After 70 years, World War II Pilot Flies the B-25 again!
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- Col Hugh Maxwell, Jr (retired) flew B-25 and B-24 bombers in combat in WWII as a submarine hunter. At age 99, he takes the controls of his favorite aircraft, the B-25 with Tom Reilly, the owner and master warbird restoration specialist of Killer 'B'. This a partial segment that will appear in "Wings of Victory: Keeping Our Warbirds Flying," appearing on WDSC-TV in November 2015.
Note: Col. Maxwell passed away on July 2, 2017 at the age of 101. It was a privilege knowing him for 2 short years. He was a giant of a man as so many of his generation were. - Producer Kevin Lorden
I am 95 and I was a B-25 pilot during WWII. No combat, but qualified as a flight instructor in those days. Flew out of Enid Air Force Base, not called Vance AF Base. Still have my pilot's manual, a year book, my officer's cap, etc. etc. Don't think I could climb that ladder to get to the cockpit, but I still have many memories. We had over 50 B-25s on that base.
Thank you sir for your service. My husband was a F14 Fighter pilot and we are enjoying meeting WWII veterans and staying in touch while visiting the various air museums seeing the Fortresses, Mustangs and Liberators. I hope you can document most of your stories to be handed down thru the generations. All the Best to you always and will think of you this Veterans Day, Sunday.
Thank you for your service, sir!
Thank you sir for all you did for your country
thanks for your service,SIR
May God bless you Sir and this great nation in Jesus Christ name, thank you for all you've done and continue to do.
From a grateful, humble, and proud American.
Damn he's in damn good shape for 99
Nick K yeah
Damn, we should all look so good at that age!!!!!
Great
99 wow he's in good shape, big respect goes to all the men who fought in ww2 and women who aided them
Ryley W my great grandfather is 99 and he still walk's fine no wheelchair or stick
Dad was with Pattons army during WW 2 as a combat engineer and was there when Dachau was liberated. Only thing he ever said about it was "you wouldn't believe the smell". Occupation duty after the war, then to Korea during that bit of unpleasantness. He joined the Air Force when it became its own service, learning to be a jet engine mechanic. Worked on T-33's, F-86D's, F-102's and F-100's going from mechanic to line chief. Retired after his 20 as a MSgt. (E-7), even though his commander offered him another stripe if he did another 4 years. If he had, he'd of probably retired as Chief MSgt. (E-9)Until last year, he cleaned out the gutters on his house, but still mows his lawn. He's 91 this July. He and others like him are what made America great.
Colonel Maxwell passed a couple of weeks ago at age 101.
Old/// My Father was also an E-9 in the Air Force,HE RETIRED AFTER 32 YEARS.1959-1991.
Behind every good man, is the support of a good woman.
99 year old man climbed into the bird, but the young man that flew in the 40s was who was in control in the skies
roaklin amen
right on
the bravest generation that will ever be. so proud of you all.thank you so much for what you did.
This made me cry. God Bless this man and all of our vets from the greatest generation.
A better more deserving generation than we have now. Thank you Veterans of WW2 from an AF Vet of today. I did little but you did so much.
Col. Maxwell was our neighbor growing up. Great job Col., and THANK YOU for your service !!!
Wow
Maxwell, the families you dropped bombs on curse the day you were born.
The human race curses the day on which you were born. Why don't you go to your safe space, little snowflake, and cry a lot.
BCS. God curses the day you and your neighbor dropped bombs on children
hhk khk,
What is it you and your sidekick "BCS Technology Limited" do when you're not trying to be a badass troll? Probably on your knees for Princess Harry?
Thank you all that served here in England and Europe we couldn't have done it without you.thank you.
Curse all that served here in England and Europe that dropped bombs on families. Double Curse all that dropped gasoline bombs on families in Dresden. May these so called hero's families be cursed for all the killing their grandfather did.
You can't get away with a warcrime - that's what they say, but all forces of WW2 did get away.
soaringtractor My mother loved working with the USAF during and after WW2. Many great friends were made and holidays spent.
@@dlbdlb3919 Sad little flake,you really are a disgrace to England,utter shite.
ass kisser!!!!
It was great that Col. Maxwell got one final "check ride" in a plane that as a young man in his twenties, he piloted in defense of the USA. He and all of our World War II armed forces personnel have my utmost respect for what they did. I served in the U.S. Navy, but compared to what Col. Maxwell's generation endured in Europe and the Pacific, my time in the military was a cakewalk.
Thank you, Colonel, for your service to the USA, and may you rest well!
