because your neighbor is gay.
You dopes are the same losers that blame gays, Jews, the Pope and many others for your pathetic failures. You add nothing to this country other than your ignorant hate.
"17 to 1 advantage"
Based upon your language and comments it's safe to say your belong to the group known as diaper wearing punks.
Did you serve your country in any fashion? No would be the honest answer.
Are you educated? No would be the honest answer.
Are you a biggot. Yes would be the honest answer.
Are you about 14 years old or do you have the intellectual capacity of a 14 year old. Yes, that's apparent from your comments.
Have you added anything of value to this story. As before, the obvious answer is no because you are not capable of adding anything of interest, or intelligence.
Face it. You are one of the sad people in America known as a putz.
Great Story, Someone should make a movie of it!
To warbyrd:
I don't understand why either! I've been studying the B-17 story for several years because one of my friends is a still- living top turret gunner/engineer from the 379th BG which was based at Kimbolton, Eng. The 17 that flew the most missions was named "Old Pappy". It survived and was flown home to the "graveyard" in N.Mex. Likewise, "5 Grand", the 5000th 17 built built at the home Boeing factory and signed by all its employees, survived all its missions and was flown home.
It is just inconceivable that Boeing ESPECIALLY, if not some forward-looking museum, did not latch onto both of these planes so they wouldn't be "guillotined" over a few years like most of the others! "Memphis Belle" and "Shoo Baby" are the only surviving 17's that saw combat, I believe. Even that is remarkable: "Memphis Belle" was a hulk decaying outdoors for years at Tulsa before it was rescued. "Shoo-Shoo Baby" was a decaying carcass in France for decades after having been stripped over there long ago for use as a civilian airliner by a couple of companies. It took several years for a restoration crew at Dover, Del. to return it to full flight and combat capability before it made its final flight to the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson in '89.
My Grandfather served in the U.S. Army Air Core. He joined in 1943 shortly after Pearl Harbor was hit.
I am only 33 years old and I just lost my Grandfather 3 months ago. He told me many stories of his times in the military.
He was a flight instructor at Chico Army Air Base in Chico, CA. before being shipped over seas to Italy to fly the B-25 Mitchell bombers.
He told me he luckily never saw combat himself. But it was men and women like him that served and even sacrificed their lives for our Great Country.
God bless our troops. I don't agree with what our politicians are doing now, but we wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for the young men and women who have and are serving our Country.
This is written in Remembrance of my Grandfather, Robert A. McClenathen.
Thank you for using the internet to keep the memories and bravery of the,"GREATEST GENERATION" alive.
I feel bad for those who made any sacrifice what so ever to bring us our freedom and protect the idiots we have today running or should I say ruining our Country. What we have today is an insult to REAL AMERICANS the people rembered in this video. God help us if we ever face a threat like we did then. Oh yes, on second thought we are today and it is from the Muslim Community and our Politicians are drunk with political correctness and do not have what it takes to do the kind of work the Military did in WWII and for that matter the work of all and any military at any time from the Revolutionary War through today in Afghanistan.
We are being led by pantywaists, panseys, and incompetent no gooddnicks. It is up to ALL of US to strap on our boots and stand up for the Country these BRAVE men & women stood up for. It is time for our battle and war. I fear for the Country and values of our society that my Grandchildren will live in. God Bless America and ALL of our Military former and present!!!!!!!!
I passed this video on to what is left of my father's tin can crew on the USS Woolsey WWII - Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. He died in 2008. Not many left, about 8, and they probably did their last reunion a few years back, no one is well enough to travel. I know that they had some harrowing experiences with U-Boats so they will appreciate this tribute to heroic airmen!
Dad was Ball Turret Gunner on "Sky Wolf" w/ Timpken's Posse. A different breed. Great Americans. Dad got 25 missions and came home. Never wanted to talk about his experiences.
Thanks for posting this.
