I remember a gentleman, who was one of my paper-route customers in Fort Langley, BC (Canada) during the 80's who lived in a really nice tudor style house. I was in the foyer a few times collecting money for the route, and noticed some mementoes he had in display cases. Flight wings, medals, certificates and I once asked him if he served. He said he did, but in the German Luftwaffe. 13 year old me was utterly fascinated by that. He was an exceptionally kind fellow, and I remember he gave me a Christmas card with a $10 tip inside. Years later, after he passed away, I found out Mr. Stigler was in fact Franz Stigler, the 109 pilot who escorted a gravely wounded B-17 out of hostile airspace. I was completely in awe. This old dude on my paper route was a genuine Knight of the Sky.
only * to all of this is he did kill Americans and killed British. He did a wonderful thing. Absolutely wonderful. But he was no Knight of the Sky. I would shake his hand and buy him a drink but keep all of this in perspective.
Wow. I'm trying to imagine what u must have felt when seeing this video. Your story got me all choked up. Thank u for sharing a gem about my favorite person in WW2.
I agree with you 😐as despite my family has history with ww2 in fact this is Special for a number of reasons 😐this year would mark the 80th anniversary of franz and Charlie 🙂2023-80=1943 and by listening to savaton and why not I understand that I can forgive Germany for their actions in ww2 as you said many of them did not want war but it’s about dudy and survival witch is reasonable 😐however I will NOT forgive dousebags or notzis
the bombers mission, was not to kill people. the bombers mission was to destroy factories, vehicles, depots. they were after weapons of war. not the people involved. unfortunately, people were involved. but, they were doing their job, both sides. they had no choice. it wasnt a sign up thing like the military is now. he was probably drafted.
Sorry but he was a man who had the courage to show mercy and still be human in a inhuman war and risking his own life for that... this is what makes a person a hero. He was taught his skills by a WW1 veteran who taught them that there has to be honor in the battle. He said to his pilots: "If I see anyone of you guys shooting a parachute, i will shoot you down!"
he wasn't alone. during the period he flew alongside the bomber both planes were spotted by German anti-aircraft gunners who were initially going to shoot both planes down until someone recognized Franz Stiglers fighter. The commander of the gun crews ordered them not to fire even though there was a B-17 next to him (they thought it was a captured plane used for training exercises).
Sometimes human choices trump military orders. 1971 Vietnam, I was point man near Ben Cat not far from Cambodia. In the jungle, I nearly bumped into an NVA point man. I was 20, he looked 16. I had my M-16 raised first. Terror filled his eyes. Silently using hand signals the best I could, I told him to back up. Thankfully he understood, slowly slinging his SKS Rifle, I raised mine to port arms then I smiled, so did the kid and we both slowly walked backwards, both of us soon taking off at a run. There was no contact. All of us wanted to go home from that dirty little war.
Vietnam was a sickening war putting young and good US and Vietnamese people against one another because of some jackasses in capital hill. I’m glad you and the boy showed humanity in a time where the corrupt leaders wanted machines in flesh and bone.
But the North invaded the South, so our grandfathers had to stand up and fight against the communist invasion. Without doubt, the South was a better place for a lot of people!
The German is a true gentleman best words only looks at planes as planes but when he seen actual men he couldn't do it that shows you some enemy's have big hearts.
ZachTheGamer 812 Most Luftwaffe pilots still played by the gentleman's code from WW1 air combat, shoot down the plane, not your enemy. In this case Stigler let them go completely.
