What a great interview, in no small part made more impressive by the demeanour and delivery of the interviewee, including the humour . . . A life brimmed full of achievement and service, as well as its knock-backs, which serves as a fully valid reference even today.
Buzz was a great person and smart - he was an attorney. After we interviewed him, my wife and I would meet up with him for a steak dinner. I could listen to him forever. He was something special. Thanks for watching.
A generation of tough people, no chest pounding and look at me , just we had a job to do. Much as today's veterans who volunteer for service, thank you all ,
I've watched a number of your other interviewees, and this has been the best so far. "Buzz" was far less hesitant in answering questions, had a better memory for recalling details, and an excellent, self-deprecating sense of humor.
Historical gold. Great these interviews were made. My Dad and many of his colleagues / mates (British, South African and US) never liked talking to us about the war when we were young nippers.
My Uncle George was a B-24 Navigator in WW2 based in England. He ended up staying in either the reserves or California Air National Guard and retired a LCOL.
These were some of the most important words I have heard. I have heard many stories from my uncle 17 tail gunner, dad crew chief, but I will wake up tomorrow, trying my best to make all these men proud. You just cant put these men, there patriotism, and courage into a category. Thank God for these men and people of the time. I will do my best! Thank you.
Thank you. I got to know Buzz after the interview. He was kind and intelligent and we had things in common- we're both lawyers. I miss meeting him for steak dinners. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching. Ray
That was an outstanding and interesting interview. The interviewer did a great job and so did both and recalling so many details. C it was very interesting and provided a lot of details people might not of guessed about what it was like to be flying over Germany at that time. There aren’t many men left from that era and I’m glad that some of the stories have been captured as first person narrative because there will be no more new information after they are all gone. By my calculations, Buzz would be about 98 years old now. I was struck by how different he looks now than he did as a young flier. A different face shape, it seemed.
Thank you for your thoughtful analysis. Buzz was a wonderful interview - intelligent and articulate. He passed on in 2013 at the age of 91. Thanks for watching.
Raymond,I have recently discovered and subscribed to your channel.I am enjoying very much working my way through the fascinating interviews.I live in the East of England and have travelled past many of the airfields used by the United States aircrew in World War 2.Unfortunately many people have no idea of the very brave,very young and very humble men who used to leave these airfields not knowing whether they would return.25 missions doesn’t sound very much but I bet it felt like an eternity especially with the loss rates experienced at particular stages as the war progressed.I am very grateful to the contribution made by these men in defeating the Nazis.In the UK,our own members of Bomber Command have not been treated very well,no campaign medal and even accused of committing war crimes.The truth of the matter has been illustrated by some of your excellent interviewees who confirmed that they had no choice and simply did what they were ordered to the best of their ability and whether they survived or not was often a matter of luck.Well done on obtaining these excellent testimonies from real heroes. Best wishes Stuart
Thank you Stuart for your insight and kind feedback. It was really an honor to have interviewed these greatest generation veterans. There was a special quality about these guys....a real sincerity in the way they shared their stories....so endearing. Most of them have passed and I miss them all. Thanks again for your comments and thanks for watching.
Love your channel and all the heroic stories. My uncle Jim was a navigator on a cargo plane in the S. Pacific. He was involved in a crash, the only survivor.
15% losses just ferrying the aircraft across the Pond. Couple that to the losses in training, combat losses and accidents in theatre and serviceability of aircraft, the "Overhead" to mounting of operations was huge in those days.
@raymondmcfalone26 As a Veteran I so enjoy these interviews. I'm 3rd generation Veteran. My Grandfather WW1,Uncle WW2.I served in USAF beginning 1975 during peace time.
@56:00 "Wow, you really 'Shacked' that bridge !" @1:06"So, in the spirit of brotherhood, we piled all our bicycles together and poured gasoline on them and burned them".
I can only see these men as the best of the US and typical of their generation. They are mostly gone now, but they will always be an inspiration for values that are sadly lacking today.