Why anyone would even respond to anything other then the stories of our parents, grand'parents and great-grand'parents is beyond me. This is a chance to share our stories and opinions about the greatest generation of Americans that has ever lived and died for our country, so that we would be free to express our views, free of fear of retribution. Let the idiots say what they want about homosexuals, but just ignore them. To respond to them and argue with them gives them credit and they deserve none!
Phil79: While the exact number isn't known, the best estimates available are that somewhere between 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 people are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Which means that there was a very high likelihood that one of the 14 men aboard "666" was gay or bisexual.
Last of the Great Ones !
If only we had the metal these guys did our country would not be facing what it is today.
I Salute you, the Brave and True Americans of WWII !
Maj. DogMeat
Even though these soldiers had the taste of metal in their mouth they said fuck it and did what had to be done. When you taste the metal you go into survival mode and you either kill your enemy or they kill you. You are not a hero you are a survivor. What are you going to do when you taste the metal?
Note to "pad79."
Your homophobic comments are completely off topic and simply pathetic.
Heroism and patriotism know no particular sexual orientation. Indeed, given the size of the 666 crew, the odds are that one or more of the guys was gay.
And who the hell cares anyway...?
My dad flew 35 missions with the Mighty Eighth Air Force of of Sudsbury, England circa 1944-1945. He was radio operator/gunner for the 486 Bomb Group, 382 Squadron.
There was no plane like the 17...it took a pounding and brought then home many times when they should have crashed in France, Germany, or the Channel. The 8th sufferred thousands of casualties...over 50,000...
I have seen the Sentimental Journey..Confederate Air Force..and one other...the grave yard was in Kingman Arizona..There is a book that chronicles every 17 made, missions, kills, wounded, kia, and final destination..usually the junkyard in Kingman.
There are 4 members of my dads crew still alive, all in their 80's..same crew for 35 (My dad died in 1999.).. .missions...with one change..
Bless Them All
This was really moving. I’ve seen this series with American narration – here called “Dog Fight”s – but I’ve never seen this sequence before.
For the um-teenth in my life I’m struck with admiration and gratitude at the face of Courage; such a wondrous and mysterious thing
From when my brother Bill & I went to see the B-17 at Felts Field this spring I’ve been amazed at the physical dexterity required just to get to the tail –gunner position. Then to consider you were crawling into the bull’s-eye …
The men in Old 666 were white. Therefore, they are evil. Just ask your local university professor if you don't believe it.
This is fabulous! Video footage and details documented are a great way to let the generations coming up know how our parents generation fought to keep this country and the WORLD FREE!
My Dad served in the USAF during WWII as a Hump Pilot. He flew 496 missions during his tours their and I wish I had documentation of these such as we see with this video.
Phil79
you'd be surprised at how many's served inWW2 with distinquised combat records ans how do I know this? because I serverved from 12/8/1941 to 11/5/45 abd in my my ship we had a few that were known and we figured there were mode but not known but we never knew of one that was tranfeered on account of jis sexual orientation dont ask me why that was I do not know buuuuttt those men that were on my ship servered just as brave as the rest of the crew and at that time we had no kawalms about going into battle with them
BOBC59
Isn't it ominous that this B-17 had the numbers of the devil - 666. Not only did it have the reputation of being "Shot to hell" on its past missions, I can only imagine those enemy fighters thoughts when Ol' 666 approached them with its mighty machine gun fire. Surely, THEY thought they'd met with the DEVIL!! This story gave me goose bumps all over. These men are true heroes in every sense of the word. My mother's boyfriend of 30 years flew the B-17 and is also the recipient of the distinguished flying cross for his many missions fought over Germany during WWII. God love HIM and all our men and women in uniform!! We will forever be grateful!
This mission was flown by the 43rd Bombardment Group. Because they served under General Kenney, they were called "Ken's Men". Many of them are still alive and they have their own association which you can find at www.kensmen.com My Dad flew with them as a gunner and was in the hospital when this mission was flown. His B-17 crashed in the Bay of Papua on 1-7-43. We went back and flew 43 more combat missions in a B-24 with the 64th Squadron of the 43rd BG. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE, it's quite interesting.
