WWII Pilot Flies His C-47 One Last Time

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  • Опубліковано 13 тра 2018
  • Video sponsored by Air Models
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    Scott Glover with the Mid America Flight Museum had the honor to fly with Gerald Parker in the museum's C-47. Gerald actually flew this exact airplane in WWII. This video really shows how fond Scott is of Gerald and how much respect he has towards him. Gerald looks like he hasn't forgotten a thing about flying the C-47!!
    We unfortunatly lost Gerald just days after shooting this video. He is sorely missed and thought of often.
    GOD bless you Gerald. RIP

КОМЕНТАРІ • 296

  • @ankitknight6304
    @ankitknight6304 5 років тому +159

    I like how he's sitting on the captain's chair and not the co-pilot.
    Little touch but beautiful.

    • @GusMortis
      @GusMortis 2 роки тому +3

      He belongs no where else.

  • @dillonbrown1658
    @dillonbrown1658 Рік тому +36

    This is absolutely amazing I bet he felt 20 again up there. He’s a legend and a hero

  • @Wrench245
    @Wrench245 6 років тому +452

    You made an old man very happy that day. Thank you for preserving a bit a history for us.

    • @ryandoe11
      @ryandoe11 5 років тому +12

      I never thought about it but your right, he is basically preserving a bit from history for the next generations to see, whom otherwise wouldn't.

    • @nate8556
      @nate8556 5 років тому +1

      god bless that man and keep him

    • @willshirley8165
      @willshirley8165 5 років тому

      Wrench245 your so right

    • @337slab8
      @337slab8 2 роки тому +2

      I’m currently in the process of painting a c-47 at my job

    • @337slab8
      @337slab8 2 роки тому

      I’m currently in the process of painting a c-47 at my job

  • @Spragzsh
    @Spragzsh 5 років тому +201

    This gentleman went to Heaven with an everlasting smile on his face. Thank you guys for sharing this great
    Moment of Jerry. RIP

  • @bmused55
    @bmused55 6 років тому +300

    I bet he passed with a smile on his face, his memory full of this special day you arranged for him. Bless all of you for making this happen. And thank you for film it so we could all experience it in proxy.

  • @x...CrankyOldMan...x
    @x...CrankyOldMan...x 5 років тому +112

    This is what UA-cam is for.. remembering and documenting the real hero's that served with out question. A great man and generation.

    • @lancelabarrete1012
      @lancelabarrete1012 5 років тому +3

      I agree
      UA-cam is supposed to be a representation on broadcasting ourselves - not demonetise ourselves.

  • @E39Passion
    @E39Passion 5 років тому +199

    3:42 he went back in time when the plane began to lift and he just grabbed the elevator trim wheel instinctively. :D

    • @Kyle_Godfrey111
      @Kyle_Godfrey111 5 років тому +36

      4TaktRollerNeinDanke yep. Muscle memory that lasted 70 or so years

    • @johnmagill3072
      @johnmagill3072 5 років тому +11

      I noticed that to

    • @willshirley8165
      @willshirley8165 5 років тому +2

      4TaktRollerNeinDanke I noticed that this is awesome

    • @fiat.freakx19
      @fiat.freakx19 3 роки тому +3

      That's awesome like he didn't forget to fly and at age 95yrs that's great! I'm 55 and was in the Air Force 85-89 working on F-15. Military sticks with you!!!

  • @Youtubax
    @Youtubax 5 років тому +89

    ‘I’ve never seen nobody who’s gonna die having a better time the week before’.
    And that’s how everybody who has given so much for his country should go. RIP.

  • @stevemull2002
    @stevemull2002 2 роки тому +25

    Its very sad that this old veteran has gone, but its going to happen to all of us, He saw and witnessed stuff that none of us want to ever see, but he is a Hero, and we applaud him for that SIR

    • @joe-pm3lb
      @joe-pm3lb 11 місяців тому

      I agree with u seen things that should be seen, and he saw it at young man

  • @frankglover1554
    @frankglover1554 6 років тому +69

    Mr. Gerald Parker one of the nicest gentleman of the Greatest Generation that anyone will ever meet .. It was a privilege to know you ... God Bless and Blue Sky's for ever .. SALUTE !