+BlotSven666 Maybe he was, maybe not. But people act like it's not possible for a Nazi to not be a murderer. But then again most of the Nazis which weren't murderers didn't fully knew the ideologie of the nazi party or just surrendered to group pressure and never thought much about the nazi party in the first place. That's very likely considering that even today germans wouldn't vote for a right-winged party because of social pressure and the fear to be outcasts in the eyes of the society. And i guess it's not different in other countries. However, people labeled with the word "Nazi" are automatically branded as evil people of 2nd class. Even if they hadn't much to do with national socialism... or in today's standards you don't even need to have the slightest link to national socialism to get branded as a Nazi. Overall the word "Nazi" is full of rubbish and 90% of the people don't even know anymore that the word "Nazi" was originally used for members of the NSDAP (The national socialist party that ruled germany from 1933 to 1945). So you could say only uneducated fools spread that word without thinking twice about it. Not that many care about that since 90% of the people on earth ARE uneducated fools that approve of it.
I would imagine that on the day Charlie passed, the sound of a 109 could be heard as a ghostly echo in the distance: His brother had come to escort him home. May the winds always favor you both.
This shit had me in tears. Franz is literally the embodiment of a warrior knight. True soldier. I am honored to even know of his existence. Cheers my fellow warrior brother.
"I love you Charlie" is what brought tears to my eyes. Franz didn't see a bomber hitting his country. He saw men struggling for their lives in a broken machine. Pilots were the most honorable of the servicemen. On all fronts.
I am German, 60 years old and I have to say that there is very very little that I am proud of in the Wehrmacht. Colonel Graf Stauffenberg and Franz Stigler, for example, are soldiers I am very, very proud of. Everyone who calls Stigler a traitor didn't understand anything at all. He had already shot down two bombers that day, but this third bomber was no longer a plane but a wreck that was still flying. The team was no longer able to defend themselves and almost everyone was injured. Killing it wouldn't have been a victory, it would have been murder. A look with the pilot showed his fear and he thought of the last seconds in the life of his brother who was also shot down. His behavior shows honor, critics didn't understand at all what it means to have honor. As a country, Germany had already lost all its honor back then, we just ran amok. But the individual could, as here, show what it is is still to have honor. A great role model for my two sons
I honestly mean this as a genuine question. How was it honourable to allow an allied terror bomber ‘go’ with the knowledge that the crew could come back the next day and the next to kill more German civilians? There were many honourable German servicemen during the war and I for one believe Stigler was, but I just can’t understand why it is more honourable to let the enemy live than protect your own civilian population. My conclusion? Stigler did NOT have ammunition and couldn’t shoot them down. His honour and dedication as a German serviceman was still to try to get them to turn (by bluff).
@@marka2463 I am absolutely sure that he still has enough ammo on board. He said he had reloaded ammo and fuel, which makes sense after 2 previous kills. I would like to know how you came up with the term "terrorist bomber". I live in Berlin and the city has suffered a lot BUT who reduced Guernica to rubble in 1937? London, Liverpool and other western cities bombed. Warsaw almost completely wiped out all attacks on civilians. Later V1 and V2 fired at civilian cities. The list of our deeds is endless. They talk about terror among the Allies, what did we Germans do then? If you attack me, I will defend myself with everything I can. We reckoned without the landlord. result known
@@2tone753 Thank you for your response. I know he SAID he had ammunition, but there is no independent evidence for this. I used the term terror bomber because during the war, that is how allied bombers were referred to by the German population - Terrorflieger. I am not disagreeing with your comments about the allied response in full measure, but it is important to remember the impact. Yes all of those cities you named were heavily bombed, as you will be aware, many German cities were almost wiped out. To a German flier in 1943, even to one who may have hated the Nazis, there would have been no uncertainty about his morality - a wounded bomber, or civilian children, women and old men. My premise - that Stigler did not have ammunition- still ‘fits’ with the evidence of the eye witness accounts. For the reasons I describe it actually makes him morally stronger - to try to stop an enemy bomber in an unarmed fighter because he was trying to defend those he ‘loved’
@@marka2463 I think you don't realize that Charlie's bombing run was already over by the time Franz caught up to him. With his plane already damaged, he couldn't hold formation and retreated alone. That's when Franz, rearming on the ground, spotted him.