It's wonderful these men get to relive a small part of their past. Major props to organizations who make this kind of thing possible. And God bless all veterans!
70 years ago, after a combat mission, these young men couldn't get out of this aircraft fast enough. Later in life, these same men only dream of getting back into their plane. War changes a man forever. Don't ever tell a combat veteran to put all that in the past because they can not.
You can see the biggest smile from ear to ear on that 99 year old veteran. Flying that bird never leaves you once you have your wings. Every day thank a veteran for their service if you see one, especially in stores. My father-in-law (now deceased) served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. A big thank you to every veteran, man and woman, that served our country during WWII!!!!
I'm tearing up thinking about how many vets are left. We probably wouldn't be here without them and its just fascinating...
Sick, they dropped bombs on people.
+hhk khk So did the other side.
Two wrongs don't make a right
hhk khk Thats war! Don't be so naive. Those bombs could have save lives.
Does my heart good to see this and to see the efforts in keeping these great birds flying for current generations to see.
We owe the "greatest generation ' everything.
We owe the continental army everything, or we wouldn't even exist in the first place. Bunch of colonists defeating the original superpower. Funny how they are forgotten. Sad at the same time.
@@shelbyseelbach9568 I am not here to debate history. This video is about WWII pilot who climbs in the old B-25 after 70 some years. Yes we do owe the continental army everything as we do "the greatest generation.". I am not plugging this but there is a very good documentary on WWII in HD on Netflix.
@@TheAznative101 watched it years ago when it first came out. History channel when it was still history channel. You can't name a ww2 documentary I haven't seen multiple times.
I was actually addressing the "greatest generation" title. It's horribly inaccurate.
The Russians defeated Germany. The western front was a minor side show compared to the eastern front. We defeated Japan, but that wad essentially inevitable. They never intended to fight a prolonged war as they knew they couldn't win. A matter of time was all.
The revolution was fought on this soil, by people actually defending their homes. Who should have lost inevitably like Japan. But who endeavored to persevere and indeed did. Would have been like us invading Iraq and somehow against all odds losing. The true greatest generation, there really is no arguement, so it's good that you don't want to. Just saying, and not belittling the sacrifices made by the men of ww2 at all.
@@shelbyseelbach9568 I try to keep on one subject when I reply. I was born in '46 not that it matters. Just history or a kind of bench mark. When a video comes up about the revolutionary war have at it. I just saw another video of a vet who piloted a B-17 as well. Gary Senesse(sp) is doing a wonderful job of honoring our heros. Tom Brokaw I believe coined the term 'the greatest generation'. The greatest generation was attributed to our heros. You can attach any name you want to any other countrie's vets. I served as well during the Vietnam war. I enlisted and got lucky enough to serve in Germany doing what they call now sig int signal intelligence listening to the then Soviet Union. I used to watch the History Channel and Discovery Channel when they were just that. I am not the historian you are. Thank you for keeping the histor alive so we can learn from you. I hope you impart that knowledge to others like school age kids. Never forget histroy no matter who made it.
@@TheAznative101 you bet.
I have always wanted to fly a B-25. That plane was incredibly versatile and as rugged as the day is long.
Yankee Air Museum Ypsilanti MI has Mitchell B-25 on flight deck. Also one being restored, check out www.sandbarmitchell.org in Brighton MI.
They carried our Hope's and dreams on their backs, while never stopping the fight. God bless all of them.
Hey Pops, what you gonna do today?
Well kid, I'm gonna be 19 again!
ha
im gonna fly a B-25 again
kid:wait what..
pops:hey kid look up
I got tears in my eyes as I see this great man....he and his brothers in arms the knights of the skies that fought for freedom and never thought twice about the possibility of being shot down.. heroes all of them...long live the greatest generation....and God bless them all
"The best generation" ...Thank you .
It was an honor meeting Col. Maxwell. So grateful for our veterans. Special thanks to the B-25 family. Since my sons mentorship, he’s become a soldier and is on his way to an exciting career as a power plant repairer.
Not many people are afforded the chance to go back to their 20s and feel that vitality and sense of purpose a second time. What a fortunate man.
My Grandpa was a B24 pilot in the Cottontails of the 15th USAAF in Italy in WWII, was badly wounded and nearly died. He stayed in the USAF for another 34 years. I am just old enough to remember him in his uniform in the 1970s. He never flew again after being wounded.