  • @shawnmccrary5526
    @shawnmccrary5526 5 років тому +74

    God Bless him and every man and woman who served during WW2. Thanks for getting his stories preserved.

    • @shawnmccrary5526
      @shawnmccrary5526 5 років тому

      Mr MEMé no I’m only concerned with my country men. I’m an American.

    • @shawnmccrary5526
      @shawnmccrary5526 5 років тому

      Had to watch this again. So sorry our world lost him but so thankful that technology has allowed his stories and others to be preserved for those generations to come.

  • @ohwow3158
    @ohwow3158 5 років тому +34

    Gerald could pass in peace knowing he could and did fly his bird for one last time.

  • @grahammckay6067
    @grahammckay6067 5 років тому +27

    HE WAS A VERY YOUNG MAN AT THE TIME..A WARRIOR ...YOU KNOW FLYING THAT C-47 FLUSHED HIM WITH MEMORIES ….I STAND AND SALUTE YOU GERALD

  • @andrewplumb6544
    @andrewplumb6544 2 місяці тому +2

    Don't you just love the way Gerald went straight to the the pitch trim as the climb commenced. So familiar with the aircraft. RIP Gerald.

  • @michaelstern1945
    @michaelstern1945 6 років тому +88

    Great video sad to see the loss of another one from the greatest generation.

    • @ChuckBeefOG
      @ChuckBeefOG 5 років тому +3

      They truly were. My grandfather passed in 2017. Great man, helped build the infrastructure we all take for granted today.

    • @MonkeyDolphin
      @MonkeyDolphin 5 років тому +7

      @@ChuckBeefOG Same here, Chuck - my condolences to you and yours. My grandfather, Bill Sahady, flew fuel over the Himalayas (The Hump) in C-46 and C-47 aircraft during the war. He and his crew had to bail due to a fire on his 91st mission, and he was picked up by friendlies on the Ledo Road. All crew were alive and accounted for, except one - whom he later met, alive and well, at a reunion. Alzheimer's took much of his memory in his last few years, but his friendly nature remained, and he could tell you all the details of his service during WWII, until he passed in 2017 at the age of 91. He was a proud man, and rightly so. What a generation!
      @ErikJohnston Thank you for this video. It's absolutely wonderful.

    • @jcheck6
      @jcheck6 5 років тому +1

      @@MonkeyDolphin My dad flew the Hump as well. Lost his "houch mate" over the mountains who was my mother's first husband.

  • @Siquemar1
    @Siquemar1 5 років тому +20

    Now he is very happy and smiling there in the sky! RIP👏👏👏👏👏👏😊

  • @marklawton1795
    @marklawton1795 6 років тому +33

    Thank you for preserving this priceless window into history with this brave aviator. Thank you Gerald for flying into harms way for all of us.

  • @randyporter3491
    @randyporter3491 5 років тому +18

    Much love Mr. Gerald, much respect and much appreciation. God bless you sir. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @gustavodeibarrapilot
    @gustavodeibarrapilot 2 місяці тому +2

    Amazing Flight with two heroes, the Veteran Pilot and DC3 / C47.

  • @alleyoop5305
    @alleyoop5305 5 років тому +10

    Dear Scott and Erik, that is absolutely wonderful. The story and also the quality. Two planes in formation! Wow! Thanks so much for being with Gerry and sharing with us!

    • @ErikJohnston
      @ErikJohnston  5 років тому +4

      Alley Oop
      Thank you for your kind words! We sure are glad you liked the video. It was a real pleasure making it!! Gerry was a special man!!

  • @JohnChvatalGSTV
    @JohnChvatalGSTV 6 років тому +53

    This video brought a tear to my eye. Great job Erik and Scott!

    • @boogerdog5247
      @boogerdog5247 5 років тому +2

      @John, I've been close to many famous aviators from that era. I teared up just listening to the first of the vid.
      That's a beautiful aluminum Mitchell there. The C-47 has D-day markings.
      I miss my "buddies". They don't make those guys anymore, I don't care what anyone wants to argue.
      GOD SPEED OUR HERO'S

  • @ryanmoeller3308
    @ryanmoeller3308 6 років тому +32

    Thank you Erik and the crew for sharing this once in a lifetime experience with us. I hope the future generations will remember what these gentlemen did for us and for the world. May God watch over him and guide him home. Keep up the great work my friend, I look forward to seeing you soon.