Unless we teach the younger generations the reason they enjoy the Freedom they do, they may lose this most precious gift. This story is a powerful example of the price paid by "the few" so "the many" can be free. Help us save these stories and visit www.CostofFreedom.org to share your experiences or those of a loved one.
Ghost/out
To Warbirdfan
The Memphis Belle was never a decaying hulk at Tulsa, It was restored and put under a pavillion on Mud Island, Mempish Tn. on may the 17th 1987 !! it was not guarded as the city had promised the USAF and was vandalized shortly theirafter !! so in Oct. of 2004 or 05 the USAF trucked it to Dayton and took it from the city of Memphis !! I was their and had seen her at a hanger at NAS Millington just a few days B4 her leaving Mempish !! Their were so many factionsfighting over her, and no one doing what thay had promised ths Air Force, I cannot blame them for her removal !! Dale Womack Alexander Ar.
The video was great. I was a B17 first pilot, I flew 50 missions/sorties from July 43 to Feb 44. I always said that when I was 22 I never thought that I would reach 23, I was lucky.
I and a friend who was a waist gunner and was shot down and was a POW (now deceased), visited 14 High Schools in Broward County,FL
Moderator
I was a B17 pilot,I flew 50 missions in WW2 I can make some interesting comments, if you will give me space.
I am not very computer literate
Rory Calhoun,
By chastising the people here that choose to voice their negative opinions of homosexuals in the military, you reveal yourself as a bigot, hypocrite, but mostly just as weak minded.
You imply that tolerance towards others should be shown regarding gays in the military, yet fail to exercise it when faced with an opinion that you don't approve of. The classic saying about liberals is that they preach about tolerance until you dsagree with them, at which point they preach about censorship. Additionally, you show that you are simple minded by attempting, although you fail miserably, to pigeonhole anyone that disagrees with gays in the military as a bigot and uneducated. Many men that have served their country more honorably than you as infantrymen, of which I'm sure you have not, know that allowing openly gay men in the military DOES reduce the moral and combat effectiveness of combat arms units. I won't speak to non-combat arms. Again, because you don't agree with that opinion and even though you don't have any expertise in that area, you will inevitably try to tell everyone else how things should be done. You are a hypocrite, and are putting the needs of the individual before the needs of the group.
Your stereotypes are unwarranted, and as someone that went to law school after my time in the Army and and now practices law and is certainly better educated than you, I'd just like to say that you are a joke.
Not sure why people are citing comments about one in ten people being gay and thus one of the men in this flight crew had to be gay. That's pretty simplistic thinking, as that statistic applies to present day where homosexuality is far more common. In other words, taking for granted that one of the men in this flghtcrew was gay is simply wishful and unrealistic thinking for those that are willing to dishonestly skew statistics to prove their point.
All I want to say Is Thank You to All Past, Present and Future Veteran's. My Older Brother, a Retired Marine and Veteran of Vietman has One Word for a Great Video Clip like this One about the Flight Crew of 666; OUTSTANDING !!
My Son Has been in the Navy for 18 Year's Now and My Dad was a Fighter Pilot during WW II !
Tom B.
This was sent to me by my step farther who was in the Navy,just not during WWII. I found this clip to be great and glad i got the chance to see it. I am proud to have servered my country during the Vietnam war,just wish i could have seen one of these flying machines in action.The only time i have seen them is in films or clips like this one.As for Phil79 go back to your MMORPG and spew your foul homophobia stuff there with all the rest of your little buddies that are just as inmature as you are
I would just like to say thank you for this story! My father was a WWII POW. I served during Viet Nam (Navy WAVE) and I am proud of all who have served this country be it male, female, gay, straight, black, white or any other person you can come up with! Yes, we all fought for everyone to have freedom. But, it would be nice if those of you who do speak would do so with some form of intelligence. Words do hurt. The person who reads or hears those degrading and hateful words may be someone who is terribly sad already and the words could cause them to commit suicide or worse, kill someone else! So please Phil79 and all you who spew these words, think about what you are saying and doing. You are entitiled to your opinion, but you do not have to demean others in order to speak.
