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.
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
‘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.
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.
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!!!
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 !
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!
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
@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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
Unfortunately another WWII hero has passed, pretty soon their won’t be any left. Gerald is one of many WWII Veterans who will be deeply missed. Rest In Peace buddy, I never met you, but I can tell you were an amazing person! I hope that last flight was an amazing end to your flying career! ErikJohnston, this was an amazing video and a great way to remember our veterans and anyone who served in the U.S. Military. God bless!
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!
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.
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.
@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...!!
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!
@@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..!!
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...
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...
Christ, what a beautiful aircraft, and what a legend of a pilot. Market Garden? Really? Wow. Thank you for your service Sir, and i hope you are flying with fair winds in clear skies with no enemies in sight.
North Africa, Husky, D-day, Market Garden... Holy cow, this man had seen some incredible things. Thank you so much for recording and sharing this! Truly brilliant work!
Soon as they left the ground, it was like everything flew right back into him. His airplane, he jumped right on that trim tab and stick. God bless this old soul for everything he did.
This is absolutely amazing I bet he felt 20 again up there. He’s a legend and a hero
This gentleman went to Heaven with an everlasting smile on his face. Thank you guys for sharing this great
Moment of Jerry. RIP
The man has certainly earned it.
R.I.P.
Fair winds Jerry
I like how he's sitting on the captain's chair and not the co-pilot.
Little touch but beautiful.
He belongs no where else.
You made an old man very happy that day. Thank you for preserving a bit a history for us.
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.
god bless that man and keep him
Wrench245 your so right
I’m currently in the process of painting a c-47 at my job
I’m currently in the process of painting a c-47 at my job
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.
This is what UA-cam is for.. remembering and documenting the real hero's that served with out question. A great man and generation.
I agree
UA-cam is supposed to be a representation on broadcasting ourselves - not demonetise ourselves.
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
I agree with u seen things that should be seen, and he saw it at young man
‘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.
And for my country!
God Bless him and every man and woman who served during WW2. Thanks for getting his stories preserved.
Mr MEMé no I’m only concerned with my country men. I’m an American.
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.
3:42 he went back in time when the plane began to lift and he just grabbed the elevator trim wheel instinctively. :D
4TaktRollerNeinDanke yep. Muscle memory that lasted 70 or so years
I noticed that to
4TaktRollerNeinDanke I noticed that this is awesome
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!!!
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 !
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.
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!
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!!
Great video sad to see the loss of another one from the greatest generation.
They truly were. My grandfather passed in 2017. Great man, helped build the infrastructure we all take for granted today.
@@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.
@@MonkeyDolphin My dad flew the Hump as well. Lost his "houch mate" over the mountains who was my mother's first husband.
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.
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.
Now he is very happy and smiling there in the sky! RIP👏👏👏👏👏👏😊
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
Much love Mr. Gerald, much respect and much appreciation. God bless you sir. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
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.
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.
All I could say is you're a great American for doing what you've done , both of you!
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
You folks did a wonderful thing for Mr. Parker--a beautiful gift for someone who deserved it so much. Thank you.
This is beautiful to me. I haven't shed a tear in a while until tonight watching this..
What a way to pay tribute to a WWII pilot - loads of respect for you Sir
What a wonderful interview.
Rest in peace Gerald.
Scott, a hearty thank you. Gerald, RIP and know that your efforts will always be remembered.
This video brought a tear to my eye. Great job Erik and Scott!
@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
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.
Gerald could pass in peace knowing he could and did fly his bird for one last time.
Thank you so much for posting this video. RIP Gerald. So glad he got that opportunity and you were able to preserve his stories.
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.
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!
This video is a great find on YT and I want to thank the whole team that made it possible. Thank you.
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
This just came up on my feed 3 years late. I am so glad it did. God bless u guys.
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!
What a wonderful tribute. Kudos to you and the film crew. RIP Gerald.
So good of you to Post this Pict! of a great VET!!! Im sure it warmed every ones Heart!!
What an amazing man! I was fortunate enough to know a C-47 pilot and heard quite a few amazing stories!