He was close to a few of the old CAF pilots (when it was still in Harlingen - we were in San Antonio) who were in "Tora, Tora, Tora" and "Black Sheep Squadron" (etc.) so we went to all the local air shows. Right before he died he got to take a little trip in one of the currently-flying B24s. It was the only time I ever saw the man cry.
As I am passing through my middle years and headed toward retirement I think I can finally understand how he felt, being swept up by that machine and transported back to being 26 years old, having a clearly defined purpose in life, and feeling strong and young. I can only imagine the terrible memories that were awakened and that probably bugged him for some time afterward.
I loved and respected that man, and I wish I had known him better *as* a man, and maybe not so exclusively as my Grandpa.
He was one of the heroes. Colonel Maxwell was one of the heroes, too. It was great seeing Maxwell doing this.
Rest in peace, Colonel Maxwell.
Rest in peace, Grandpa.
They all will be gone soon. We must not forget what they did for us.
Col. Maxwell was an incredible guy! I read his obituary after watching this video and he was simply amazing. I am so sorry for his family's loss.
That is a beautiful aeroplane and a fantastic thing to do for a veteran.
This brought tears to my eyes! What a great video and a great generation! Can't believe that anyone could give this a thumbs down.
I salute this true American Patriot! My father-in-law, 98 years young, was an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific Theater during WWII and still going strong.
Thanks everyone for letting the true gentleman fly again...words cannot describe how proud I am of them.....best of America.
God bless you Sir and thank you for your service.....respect from france👍
I have always wanted to fly a B-25, and seeing this makes me feel like I could do anything
What a remarkable man for 99. Hope he is still going strong. Old pilots never die, they just fly away.
steinwaygrande They will fly top cover for the angels when they pass on....
I'm a retired Vietnam helicopter pilot and hope they do something like this for us, if we are still around! LOL Excellent video and thanks for sharing and the very best of luck.
GOOD JOB!!! YOU MADE THE OLD MAN FEEL YOUNG AGAIN!!!
Outstanding. I love it when Americans come together to honor our heroes and history!!!
However there is something sort of kept to himself. You see, when he flew this aircraft in the 40’s, they were at war. That meant knowing they had to kill or destroy the enemy and run the risk of not coming home. Hats off to everyone involved keeping this old bird in the sky and allowing others to learn and reminisce fading glory.
Great that the gentleman had the opportunity to fly a B-25 again! I remember B-25's flying out of Randolph A.F.B. when I was a kid and my Dad was stationed there.
I did. bet these lads can still fly with the eyes shut. like to see them get the chance again
A great tribute to an old warrior. Glad he had the opportunity.
He should have died for all the killing he did.
hhk khk Hm might aswell just tell the other people especially from the other side or do you just target US veterans?
Honor these men there are dam few left ,We can still learn from them.,they saved our country ,I think we owe them more then we can ever repay,but they have my respect.
This brought a tear to my eye. Fantastic video
Tom Reilly is the greatest man I have ever known. Thanks Tom.
It was about 17 years ago in Kissimmee I was there every day off I had just standing looking the airplanes, until one day that he approach me and said to me that he had saw there before and ask a little about me... I told him that I love aviation and this was like a dream come true and he said well I’m glad to hear that and you’re free to come back whenever you want it to, just grab a broom or do something hahaha make me the happiest men for a season until September eleven come and we split our ways... thanks Tom you’re a great and kind men (on you own way) miss also Chris, Jerry, Bodine and Alan many many years ago
People like Col. Hugh Maxwell, gives hope for people like myself, who is now in his late 50's.
It was men like him that made me the person I am today! Veterans before me were my mentors! Warriors all! Semper Fi!
This man Hugh Maxwell presented my father with the Bronze Star medal in 1968. USAF Major Hugh B. Ayers. I have the picture but I can't post it.
Nice one!... Lest we forget those who gave us and guaranteed our freedoms! And to those serving who protect them to this day and tomorrow!.
I flew in this plane with Tom recently. Awesome experience!!!
God bless this man..!! He knows what it's like to have had to risk his life for freedom.
We owe them ,and it shouuld be our honor to always honor them,there very few left,sir thank your service.
That was so cool God bless that gentleman
01:09 that canopy is simply stunning
Thank you,
Col. Max....
Along with the corsair that b-25 is a beautiful plane
My deepest respect goes out to those who flew this wonderful plane. My favorite bomber after the B-17 and I actually got to ride in one. I understood after that whey the crew kissed the ground after coming back from their missions. I wanted to do the same but that was due to the landing. Scariest landing I had ever experienced.