A good friend of mine who is an aircraft mechanic, was friends with Franz. When Franz passed away, his widow gave him some items that Franz wanted him to have. One of those items was a book which had Franz's name and address hand written inside the cover. He lent me the book and I have to say that holding it in my hands was almost surreal, knowing the story and what kind of a man Franz was. Another neat thing is that Franz lived about half an hour from me. I wish I could have met him.
That's awesome man, stories like these are rare. should donate it or arrange some sort of service to have the book copied so their stories can be written in history
It was my honor to meet both of these men, when I helped bring them together for a flight simulator convention. In addition to their great stories, the highlight of a "Panel of Aces" we put together (which also included P-47 pilot Gabby Gabreski and a pilot of the 100th Bomb Group) was that in discussing some of their exploits, all of us figured out that all four of the pilots were involved in the same action on one day during the famed Big Week offensive. Before the panel, nobody knew that.
Alexander Meme Why do we need to cry? Ok a German pilot didn't shoot down a bomber. You act like there weren't always acts of kindness with Axis and Allied soldiers. Same thing as WW1. Christmas truce lasted all through the 24th and 25th. They played soccer and ate chocolate,rations, all of that. They were just people who were born in different places. This is nothing new.
As a Vietnam veteran, I found this to be a truly heart warming story. There are very few men with this much integrity. Hopefully we will some day learn to live without wars.
My dad was a seal in Vietnam. He passed away in 2009 and always told me " whenever you see a Vietnam vet , you tell them * Welcome Home * , because we never got a welcome home ". So soldier, Welcome home and God bless you, and Merry Christmas.
Gotta get rid of the warmongers like those in the State Department and the Pentagon. NeoCons and NeoLibs, stole our government, syphoning our hard earned wealth.
@@brentgustafson5484 Indoctrination and program, people could not separate the common soldier from their evil government...Most people can not differentiate the Warmongers deeply lodged in the government, and mix up the population with the the Elite who run the show.
Me too. I've seen the story told in a couple ways and I end up blubbering every time. My uncle was a P-51 pilot escorting B-17's over Germany. I hope he had the chance to return the favor to another German pilot.
Makes you wonder how many other stories like this have been covered up and forgotten by the world because of the military’s of the world. It is our duty to find these buries memories, learn from them, and honor those that chose to show honor between soldiers above blind duty to kill all in uniform. Makes me sick to see people now a days demanding we stop teaching World War 2 history because it: “Makes them Sad”.
David Cheney if anything we should be proud. So much death and annihilation during that time, yet men like this still did acts like this. Really sets a shining example on how we should be.
suggest reading the dairy of a guy named Lippfert on the eastern front. He always checked to see if the guy he shot down got out OK. Helmet Lippfert had well over two hundred kills.
There are pleanty out there.... all the men who faced an enemy and did choose not to pull the trigger.... my Grandfather told me that so often, a comrad of his would see a Soviet Soldier, not much more then a child, on easy sight, but choose to rather shoot into the air to scare them off... Those things alone... imagine the dramas that are untold...
"If you ever shoot a man in a parachute, I will shoot you myself." Rodel to Stigler. He thought the men in the bomber were as helpless as if they were in a parachute.
Even in the darkest days of war, a warrior can exhibit an act of compassion for his enemy. While downing the B-17 would have been a kill, Herr Stigler could not commit murder, as that is what he would have considered it to be by shooting the B-17 down. Herr Stigler was a true hero and a proven warrior that went by a chivalrous code of conduct, one does not kill a wounded man. He risked his very life by his actions that day, not just in flying against the flying fortresses, but from his own country if found out. We will always need warriors, those willing to risk their lives and to take others in the defense of their country, but we need warriors like Herr Stigler that are men of honor. Herr Stigler I salute you as a man of principle, a Warrior, a man of honor and a true chivalrous knight of old. HORRIDO
@@I_Art_Laughing German bombers also dropped their bombers on women and children. England, France, Poland, Russia, all were bombed by Germans. It was unrestricted warfare, practiced by all sides. But all of the bombings pale in comparison to what the Nazis did to men, women and children in the concentration camps.