this film from the history channel was awesum and really did give me the closeup view and feeling that i would never be able to feel ...My uncle served as a wwII *8th Army Air corp B17e navigator - he was one of the first to be sent to Schweinfurt,Germany during our daylight bombing raids, over 600B17 planes were sent and on the first raid we lost more than 300 -My uncle was on the "yankee powerhouseII" and lucky for him after being shot out of the air by a messersmitz fighter he and all 12 of his crew were captured and lived to tell of their survival during 3 yrs of POW camp -stalag luft I .(great excape fame)his unit was the 384th heavy bm grp.-There is an exemplary 8th army air museum @ Savannah,Ga..... AND ALSO A "must see" for the pacific theater go to palm springs,Ca. air museum . GOD was truely with ALL our soldiers,sailors & airmen & women WAV-WAC... its all about unity!
What a great video and story. Brave guys indeed.
Thank you Guys . You are heros that brought teas to my eyes by your bravery.
I can not say much on the B-17, as my grandfather was a naval pilot, and flew what he said was 100s to 1000s of missions during WW II.
I still can not understand why the Japanese flew upside down when attacking a bomber, but I do know that they did, on several occassions, as my grandfather told me that he witnessed this when they flew escort.
As to todays military, I can say this. There are those that serve that do take pride and honor in serving this great nation, and are , or close to being as vitualant as the true heroes of old were. But, there are also those that are in the military that think they are "bad ass", but when push comes to shove, they are the first to run away from the conflict - with their weapons between their legs.
Both my wife, and myself served in the Army, and when we were discharged, lived in a town connected to a post. My wife had a job where she regulary interacted with the soldiers of today, and used to come home telling me of some of the stuff that the soldiers today are getting away. (Stress cards to give any higher rank personel, and that person is to be left alone for next 15 minutes and afterwards, is not to be asked questions or pushed to do an exercise, along the line of the content of the time when stress card was presented. If one's vehicle is broken into while out in the feild, or in a foreign country, we need to bring back that person to see the damage, and file a report with both the military police and the local sherriff's office. And best yet, if an E-4 shoots her sergant while out clubbing together, because he his making passes, or accepting passes from another female, and kills the sergant, than the E-4 can be gotten off with an escuse of post tramatic stress syndrome. -these arfe some of the things we witnessed just outside of Ft Riley, as we lived in Manhattan, and Junction City, Ks.)
I have to say, I do know some that see the military as one that has gotten soft over the years, but when it comes down to it, they will put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, and not think twice about it.
With a final word, I want to close this with saying no matter if you served in combat, peace time, or a policing action, I want to thank everyone for doing their time. I believe every congree, senate, and presidental person should have to serve at least 5 yrs in a military of their choosing, before being allowed to take any office - so that away they can see what our men and women are put thru each and every day, and they will also know the threats these personal live with all the time.
God Bless The USA, and those that serve and protect her!!!
it is not widespread knowledge, but one outfit in WWII suffered more casualties than the entire marine corps in that war. that was the mighty 8th Air Force.
The greatest generation can never be replaced. They mainly were people conditioned to hardship and hard work. Today's public is soft and we could never win another WWII, not because our soldiers are not brave, but because our general population is so soft and undisciplined and materialistic.
God Bless the WWII heros as they all were. They mainly were all volunteers and not drafted.
Guess the fate of the world is in queer hands? These pillow biters make the masses feel guilt with words like "homophobic" and " bigot" trying to make us feel like we, the straight community are the creeps and sickos. Last time I checked , being a donut puncher means you can't reproduce, if you can't reproduce, the species dies. So by my figures 100% queer = no reproduction= extinction. So , yeah, save the pro homo shit, give em an inch and they want a mile, these biological , defects and abominations of gods plan
God Bless all those brave men that have served our country. There are so few left now that whenever we get the chance we must again thank them for their service.