  • @joeborrajo186
    @joeborrajo186 2 місяці тому +1

    What an amazing man! I was fortunate enough to know a C-47 pilot and heard quite a few amazing stories!

  • @turkey0165
    @turkey0165 Рік тому +4

    All I could say is you're a great American for doing what you've done , both of you!

  • @kikeamatore
    @kikeamatore 5 років тому +6

    His smile flying is priceless

  • @kevinburns5762
    @kevinburns5762 5 років тому +5

    All those years and stepped right back 70 years and flew like he was 20years old again. I love these people ❤

  • @alanmoffat4454
    @alanmoffat4454 5 років тому +11

    THANK GOD FOR MEN LIKE HIM GOD BLESS HIS MEMOIRS.

  • @tommann7974
    @tommann7974 5 років тому +5

    My dad did the same as this brave pilot...dropped paratroopers and pulled gliders...got his tail shot up on one mission but nursed it home. As a 21 year old captain his crew dropped brand new 18 year old GI recruits into the Battle of the Bulge. He always felt bad for them

  • @zaphod22
    @zaphod22 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this video. These war time pilots were amazing. My Dad flew the Gooney Bird as Co-Pilot, towing gliders in to Germany. Then he flew the P47 Thunderbolt for the 315th Fighter Group, 324th Fighter Squadron during WWII.

  • @danielledykgraaf6483
    @danielledykgraaf6483 5 років тому +4

    Lost my grandpa in 1995 who was in France in WWII and now we lost this nice gentleman too. Sad but we take happiness from your video of his last DC-3 trip and his recollections of the past Thank you to you sir and Mr Parker(posthumously)for this share. As for the four who thumbed it down...i am near speechless...on what it would take to impress you. Class act host..great video, classic restored war horse airplane, and one of the last of the greatest generation sharing his memories of the great war. If that is not impressive, you know not what is.

  • @abmbarry
    @abmbarry 6 років тому +11

    Wonderful and warm insight into a gem of a man. Very sad loss! The world would be so much better if it was full of "Real Men like Gerald Parker.

  • @warp65
    @warp65 5 років тому +5

    What a wonderful interview.
    Rest in peace Gerald.

  • @1986BBG
    @1986BBG 5 років тому +6

    Thank you for putting him in the seat one last time. Bless his heart. Bless all of them for their sacrifice. Great video. Thank you

  • @ericboyle8296
    @ericboyle8296 5 років тому +3

    Thank you so much for posting this video. RIP Gerald. So glad he got that opportunity and you were able to preserve his stories.

  • @PaulPescitelli
    @PaulPescitelli 5 років тому +4

    What a wonderful tribute. Kudos to you and the film crew. RIP Gerald.

  • @AKATEATime
    @AKATEATime 6 років тому +10

    Awesome video, Erik and everyone else. Thumbs up to you Gerald! 👍

  • @Jules-6022
    @Jules-6022 5 років тому +11

    Really enjoyed this video, what a sweet guy you are, Gerald! Rest in Honor, Sir. 🇺🇸❤

  • @leenewsom5075
    @leenewsom5075 5 років тому +4

    So good of you to Post this Pict! of a great VET!!! Im sure it warmed every ones Heart!!

  • @fntsmk
    @fntsmk 6 років тому +4

    Awesome! Simply awesome and I can't imagine how Mr. Gerald Parker felt to be back at the controls of his old airplane again. God bless Gerald Parker (RIP) and everyone involved in making this happen and recording it for us to enjoy!

  • @wrightflyer7855
    @wrightflyer7855 6 років тому +2

    You folks did a wonderful thing for Mr. Parker--a beautiful gift for someone who deserved it so much. Thank you.

  • @ChasingLindbergh
    @ChasingLindbergh 6 років тому +11

    Awesome video and an awesome guy! Thanks for sharing.

  • @jrgreiner
    @jrgreiner 5 років тому +3

    Scott, a hearty thank you. Gerald, RIP and know that your efforts will always be remembered.