A man who keeps the spirit of humanity alive forever Franz Stigler, an inspiration to us all. I heard this story 15 years ago and have always told it to others since. It's so heartwarming and legendary.
@Rad Derry that kind of thing could easily get you killed in Nazi Germany. I know because that was how my Granddad died because he didn’t want to kill 5 French resistance fighters.
@@UrWifiIsSlow grand father of my friened, he was a partisan, was a prisoner in german military camp, they soon send him and german solder to exsecution in the woods buth he was sperd by this german solder! Sorry for my english
R.I.P Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler. May you both know eternal joy and peace in the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
@RUhere4the TRIGGERING You know they're at Skies right? No civilian is flying or House to burn down so chill maannnn.... Every Pilot there wants to see enemies plane crash not the enemy pilot
"I didn't have the hear to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They we're trying desperately to get home, and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them" -Franz Stigler
When franz said I love you Charlie it brought tears to my eyes and just writing this brings tears to my eyes...what a incredible story and friendship!!
I remember History Channel long time ago (when they did History) did a special on D-Day. They were interviewing an American and a German soldier separately. Someone then figured out both men were on the same beach....heck they were shooting at each other from the same damn hill side/revine. So, they took both men (neither knew of the others existance) and asked them to retrace their steps. The German found the nook he had shoot from, and the American retraced his steps up the him. About 75 yards away they noticed each other and just STARED at each other....with their escorts backing up quickly. They stared for about 30 seconds then started walking toward each other. When they meet up, they shook hands...and were soon taking up a storm. Amazed they were shooting at each other 40 years ago, only to meet up and shake hands. They were comparing notes real quickly.....and the credits noted they exchanged info and wanted to do a proper reunion with each others families. This left an impression on me as a kid. That, and my Granda who made peace with the Japanese after fighting them during WW2. May the good (not evil ones) soldiers of WW2 (and WW1) RIP.
Thank you for making that distinction. My mother (who worked at Miami Army Air Depot [now Miami international Airport] during the war) told me of the Japanese, Italian, and German soldiers, sailors, and airmen: "They weren't monsters; they were young men who answered their countries' call to duty." In every war, there are a few sickos (such as serial killers, sadists, etc.) who use the general mayhem of war as a cover for engaging in their favored activities, but they are a tiny minority. Also, their fellow troops usually soon notice that something isn't quite right about them--they talk with glee about killing and/or tormenting the enemy, they eagerly volunteer for missions that no sane person would (except--reluctantly--to help end the fighting in that particular place), and so on. Not uncommonly, they are killed by their fellow troops, if they are caught killing enemy combatants and/or civilians just for the thrill of it, or torturing captured enemy combatants just for the "rush" of power it gives them. Everyone else just wants to do their jobs, hopefully without killing anyone or getting killed themselves, and go home as soon as possible.
there are more stories like on dark times that enemies becomes the savior of his enemies. Here in the Philippines my grandparents was saved by a Japanese General as they were facing a firing squad. He stop the execution and took them with him with other families until the war came to end. This Japanese General thougj born in Japan but grew up in Southern Philippines, he is more Filipino than Japanese. He returned to the Philippines after the war and was welcomed by Filipinos and Americans who knows what he did....His name is General Murakami, of Japanese Imperial Army
Alan Caldoza My Granda fought in the Pacific during WW2. He saw HELL. BUT. He made one thing clear. After Pearl was bombed he HATED the Japanese. BUT. But by Wars end he made peace with the Japanese, and held no ill will against them. He avoided the topic. But he saw things that slowly changed his point of view.