I live on the coast of Maine and a few years ago, Bangor International Airport hosted a military air show. The day before the show, the planes began arriving and I was fortunate enough to be in Searsport, ME when the B-17, a B-25, and a P-51 arrived over Penobscot Bay and followed the river to Bangor. We heard these three planes coming 5 minutes before we spotted them as specks on the horizon. I cannot imagine the fear that the Germans must have felt when 500 of these bombers were heading towards them on a bombing run. I had the chance to take a ride in the B-17 during the airshow (Price of the ride-$400) and I didn't do it. Now I realize there will probably never be another chance to experience what our brave airmen did daily during the war. Thanks for posting this video. It should be required viewing in school, lest we forget!
I have an elderly friend, 92 years old, he and I have the same birthday so we try to get together in April.
He went all the way through WW2 in Bomber Command, and survived although he lost everyone he knew.
All his squadron that started out bombing battleships in the Fiords to other squadrons in North Africa and India.
His survival was a fluke, and I have only been able to get him to talk about it one single evening in the 25 years I have known him, helped with a little Scotch.
He talked about how the RAF were not given the High Altitude bomb aiming equipment for the B17s, so they had to descend to do the bombing run, into the range of AkAk and fighters. They were the guinea-pigs for the B17 as the Americans hadn't joined the war, and didn't for some time, so wanted to have the aircraft tested.
If I manage to get him to watch this I will be interested to see what emotions it produces... provided that it doesn't tip him over the edge.
He used to sail his yacht singlehanded across the English Channel to France and back twice a year, until last year
I appreciated that it was a British voice telling the story of old 66. Evidence of people united regardless of nation for the good of all.
I remember growing up and wondering along with my Mom and Dad if My Uncle(s) WOULD EVER MAKE IT BACK TO THE STATES. ONE WAS ON THE DEATH MARCH OF BATAN AND WASN'T SET FREE UNTIL 3 MONTHS AFTER THEY WERE FOUND UP IN THE MOUNTAINS - SLAVE LABOR IN A COAL MINE! The prison camp commander was a graduate of Washington State College! A fact that helped my Uncle stay alive as they had lived only blocks apart!
For anyone commenting on gays in the military after watching this- SHUT THE FUCK UP! Don't comment at all! Just watch the film and keep your crap to yourself!
This is about a plane and its crew and their bravery, so leave it at that!
In response to what Phill79 said, "With all the pro-homosexual propoganda we face today, don't have to wonder how these guys felt about homosexuals serving in the military": They would probably look at the outrageous colors the idiots display and say, "Target practice!"
Incredible story.
Thank you for sharing.
We are losing 1000+ WWII veterans nationally each day. I have a passionate hobby of preserving their stories (www.rememberandhonor.com) because I believe it is important that they and what they did is never forgotten and that present and future generations will be able to know and honor these people.
My brother in law (KIA),was a gunner in the Georgia Peach shot down during night raid over Vunakanau Airfield in June, 43. kensmen.com & PacificWrecks are both excellent Web sight that keeps Pacific "AirCore" alive. www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-24454,html
EYES RIGHT! to the wonderful crew for their devotion to duty and their mission.
Very typical of men from that generation.
John E. Nevola
Author of The Last Jump - A Novel of World War II
Some proceeds donated to families of the fallen
www.thelastjump.org
My Dad,Co-Pilot,My Uncle,Pilot,B-24 446th BG,706 Sq.8th Army Air Corps.(They married sisters after the war)And flew the lead mission on D-Day 31 combat missions from April 27th.1944-July 3rd 1944
I nearly deleted the email because I receive many "forwarded messages" & don't have the time to read or view all of the links. I couldn't believe hearing that Joe Sarnosky was the bombardier on this aircraft Having grown up in Simpson, Pa. I knew that someone by the name of Joe Sarnosky was a post humorous recipient of the Medal of Honor but I never knew the circumstances of his death or why he was awarded the Medal, well now I do. I had the opportunity to visit his grave at the “Punch Bowl” National Cemetery in Hawaii a few years back. The video definitely brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for keeping our Greatest Generation & all they did for us in WWII in our thoughts and memories.