  • @brianbrady4496
    @brianbrady4496 2 роки тому +3

    This is beautiful to me. I haven't shed a tear in a while until tonight watching this..

  • @n.leeball3049
    @n.leeball3049 5 років тому +1

    This is an awesome video! Loved how Gerald shared his experiences about his time flying for the military during combat and training. Gives a real insight to the dangers these men faced daily. Thank You for sharing this one.

  • @marknelson5929
    @marknelson5929 5 років тому +2

    What a gent! How amazing is that, flying his old wartime C-47. A priceless experience for him and know doubt you all who took him along. Excellent filming as well!

  • @jeffreymanestar5319
    @jeffreymanestar5319 2 роки тому +1

    This just came up on my feed 3 years late. I am so glad it did. God bless u guys.

  • @cosmic-10r61
    @cosmic-10r61 Рік тому +1

    Fantastic, the c47 is coming out for IL2 Sturmovik. I will think of Jerry and those many men when i get a chance to fly the channel. Thanks for putting this on UA-cam. I have tremendous respect for these men

  • @collinfraser1218
    @collinfraser1218 6 років тому +1

    Kudos, to you both for creating this priceless remembrance for this priceless soul. As sad as it is, we should all be so fortunate as to have a couple of young fellas to make our day before our time comes.

  • @robnnorthaustin
    @robnnorthaustin 5 років тому +2

    This video is a great find on YT and I want to thank the whole team that made it possible. Thank you.

  • @mrbigmo215
    @mrbigmo215 5 років тому +4

    Gods speed Mr. Parker. Thank you for your service. Love the video.

  • @pauldrake9312
    @pauldrake9312 5 років тому +4

    Loved the vid, thanks for your service to freedom Mr. Parker, love from Australia

  • @johnf517
    @johnf517 5 років тому +1

    The people who gave thumbs down reminds us of why we must remain vigilant and ensure that Honor, Decency and Love remain the American values that must be passed on to our children.. RIP Gerry, it is because of you and the sacrifice of soo many that we enjoy freedom... even the sad ignorant human beings who gave thumbs down...

  • @FlyByPC
    @FlyByPC 5 років тому +4

    Gerald was a cool guy. Thanks for sharing his story with us.

  • @89foxguy
    @89foxguy 3 роки тому

    Brought a tear to my eye. You can see the joy this brought him. Thank you for everything you've done may you RIP.

  • @smokythecat393
    @smokythecat393 5 років тому +1

    This made me realy happy you made an old man happy. It's sad that we lost him but I am sure that he is in heaven! R. I. P

  • @justinsalaskanadventures
    @justinsalaskanadventures 10 місяців тому +1

    How stinking cool, thank you so much for sharing and documenting this legend of a pilot!

  • @safdarakbari
    @safdarakbari 5 років тому +2

    What a way to pay tribute to a WWII pilot - loads of respect for you Sir

  • @kimcampbell9501
    @kimcampbell9501 5 років тому +6

    RIP Gerald. Thanks for helping to save the world.

  • @mnrobards
    @mnrobards 5 років тому +2

    Thank You for sharing.

  • @noworriesmate8287
    @noworriesmate8287 5 років тому +3

    Thanks for sharing.
    Thank you Jerry for your service and my freedom!

  • @briar35981
    @briar35981 10 місяців тому +1

    This era of men were something special. They did it all for the love of their country. Thank you for providing this hero one last taste of what his youth was like.

  • @VMCAviationVideos
    @VMCAviationVideos 4 роки тому

    I just watched the video Erik, and it made me tear up 😪. Thanks for this great video!

  • @markhepworth
    @markhepworth 10 місяців тому +1

    Stunning shot of the low pass over the field,favourable winds and blue skies to this old pilot!

  • @johannmckraken9399
    @johannmckraken9399 4 роки тому +2

    I have so much respect, admiration and gratitude for these veterans. They went to war as kids and the fortunate ones came back as heroes. They saved the world for us who came after and we must never forget their sacrifice or their duty. I can’t imagine how anyone could dislike this. Thanks so much for sharing this Eric.