Franz is an extraordinary human with such honor and chivalry. R.I.P. to both Franz and Charlie as well as the crew of Ye Olde Pub. I got to know this thanks to Sabaton and got the book A Higher Call. I hope this gets made into a film. Also credit goes to Franz's mentor, Gustav Rodel, as well, for instilling him this code of honor.
They were called, "Knights of the Air" for a reason. There was an unspoken and yet universally understood code of honor. There are so many stories from WWII of adversaries extending courtesies to their adversaries. WWI saw many of the same kinds of things. These two men suspended hostilities and rather than do what many would think they would, they treated each other with courtesy, kindness and brotherhood. Franz said it all when he told Charlie that he loved him. Brothers from other nations torn apart by war and yet helping each other. If there is a moment that defines why we human beings are such marvelous and miraculous creatures capable of such compassion and kindness, this and the others like it reaffirm that although we suffer they typical failings as human beings, we are capable of so much more.
Just finished reading the book a few days ago. The mostly tells it from Franz's perspective. One of the best ww2 stories I've read. Highly recommend it.
@@immaggiethesenilegoldenret7918 War is the ruling elite's way of making money, reducing population, consolidating power, redraw territorial maps...Every war is manufactured by using false flags, assassination of archduke Ferdinand and his wife started WWI, Pearl Harbor got the Americans into the war, 9/11 started war on terror. Surely it is an old game, if we count the numerous wars going back to Alexander the Great, the Carthaginian wars, the crusades...and today, we got the terrorist attack of the Moscow music hall...the ruling elites seem to have insatiable addiction to wars.
He shot down a Soviet Union pilot 70 kills with a pregnant wife and Charlie was a rookie only to be delt the hand of mercy by a ace German pilot my god that touched my soul
No, it was a German pilot who fought on the Eastern Front and racked up the kills. He was one of the 109 pilots Ye Olde Pub shot down before they were completely crippled.
Two awesome men. I'm proud of how Mr. Stigler reacted. I'm grateful that both men are healed through a lasting friendship. I hope they make a movie. This story must be told. God bless their memories and their families.
Recently read the story of Brown and Stigler, "A Higher Call".....it's an excellent read. During Charlie Browns search for "who was the pilot" (not knowing even if he'd survived the war), he wrote a brief article leaving certain points out which only he (and the German pilot would know), and asked a German magazine to publish it. They refused, so Brown contacted Galland (ret. Luftwaffe General) who he knew and Galland insisted on it's publication. Stigler saw it and the rest is known history! It's a great story and shows the futility and madness of war....but there were many other similar stories such as what became known as the Laconia Incident and U-boat Commander Werner Hartenstein.
I find it quite frustrating and disheartening how our governments and military officials covered it up at the time and years later during the what, late 80’s-early 90’s still trying to keep it from public view. Truly makes me question everything I’ve come to know.
@@lawrenceinsley4114 The reason for covering an incident like this up at the time was morale of the country. Government and authorities understandably didn't want it's civilians thinking, "hey maybe those German folk aren't so bad after all". Both sides had it's own propaganda machines but a few citizens could "think outside the box". As for covering it over today there is no chance due mainly to the internet which is exactly how I stumbled across the story of Stigler and Brown, but there are many more examples like this.
"No Bullets Fly" by Sabaton. The story of this meeting. Stiegler lost his brother the second year of the war. That whole bombers crew became his brother
If the crew's recollection is accurate, they fell over 20,000 ft in an inverted flatspin while Charlie was unconscious, and just barely pulled up and missed trees when he regained consciousness from the high oxygen content at lower altitude. Absolutely miraculous. If you don't believe in fate, idk what to tell you.
This is a meeting between two men, two friends, two brothers. Even if you're on different ends of a war you're brothers in the end. Because of one man's compassion, a few men got back for Christmas and were able to create families after the war.
My heart cries. RIP great fighters and loving friends. Blessing to u both for teaching us love,empathy and humility. Gone but never forgotten. Salute....