Amazing what these guys did and when you consider that our present day leadership is the most highly educated numbers of them coming from Ivy League universities. You wonder how it was that so many of our troops in WWII had little or no collage education and yet they saved the world.
A little common sense and Tanitansy is some times far better than being to dam smart.
My thinks to the generation who made it possible for me to live the life I have.
And for those of you who like this new socialism and politically correct ideology all I can say is screw you.
I first read ABOUT THESE guys(zeamer and sarnoski) when I was 10years old. It thrilled me then and thrills me now again!! I am now 44 and have served my timein the army and would do it again!! God Bless America!!
Not to be too critical, but the G-17 has a retractable tail wheel.
Mike Finnegan
Kingman, Az.
B-17 fire bomber pilot 1972
A few comments on those above:
Tailwheel : Old 666 was an early E model (vast majority of 17s that saw combat were Fs and Gs) not 100% sure that it didn't have a non retractable tail wheel but it's very possible - A very talented CGI guy named Jason did these animations and he was VERY thorough constructing the virtual wireframe models.
British Voice: This was a british overdub of the original series call Dogfights that aired in America on The History Channel. The original version was with an American accented narrator.
Gays in Military - Somewhere between 7-10% of the population is gay, and that was true in the 40s. Therefore, about 7-10% of the men who fought were gay. Do you value their service and sacrifice less?
We recently lost America's last surviving WW1 veteran. We are losing our WW2 veterans. Their stories need to be told and retold; they are an integral part of our nation's history and pride, not something to be sneered at.
To everyone who has ever put on a uniform and served in defense of our country, at any time, in any place - you have my heartfelt thanks.
I served in korea, nam and germany for 24 years. don't think I was ever in a unit that didn't have a gay or two in it. If our politicians would let it go, it wouldn't be an issue.
I still regularly visit Fort Lee, VA for commissary calls, etc., and and awed at the quality of our soldiers. I can't say the same for senior officers. Political correctness is destroying our senior command structure. Just look at what happened at Fort Hood. An OBVIOUS dangerous enemy was handled like a baby. My son, a retired AF JAG Lt Col would have loved to stay in for 30, be he said that all the good jobs and promotions were going to women.....I believe him absolutely. Final comment: Putting women on Navy ships is/was criminal. Putting them on fighting ships, detroyers, etc. exceeds the bounds of stupidity, but putting in submarines approaches planned insanity.
I agree enough is not being said or spoken of for these guys,however when I see a blog saying that the school system only speaks of slavery and other things such as this only reminds me that we still have idiots out there. Slavery has not been resolved and if you don't keep it before the masses history shows that it will be repeated. Many young men and women of different races and colors have fought and died for this country. From the civil war to Afganistan, so as a teacher I find it offense when I hear someone say that we are not teaching our younger generation about the greatest gift other than Jesus the lives of the people who have fought for freedom outside this nation and within.(How about the many young women and men who died for equality, blood shed right on this ground.) a Nation who boast about freedom.
This is beautiful and inspirational. We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to those heroes who fought for our freedom, that we never repay. But we can remember and honor. I make it a point to show this and similar inspirational clips to my children who are now 3 generations removed from WWII. I also teach them our history because I want them to know the glory of our history and why we are a special people. (I would love to donate to this site, but I see that the Teabaggers are involved, and I do not support traitors to America, however.)
I agree with those who question the relevance of sexual orientation as it refers to this act of gallantry. Let us celebrate the brave acts of the crew and not bring in irrelevant issues.
As the daughter of a Marine on the ground in the South Pacific, I know how much depended on those mapping sorties. God Bless those crews and the families that held up the home front.