The best on this B-25 is the Matt Paintjob. 99% of all WW2 Planes were painted Matt! I can't understand this fashion of restored ww2 planes with glossy Camo.
They really were the greatest generation.
Amazing!!! I really hope these guys know what they mean to us.Huge respect!!! Standing ovation!!!
I saw a b25 similar looking to this one at rome ga airshow in 2018. One of my favorite ww2 planes
Amazing on 99 years ! Respect forum him 👍
Was able to visit this small museum. Very cool and awesome place and highly recommend if near the Kennedy Space Center.
Awesome! Thank you sir. Salute!
Would have been much better actually showing him flying it.
Thank you for you service, Sir.
(salute)
Good to see some people still care 😊
That's a great thing you did man that plane is beautiful 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
He seems pretty good for 99
Very nice, good for him!
The plane becomes an extension of their body. The times they were terrified all shot up and plane limping home but it still got them back. No wonder they have a deep connection.
I saw that same B-25 at the Jacksonville Air Show yesterday, and I have a picture to prove it
now this is an awesome scene. Also if you are the one whom does not like it you do not deserve your freedom.
Unbelievable. You is the greatest thing for this world.
The B 25 is a hot plane to fly. You have to know your skills.
That was pretty awesome!
OUTSTANDING !
Anyone else get a bit misty watching this. This was almost a year ago. Is the COL still with us?
Yeah, me ! LOL
john Magill me to man hats off to all our vets
Yes! The good Colonel is still with us. I just received an email from him this weekend. Interestingly, he would rather discuss current Geo-political events, than live in the past. He's an amazing man with so many well told stories.
-Kevin Lorden Producer/Director
john Magill
WDSCTV15, I don't blame him for not wanting to talk about the past. There were some unbelievably nasty things he and others went through. I imagine that reliving the good can bring up the bad memories too. Bless this man and others who fought!
After flying these planes in anger so that others could later fly them for fun, it seems fitting that Col. Maxwell got one chance to experience a flight absent fear and uncertainty before he passed.
Nice one!! Excellent in every respect! X
Wish we could have seen him fly it.
the plane noises sounds cool
this is at the Tico Warbird museum in Titusville Florida (KTIX)
Great video
What a great presentation, thank you for sharing.
_"One last dance, Old friend."_
I sincerely hope I'm in as good shape when I turn 99. lol.
Yeah I hope so too.
This is proof that these old planes can still fly such a shame to see planes that could once again fly get stuck up in a hangar or museum.
$$$ is the main reason. Be glad to see them, and that they weren't scrapped.
And the other thing is the condition of their metal. This is why there are so few Japanese WW2 airframes still flyable. Their structural members, never built for immortality, have deteriorated without even corroding, and have to be completely replaced. A big deal.
But I have to say wow thos planes are beauties
Guy: what are you gonna do today?
Vet: *nervous laugh with hiroshima in mind.
Why didnt any footage of actual flight appear? ???..
The story is not dissimilar to
92-year-old WW2 veteran flies Spitfire again - BBC NEWS
(search YT for that term)
Also search for:
The Royal Air Force ladies that flew the Spitfire
Awesome video!
wow on point
No cockpit video?
Hell yeah!
I would see this b25 mitchell bomber and b17 memphis belle at war birds air show in Australia at Mareeba aerodrome Australia
...hey, 'deegah'...one, regularly, flew from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Canada...we would, often see General William (Billy) Mitchell's namesake aircraft skychomping overhead!...did they fly at that airshow, too?...Colonel Dolittle and his flight of heroic airmen flew those planes off an aircraft carrier to bomb Japan less than a year after Pearl Harbour...incredible story about fearless men, capable machines and Yankee ripostability!...be well, down there, Digger!...
Love the video
3:14 hanging out with that open bomb bay, ready to drop 3x1,000lb AN-M65A1 Amatol bombs.
Looks like he's barely 60 woah.
Beautiful plane!! I can't believe the U. S. government destroyed planes like this at the end of WWII ! I think I might have read somewhere that they even destroyed brand new planes that were being readied for the war effort when the war ended !
Winners write history
zeb quakenbush Yes , They did. All true.
I ha done question. Why were the bomb bay doors open?
i love what they did for the heroes of WW2 i seen many videos with the same goal . but naming korea vietnam etc they arent heroes they fought for resources true heroes are WW1 and WW2 they fought for freedom not bullshit . i still think is great they are honoring WW2 vets
What an illiterate fool you are.
RIP
my great uncle danny scholl was in that plane