Look at the crews flying Route Package 6 in the Vietnam War. Hanoi had and Route Package 6 had more anti-aircraft artillery and SAMs, it was the most protected airspace in the history of air warfare. The airmen flying over Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were every bit as good, loyal and dedicated. The Hanoi Hilton and tiger cages of Laos were horrid torture dungeons that made the Stalags look like 5 star resorts. The Vietnam Airmen knew they were fighting a war that Washington had no intention of winning, but they flew the missions and were always faithful. Now tell me these men are any better warriors than the F-105, F-4, F-100, A-4, AD-1, A-7, EB-66 crews or the 19 and 20 year old Warrant Officers flying Dust-Off or UH-1 air mobile missions during the Vietnam Era.
Students in school should have to study these men's stories so they can hear what sacrifice is and that you're not owed anything, and the government shouldn't be taking care of you
Yes my father said they had north and south problems in the army. Times they real cooked food the southern people would pass the dish with the serving fork or spoon take some and pass it on. The people from the north had no table manners and would grab food with theirs hands and would not use a serving utensil. Needless to say the southerners left the people from the north to themselves. He knew that he could be called back if he joined the reserves. I would have liked to be in the room when he was called back the first time. Funny as shit.
William Johnston was a southerner on a B17 crew. He has some hilarious comments about dealing with the northerners - although one turned out to be closer than a brother at the end of the war. Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/M8qtEBw_IEg/v-deo.html
@@raymondmcfalone26 I will do that thanks. I had a uncle named William Johnston but he did not serve. 4F. He was bow legged. My father was discharged from the army December 7 1945 in El Paso Texas and as he was walking out the door with his discharge papers in hand a man was standing by the door and ask him if he wanted to join the army reserves. My father’s exact words were army’s ass and he kept walking. Had he done so there was a good possibility that he would have been in Korea. This man in the video probably should have been better off staying in. He already had the rank. He probably could have retired a colonel.
A pity that the interviewer asked easy run of the mill questions , when so much of interest could have been forthcoming. Example what where the main causes of poor navigation from 1944 to VE Day. How was Switzerland bombed on several occasions and cities not mission targets heavily bombed , Prague and Nijmegen. The RAF bombed more accurately at night using the devices he is disdainful of , OBOE , which could be jammed and GeeH which was far more difficult and allowed accurate navigation. I would suspect that more US bombers were lost through close formation flying , especially when an out of control aircraft crashes into a neighbor then the RAF did in their bomber streams .
These interviews were originally made for the veterans families - not as an historical/research piece. When the pandemic hit and I was stuck at home, I decided to upload them. Thanks for watching.
It would seem highly unlikely that an individual aircrew member would have knowledge of, or an opinion on, an operational/strategic question of this nature, but you go on and agendize your bad self.
@Memories to Music Because I am extremely interested in the subject I want to hear the reality , not preconceived ideas or popular notions. The bomber crews had a tough time and the thought of flying hundreds of miles over enemy territory must have been daunting. But for most within a few hours a clean bed and rest. Now put yourself as a Merchant Seaman setting sail from the American East coast in 1942/3 on a ship with 10,000 tons of petroleum or ammunition , and if lucky in ten days may reach safety. No glamour in that is there . That is reality.
@@raymondmcfalone26 How nice to do that for their families. I’ve been listening to these and it makes me think about my dad who was in the US infantry in Europe during WW II. I didn’t get a chance to talk too much to him about it since he died when I was 12.
The most articulate, well-spoken person I have ever listened to. Very impressive.
Buzz was a lawyer after the war - very well spoken.
He is a brilliant communicator. Great storyteller.
I remember Buzz taking my wife out for steaks. We sat transfixed listening to his stories. Thanks for watching.
A most excellent one hour and 24 minutes. An excellent tale of this veteran's time in service. Unforgettable.
What a great interview, in no small part made more impressive by the demeanour and delivery of the interviewee, including the humour . . .
A life brimmed full of achievement and service, as well as its knock-backs, which serves as a fully valid reference even today.
Buzz was a great person and smart - he was an attorney. After we interviewed him, my wife and I would meet up with him for a steak dinner. I could listen to him forever. He was something special. Thanks for watching.
A generation of tough people, no chest pounding and look at me , just we had a job to do.
Much as today's veterans who volunteer for service, thank you all ,
I've watched a number of your other interviewees, and this has been the best so far. "Buzz" was far less hesitant in answering questions, had a better memory for recalling details, and an excellent, self-deprecating sense of humor.