    • @johannmckraken9399
      @johannmckraken9399 2 роки тому

      To add some thought to my original posting this is about the Douglas and it’s place in aviation history. I’ve always considered the DC-3/C-47 to be the most significant aircraft ever designed. It revolutionized air travel by being the first aircraft that could earn a profit for it’s owners and made air travel accessible to the public. The airline industry as we now know it really exists because of the DC-3 and what came after. It’s contribution to winning WW2 is well known and I believe Eisenhower considered it an essential tool for victory. Then there’s the fact the so many of these planes are still earning their keep hauling people and freight to some very remote places that is remarkable. I hope to see one flying when it’s 100 years old but I probably won’t last quite that long. One thing I still need to do is to go for a flight in one. I’ve yet to accomplish that’s so it’s a must.
      I’ve always said that when I hit the lotto my first purchase will be the Douglas!

  • @bluesatsunset
    @bluesatsunset 5 років тому +2

    This clip really hit me hard. A true war hero given the opportunity to re-live his legacy flying this old bird. Great job lads.

  • @emilsm8407
    @emilsm8407 5 років тому +1

    Thanks for your service sir. RIP.

  • @chipking2765
    @chipking2765 5 років тому +5

    Thank you for your service RIP

  • @m-jay356
    @m-jay356 Рік тому +3

    This put a smile on my face. RIP sir

  • @mrhoffame
    @mrhoffame 2 роки тому +2

    You can't say this about many people, but WWII Vets LITERALLY saved the world.

  • @reaper378
    @reaper378 5 років тому +3

    Why would anyone give this video a thumbs down ? Beyond belief ! Simply wonderful.

  • @triplanelover
    @triplanelover 5 років тому +2

    marvelous; my uncle is 96 flew B24s in 8th airforce and I've taken him up in a lot of my old birds...he still can fly,. but so heartened to see this video. I loved flying the DC3 myself and I'm sure Gerry did that day...thanks for doing this

  • @stuart8663
    @stuart8663 5 років тому +67

    At the point of watching this halfway through... I notice a single dislike. ONE. Who would show such almighty disrespect to the video's creation, the current and original pilot, the restoration of a beautiful warbird, the innumerable Volunteers who helped and the demonstrated gentleness and humility of the Team... who? WHO? I am baffled and disappointed. Yet I believe in free speech, if only that fools look more foolish than ever.

    • @marbleman52
      @marbleman52 5 років тому +7

      @Marcus Knightingale Exactly..!! Maybe someone who gets a kick out of stirring up trouble, but not brave enough to comment on why they gave a thumbs down. That spells COWARD in my book. I have put out the challenge on many other channels to those who give a thumbs down to speak up and tell us just why they did it. I have never read anyone respond. COWARD...!! Would like to strap a parachute on these cowards and push them out, un-trained, from of these gorgeous planes and yell..." figure it out on the way down...!!

    • @jamesdewey3259
      @jamesdewey3259 5 років тому +3

      @@marbleman52 prob be frozen in fear untell impact with the ground. Rember it's not the fall that killes you. But the sudden stop.

    • @rdc2724
      @rdc2724 5 років тому +5

      There's no point in getting mad at these people, because you would be getting mad at total idiots, and they are not worth it, it would be a total waste of energy!

    • @marbleman52
      @marbleman52 5 років тому +3

      @@rdc2724 Yea, But...but...but...What sweet revenge to be had by seeing how fast they could figure out how to pull the rip-cord on the parachute..!! Okay, fun is over. I don't condone unjustified killing as in a situation like this. But it sure is fun to think about..LOL..!!

    • @rdc2724
      @rdc2724 5 років тому

      @@marbleman52 If you're that stupid, you will never figure it out ;-)

  • @Paiadakine
    @Paiadakine 5 років тому +1

    14:01 is a great perspective. Thanks for the video and what a great man Gerald Parker is.

  • @zhardoum
    @zhardoum 5 років тому

    No words, just a “thanks”.. can’t say thanks enough.. ❤️

  • @michaelhughes3302
    @michaelhughes3302 5 років тому +1

    Amazing to see. Gerry you an absolute legend! The rest of the boys onboard and those on the ground must just be in awe of you. May you rest in peace Sir.

  • @bobmassey7227
    @bobmassey7227 5 років тому

    Very nice, thanks for posting this.

  • @globalaide49
    @globalaide49 5 років тому +2

    Great video!