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.
All those years and stepped right back 70 years and flew like he was 20years old again. I love these people ❤
Awesome video, Erik and everyone else. Thumbs up to you Gerald! 👍
Amazing Flight with two heroes, the Veteran Pilot and DC3 / C47.
THANK GOD FOR MEN LIKE HIM GOD BLESS HIS MEMOIRS.
Really enjoyed this video, what a sweet guy you are, Gerald! Rest in Honor, Sir. 🇺🇸❤
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.
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!
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
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.
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.....
This put a smile on my face. RIP sir
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.
Gerald was a cool guy. Thanks for sharing his story with us.
Why would anyone give this video a thumbs down ? Beyond belief ! Simply wonderful.
Gods speed Mr. Parker. Thank you for your service. Love the video.
How stinking cool, thank you so much for sharing and documenting this legend of a pilot!
what a spectacular gentleman. 95 and memory intact and was still able to fly. rest in peace sir.
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
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Jerry for your service and my freedom!
Loved the vid, thanks for your service to freedom Mr. Parker, love from Australia
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.
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
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.
Thank you for your service RIP
What a beautiful video the WW2 memories of an ex airforce pilot and the adventures he had .
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.
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.
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).
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
Wow, so fantastic that he got to do this again shortly before he passed away. Im really going to miss that generation, not many left anymore 😔
RIP Gerald. Thanks for helping to save the world.
Brought a tear to my eye. You can see the joy this brought him. Thank you for everything you've done may you RIP.
Unfortunately another WWII hero has passed, pretty soon their won’t be any left. Gerald is one of many WWII Veterans who will be deeply missed. Rest In Peace buddy, I never met you, but I can tell you were an amazing person! I hope that last flight was an amazing end to your flying career! ErikJohnston, this was an amazing video and a great way to remember our veterans and anyone who served in the U.S. Military. God bless!
You can't say this about many people, but WWII Vets LITERALLY saved the world.
Awesome video and an awesome guy! Thanks for sharing.
His smile flying is priceless
Thanks for your service sir. RIP.
Sending love and respect from 🇳🇿.heart warming to say the least.👍
14:01 is a great perspective. Thanks for the video and what a great man Gerald Parker is.
No words, just a “thanks”.. can’t say thanks enough.. ❤️
Stunning shot of the low pass over the field,favourable winds and blue skies to this old pilot!
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!
Absolutely Brilliant!!!!! We understand your loss, B24 Restoration Australia.
That was really nice. My father, a WWII vet died just a few days before his 95th this July. Fortunately I recorded a few of our final conversations.
This...ls Great America...
Two Thumbs Up, Eric!
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.
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.
@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...!!
@@marbleman52 prob be frozen in fear untell impact with the ground. Rember it's not the fall that killes you. But the sudden stop.
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!
@@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..!!
@@marbleman52 If you're that stupid, you will never figure it out ;-)
I just watched the video Erik, and it made me tear up 😪. Thanks for this great video!
Man, his last mission was over my country. Thank you, Mr. Parker, we will never forget you or what you have done.
Wow what a flying history book at age 95 no visable signs of heart stress from take off and landing....amazing.
Glad you did this.
I have great respect for this WW2 AAF combat veteran... history... wow right here on this video!
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...
So cool to watch him fly and be distracted with story telling yet never miss a beat. How cool it that.... love it.
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...
Rip airman Gerald we know your now flying with your brothers in that sky above us
Christ, what a beautiful aircraft, and what a legend of a pilot. Market Garden? Really? Wow. Thank you for your service Sir, and i hope you are flying with fair winds in clear skies with no enemies in sight.
Sorry for your loss man. I can only imagine what a great guy he was.
North Africa, Husky, D-day, Market Garden...
Holy cow, this man had seen some incredible things.
Thank you so much for recording and sharing this! Truly brilliant work!
Soon as they left the ground, it was like everything flew right back into him. His airplane, he jumped right on that trim tab and stick.
God bless this old soul for everything he did.