I was a volunteer at an aircraft museum in NSW Australia called HARS and at one time we had an Mess 108 plane which was the personal private aircraft of Franz Stigler....so this story was very close to us all at the museum.
slayallthedeamons Prove to me that a Christian, Jew, or Atheist wouldn't cry. The reason is because we all have empathy it is a human thing and Muslims are also human.
There is a reason that fighter pilots were known as "Knights of the Air". Bravery isn't always about knowing when and where to strike. Bravery is also knowing when to stay the hand. Rest in peace, warriors.
He's not wrong. The reality is we had the firepower to push the Russians back to their own country. Here's why: The country was SICK of war by this time and the chance of additional money to continue fighting was almost nil.
" From down below, and enemy spotted, Hurry up, rearm and refuel! But through the bomber's damaged air frame, see wounded men scattered and burned! Look to the right, then look again, See the enemy in the eye! No bullets fly, spared by his mercy, Escorted out, out of harm's way! Flying, fighting fair, It's the code, of the air, Brothers, Heroes, Foes! Killing Machine, Honor in the sky! B-17, Flying Home! Killing Machine, Said goodbye to the Cross he deserved! He risked his life two times that day To save an unknown enemy! Escort to safety, out of the kill zone, A short salute, then departed! ||: Fly, fighting fair, It's the code, of the air! Brothers, heroes, foes! Killing Machine, Honor in the sky! B-17, Flying Home! Killing Machine, Said goodbye to the Cross he deserved! :||" key: repeat everything between the ||: and :||. Title: No Bullets Fly, Album: Heroes (2014), Artist(s): Sabaton. use of this song falls under fair use (i think).
Es braucht Mut, dem Feind ins Gesicht zu schauen und zuzugeben, dass er ein Mitmensch ist. It takes courage to look the enemy in the face and admit that he is a fellow man. Aus einem Feind einen Freund zu machen, ist ein Merkmal eines wahren Helden. Turning an enemy into a friend characterizes a true hero.
Und dass noch nach dem Bombenangriff auf Bremen... Die meisten Piloten haben auf wehrlose Feinde nicht geschossen. Mein Onkel war Pilot im Krieg und er hat Geschichten erzählt
@@uleiosu4582 Mein Großvater war in Stalingrad und erzählte dass sie Weihnachten 44 in einem Schuppen irgendwo im nirgendwo zusammen mit Russischen Soldaten Weihnachten gefeiert haben und am Tag darauf wieder aufeinander geschossen haben und für die Russen war noch nicht mal Weihnachten... zig Kesseldurchbrüche, mehrere Schwere Verwundungen, einmal trotz Aufforderung sich selbst zu retten von einem Kameraden hinter die Linien geschleppt worden, im Schützengraben eine Stimme vernommen die sagte "geh da weg" 10 sek. später ein Mörsereinschlag das Geräusch von berstenden Knochen wenn Menschen vor deinen Augen von einem Panzer überfahren werden und und und... zu guter Letzt nach Ende des Krieges von der Höhe Kiew bis nach Hause ins Saarland zu Fuß gelaufen und hat sich bis zum Schluss für die letzten 25 Kilometer auf einem Pritschenwagen geschämt dann dieser Blick wie Stigler kurz vor dem Satz It Wasnt Easy..... ein ruhiger belesener sanftmütiger Mensch den ich nie böse laut genervt etc. gesehen habe da wird man ganz Still und überdenkt an welchen Dingen sich man beschwert auch heute noch mit fast 50 Jahren.
Would be even better if more people see that war is a manufactured misery by the Ruling Elite, they have not stopped since the end of wwii. Every decade, they start another war in a smaller, poor country, far away so we don't see it, experience it and thus don't pay attention to it. To this day, most don't see the humanity in enemy soldiers. War dehumanize the enemy so killing can be justified. This is the point of the Franz/Charlie story.