Damn fine job just doesn't seem to cover these men with the glory they earned that day.
Just this week I had an opportunity to fly in a B-17 Flying Fortress called 'The Yankee Lady' at the Yankee Airforce Museam in Belleville, Michigan. Unfortunatly it was postponed due to severe weather conditions but will be rescheduled in June. Out of 12,731 units built by the Boeing Corporation, their are only 53 known survivors still flying.Information is available on Wikipedia and other sources on-line giving account of the statistics of other units currently undergoing restoration and on display at various locations. After watching this excellent video, I am even more excited about an opportunity to ride in such a legendary aircraft. What an honor it will be.
Jay Zeamer was a graduate of Culver Military Academy in Culver Indiana. So was I. Our senior rings have 5 stars around the crest to symbolize the 5 Medal of Honor receipients from Culver. One from WWI, two from WWII, one each from Korea and Viet Nam. NO high school in the United States has more than one receipient, except Culver and we have 5. As a plebe were were all required to learn who these men were and remember their sacrifice. I make a point of sharing this story with everyone I know. Mr Zeamer was a rebel and a pilot. I too am a pilot who flew the PB4Y-2 fighting forest fires. I have felt a strong connection to Jay for many years, God bless him and men like him.
I am very proud of what our Military accomplished during WWII.
The missions over Germany were very dangerous. Regardless of what some people say today, without the USA in WWII the world or Europe would be speaking German and in Asia Japanese. Our entire Military, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard made this happen. You must also include the US Merchant Marine. The USA Military Team made it happen.
Wonderful story! I have met many WWII vets while searching for my uncle's B-29 crew. They were all very humble, proud and brave men. They are the greatest generation.
Now for the trolls. If you ignore them and do not respond to their posts they will go away! ALL of the posts have distracted from the significance of the event. Shame on you.
Gay or Straight, arent we all Americans? NO ONE stands taller than the other, and if people quit making such a big deal about it, and let everybody live their lives as they see fit, then Liberty has won. If one small group forces an agenda upon the other, that is facism. Get the point people!
As an Australian watching the story of the B17 reminds me of the debt we owe to America for saving Australia from certain defeat and occupation by the Japanese...something we in Australia must never forget...young men who died a long long way from their homes have given my children and grand children a chance to grow up free
My father was a Lance Cpl. in the USMC - stationed at Quantico in the Photography lab; His brother was a Lt. over in France, lost 1/2 his Btn and his best friend at the Normandy incident, his other brothers-in-law were all over there from Omaha to Utah and one other one, they all managed to come home intact and whole. We had 4 others by marriage die at Pearl Harbor, we also have 2 in Daddy's distant relatives on the Viet Nam Wall and we had over 160 fight for Secession in the Civil War and we provided "Provender" to the troops AND we had 27 in his ancestors who fought for Va. in the Revolutionary War. OUR PLUNKETT FAMILY THANKS ALL THEIR COMRADES IN ARMS AND WE THANK ALL SOLDIERS. P.S. I was also married 3 1/2 years to a Viet Nam vet but he didn't want children. As an added note: I myself served 2 years 1977-79 as a volunteer in the Civil Air Patrol. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Barbara Plunkett Turner
Chesterfield, VA
This and others swell the annals of war. So many died so we could continue our way of life. Someone said, regarding a murder in school of a child, "How can God allow that?", I said, because God is not allowed in schools.
My great fear is that we perhaps are wasting what has been won, and the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines, may have died in vein as we rush towards bondage again when our sights should be on "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are disgarding our Constitution, bill of rights and all that has been won, in the name of liberalism, and socialism, neither have proved successful in the past EVER.
Alan, thank you for sharing this web site. It is very interesting and well put together. My uncle flew twenty five missions in a B-25 over Germany towards the end of the war in Europe. He was drummed out of the AAF at the end of the war. He was called back to active duty at the start of the Korean War. Unfortunately, he and his crew were shot down and killed in 1951. The courage of our military personnel never ceases to amaze me.
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