  • @eapbking1
    @eapbking1 5 років тому

    Very, very, very fricken awesome!! May he rest peacefully in the clouds.Thank you guys for giving him this experience one last time, to cool! Also thank you so much for sharing it with us!

  • @SPEEDOFDOG
    @SPEEDOFDOG 5 років тому +1

    what a spectacular gentleman. 95 and memory intact and was still able to fly. rest in peace sir.

  • @adrielbarrios4559
    @adrielbarrios4559 3 роки тому

    This is so amazing, this is beautiful. RIP sir

  • @geordie_mech
    @geordie_mech 5 років тому +1

    You say in the title that you lost him just a short time after this mission. I believe he was waiting to fly this mission and you made it possible. Incredible. RIP sir

  • @kennedysingh3916
    @kennedysingh3916 5 років тому

    Great interview.

  • @JohnKorvell
    @JohnKorvell 3 роки тому

    These old boys always make my eyes wet. I don't know if it is from incredible respect or sadness from what we on Earth lose when they pass on. Smooth skies, Gerald.

  • @Juan_Doooh
    @Juan_Doooh 6 місяців тому +1

    To have heard the stories about his missions as he piloted to his last days. What an honor, and a privilege, may he rest in peace.

  • @ES44AC-2
    @ES44AC-2 5 років тому +2

    That was awesome for this Gentleman to get to fly one more time. Thanks to everyone involved in letting him do this . I bet he was so happy.....

  • @Pocketpatriot
    @Pocketpatriot 5 років тому

    Absolutely outstanding. I loved watching and listening to the account of a true ww2 hero,these folk are running out of time ,and documenting his stories is a vital piece of history. I used to love listening to the stories from my old neighbor who fought in Burma against the Japanese,just wish I had recorded the conversations we had.great job and all the love and respect to all veterans that fought so bravely for our freedom, all the best from England (gods country).

  • @R.T_Go_Your_Own_Way
    @R.T_Go_Your_Own_Way 5 років тому +2

    What a special video , thanks for sharing

  • @justtl5885
    @justtl5885 5 років тому +1

    Good work,thank you.

  • @pauldelaney9488
    @pauldelaney9488 5 років тому +5

    Sending love and respect from 🇳🇿.heart warming to say the least.👍

  • @heathfitzgerald363
    @heathfitzgerald363 3 роки тому

    Thats amazing. I was fortunate enough to be able to take my Dad up for a flight in one of the F-16s i fly. It was one of those fights ill always remember. Thank you for sharing the video sir.

  • @yamahonkawazuki
    @yamahonkawazuki 5 років тому +2

    ty erik. i subbed because of this and hte connie vid. thank you for making this mans trip down memory lany a reality once again ~ ( salute )

  • @solfridkristoffersen4956
    @solfridkristoffersen4956 Рік тому +1

    Thank you Sir , Love from Norway!

  • @fetengineer9151
    @fetengineer9151 5 років тому +7

    I have great respect for this WW2 AAF combat veteran... history... wow right here on this video!

  • @sandspar
    @sandspar 5 років тому +1

    They knew the stakes and the impact their actions would have on the world at the time. The echoes of their dedication still making lives richer 75 years later. Thanks for posting, it certainly enriched my life to see this. May God Bless.

  • @JoesRCCorner
    @JoesRCCorner 5 років тому

    Excellent video. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. It is important that the next generations understand what these young men faced so that they can enjoy the freedoms we take for granted in our great country. God Bless the USA.... And thank you to the men and women that sacrificed...

  • @koningbolo4700
    @koningbolo4700 3 роки тому

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE SIR....

  • @brianpruitt3081
    @brianpruitt3081 5 років тому

    Sorry for your loss man. I can only imagine what a great guy he was.

  • @paulrourke4785
    @paulrourke4785 5 років тому +1

    Absolutely Brilliant!!!!! We understand your loss, B24 Restoration Australia.

  • @reganswan8570
    @reganswan8570 2 роки тому +1

    What a beautiful video the WW2 memories of an ex airforce pilot and the adventures he had .

  • @dougauzene8389
    @dougauzene8389 5 років тому +4

    This...ls Great America...
    Two Thumbs Up, Eric!