Plus he always bought the steaks when we would go out for dinner. Thanks for watching.
Historical gold. Great these interviews were made. My Dad and many of his colleagues / mates (British, South African and US) never liked talking to us about the war when we were young nippers.
My Uncle George was a B-24 Navigator in WW2 based in England. He ended up staying in either the reserves or California Air National Guard and retired a LCOL.
Possibly one of the best interviews on this channel, intelligent, erudite, concise put across with humour😎
My uncle flew 24s. Bombed Berlin twice. Finished his missions and came home.
These were some of the most important words I have heard. I have heard many stories from my uncle 17 tail gunner, dad crew chief, but I will wake up tomorrow, trying my best to make all these men proud. You just cant put these men, there patriotism, and courage into a category. Thank God for these men and people of the time. I will do my best! Thank you.
Thank you for your service Mr. McFalone. You Have a very interesting story..
Thanks for listening
Absolutely brilliant interview. This hero is sharp as a tack and with a captivating sense of humour. Great questions too!
Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for watching. Ray
Very nice work. The best veteran interview channel out there. Great editing
Thank you - much appreciated.
Thanks for uploading this well conducted interview. A very bright and articulate gentleman. Well conducted interview.
Thank you. I got to know Buzz after the interview. He was kind and intelligent and we had things in common- we're both lawyers. I miss meeting him for steak dinners. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching. Ray
That was an outstanding and interesting interview. The interviewer did a great job and so did both and recalling so many details. C it was very interesting and provided a lot of details people might not of guessed about what it was like to be flying over Germany at that time.
There aren’t many men left from that era and I’m glad that some of the stories have been captured as first person narrative because there will be no more new information after they are all gone. By my calculations, Buzz would be about 98 years old now. I was struck by how different he looks now than he did as a young flier. A different face shape, it seemed.
Thank you for your thoughtful analysis. Buzz was a wonderful interview - intelligent and articulate. He passed on in 2013 at the age of 91. Thanks for watching.
Raymond,I have recently discovered and subscribed to your channel.I am enjoying very much working my way through the fascinating interviews.I live in the East of England and have travelled past many of the airfields used by the United States aircrew in World War 2.Unfortunately many people have no idea of the very brave,very young and very humble men who used to leave these airfields not knowing whether they would return.25 missions doesn’t sound very much but I bet it felt like an eternity especially with the loss rates experienced at particular stages as the war progressed.I am very grateful to the contribution made by these men in defeating the Nazis.In the UK,our own members of Bomber Command have not been treated very well,no campaign medal and even accused of committing war crimes.The truth of the matter has been illustrated by some of your excellent interviewees who confirmed that they had no choice and simply did what they were ordered to the best of their ability and whether they survived or not was often a matter of luck.Well done on obtaining these excellent testimonies from real heroes.
Best wishes
Stuart
Thank you Stuart for your insight and kind feedback. It was really an honor to have interviewed these greatest generation veterans. There was a special quality about these guys....a real sincerity in the way they shared their stories....so endearing. Most of them have passed and I miss them all. Thanks again for your comments and thanks for watching.
These are a fantastic series of interviews Mr McFalone.
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
Love your channel and all the heroic stories. My uncle Jim was a navigator on a cargo plane in the S. Pacific. He was involved in a crash, the only survivor.
Thanks for watching. Raymond
15% losses just ferrying the aircraft across the Pond. Couple that to the losses in training, combat losses and accidents in theatre and serviceability of aircraft, the "Overhead" to mounting of operations was huge in those days.
Outstanding interview
Thanks. Glad you liked the video.
Simply one of the best interviews
Thank you sir.
45:30 most epic troll dark humor in WW2 history. I have heard thousands of WW2 stories and not one of them is so funny as this incident!
My father had the same gig in a B-24 and lived in Illinois. He might have known this guy.
Excellent interview
Thanks and thanks for watching. Raymond
@raymondmcfalone26 As a Veteran I so enjoy these interviews. I'm 3rd generation Veteran. My Grandfather WW1,Uncle WW2.I served in USAF beginning 1975 during peace time.
The B-24 is my favorite of altimeter. My name sake since 1994 April 4. I love it.
Very good.
I'm amazed at his memory
@56:00 "Wow, you really 'Shacked' that bridge !"
@1:06"So, in the spirit of brotherhood, we piled all our bicycles together and poured gasoline on them and burned them".
I can only see these men as the best of the US and typical of their generation. They are mostly gone now, but they will always be an inspiration for values that are sadly lacking today.
Look at the crews flying Route Package 6 in the Vietnam War. Hanoi had and Route Package 6 had more anti-aircraft artillery and SAMs, it was the most protected airspace in the history of air warfare.
The airmen flying over Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were every bit as good, loyal and dedicated. The Hanoi Hilton and tiger cages of Laos were horrid torture dungeons that made the Stalags look like 5 star resorts.
The Vietnam Airmen knew they were fighting a war that Washington had no intention of winning, but they flew the missions and were always faithful. Now tell me these men are any better warriors than the F-105, F-4, F-100, A-4, AD-1, A-7, EB-66 crews or the 19 and 20 year old Warrant Officers flying Dust-Off or UH-1 air mobile missions during the Vietnam Era.
“B24 gunner fired at another for the hell of it”….. what !?!?!?
It's called 'just for funzies'. Haha. Ya that did seem odd.
This clown is the biggest liar, wanna be hero ever.
@@tyroniousyrownshoolacez2347 🤡
The equine content of British Beer? "Horse Piss!" 🐙🕷🕸🐡🦈🐙
Students in school should have to study these men's stories so they can hear what sacrifice is and that you're not owed anything, and the government shouldn't be taking care of you
Yes my father said they had north and south problems in the army. Times they real cooked food the southern people would pass the dish with the serving fork or spoon take some and pass it on. The people from the north had no table manners and would grab food with theirs hands and would not use a serving utensil. Needless to say the southerners left the people from the north to themselves. He knew that he could be called back if he joined the reserves. I would have liked to be in the room when he was called back the first time. Funny as shit.
William Johnston was a southerner on a B17 crew. He has some hilarious comments about dealing with the northerners - although one turned out to be closer than a brother at the end of the war. Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/M8qtEBw_IEg/v-deo.html
@@raymondmcfalone26 I will do that thanks. I had a uncle named William Johnston but he did not serve. 4F. He was bow legged. My father was discharged from the army December 7 1945 in El Paso Texas and as he was walking out the door with his discharge papers in hand a man was standing by the door and ask him if he wanted to join the army reserves. My father’s exact words were army’s ass and he kept walking. Had he done so there was a good possibility that he would have been in Korea. This man in the video probably should have been better off staying in. He already had the rank. He probably could have retired a colonel.
Great interview. Does anyone else think he sounds like Ronald Reagan?
A pity that the interviewer asked easy run of the mill questions , when so much of interest could have been forthcoming. Example what where the main causes of poor navigation from 1944 to VE Day. How was Switzerland bombed on several occasions and cities not mission targets heavily bombed , Prague and Nijmegen. The RAF bombed more accurately at night using the devices he is disdainful of , OBOE , which could be jammed and GeeH which was far more difficult and allowed accurate navigation. I would suspect that more US bombers were lost through close formation flying , especially when an out of control aircraft crashes into a neighbor then the RAF did in their bomber streams .
These interviews were originally made for the veterans families - not as an historical/research piece. When the pandemic hit and I was stuck at home, I decided to upload them. Thanks for watching.
It would seem highly unlikely that an individual aircrew member would have knowledge of, or an opinion on, an operational/strategic question of this nature, but you go on and agendize your bad self.
@Memories to Music Because I am extremely interested in the subject I want to hear the reality , not preconceived ideas or popular notions. The bomber crews had a tough time and the thought of flying hundreds of miles over enemy territory must have been daunting. But for most within a few hours a clean bed and rest. Now put yourself as a Merchant Seaman setting sail from the American East coast in 1942/3 on a ship with 10,000 tons of petroleum or ammunition , and if lucky in ten days may reach safety. No glamour in that is there . That is reality.
@@raymondmcfalone26 How nice to do that for their families. I’ve been listening to these and it makes me think about my dad who was in the US infantry in Europe during WW II. I didn’t get a chance to talk too much to him about it since he died when I was 12.
This man is a liar James W. You know it. I know it.