Holy cow... this is so huge.... it literally brought tears to my eyes. It takes a BIG MAN to do this, to adjust your mind out of combat and show compassion and mercy to a fellow human being. This is the best of the best in terms of being human. And just like that there came a bond that made them friends for life. I am just is awe...RIP Franz and Charlie.
This story made me cry. In the heat of battle, that German pilot put humanity first. God bless the German pilot. Good man. Great art work too. Thanks for uploading.
Crying is incredibly healing, something we have been made to be embarrassed about. Crying courses all the energetic channels in our body, it lets go of the sorrow, it amplifies joy, decompresses stress, it is a powerful mechanism to regulate our physical and energetic body. It is high time that we acknowledge this gift. There is nothing more beautiful and comforting to know men are perfectly capable of acknowledging they were touched to tears.
At the reunion where he was made an honorary member of the bomber group Franz met the children and grandchildren of the men he spared that day. By the time the night was over, he knew their names by heart.
The mutual repsect these gentleman had for eachother is just the best example of being an actual man. Not following a ideologie or orders. But acting out of the fact they are both Human. Ordered the book right now. Heroes in every meaning of the word.
remind me the story of the u.s navy seals that were ambushed by talibans in Afghanistan and were saved by villagers and taking away to safety and now Mohammad Gulab and Marcus Luttrell are safe and another example of brothers in humanity
Bullshit! Luttrell is a piece of shit who used Gulab and left him for a decade to fight for his life. When Gulab finally got to the US, Luttrell asked HLS to send him back and ignored his calls. Gulab wanted to hash things out between them while Luttrell wanted him sent back to certain death. Luttrell is a greedy asshole who left his "friend" high and dry when he had milked all the money out of him that he could.
I hope that they are together on the other side, enjoying the youth that was taken from them, enjoying a friendship they were destined to have and sharing their love of flying without the trappings of war. It makes my heart feel lifted to think of that for them on the other side. Rest in peace Charlie and Franz.
"It wasn't easy. I love you, Charlie. "
Jesus Christ man. 😭😭😭
Thane Fox I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying!! 😢😂. An incredible event.
damn allergies
It killed me when he said that.. just that break in his voice gets me.
IKR?
Thane Fox who’s cutting onions?
They died less than a year apart. Makes me think of fate and how their lives came together.
Wolle 411 agreed. Good souls in a bad world. They deserve no less than total happiness the next time around...
I noticed that too. Amazing!
nine month apart...
@@margplsr3120 I hope Jesus forgive them and accept them into Heaven.
@@useryggfdcc and what with other gods people belive on earth?
I remember a gentleman, who was one of my paper-route customers in Fort Langley, BC (Canada) during the 80's who lived in a really nice tudor style house. I was in the foyer a few times collecting money for the route, and noticed some mementoes he had in display cases. Flight wings, medals, certificates and I once asked him if he served. He said he did, but in the German Luftwaffe. 13 year old me was utterly fascinated by that.
He was an exceptionally kind fellow, and I remember he gave me a Christmas card with a $10 tip inside.
Years later, after he passed away, I found out Mr. Stigler was in fact Franz Stigler, the 109 pilot who escorted a gravely wounded B-17 out of hostile airspace. I was completely in awe. This old dude on my paper route was a genuine Knight of the Sky.
only * to all of this is he did kill Americans and killed British. He did a wonderful thing. Absolutely wonderful. But he was no Knight of the Sky. I would shake his hand and buy him a drink but keep all of this in perspective.
Nice to hear that man.
Wow. I'm trying to imagine what u must have felt when seeing this video. Your story got me all choked up. Thank u for sharing a gem about my favorite person in WW2.
❤
$10 dollars in the 80's was very kind to kid on a bike route.
As a retired vet I can tell you this. Franze is the true embodiment of a gentleman warrior. Doing only what he had to do to survive.
Amen brother
This brought tears to My eyes. God bless You both. May You both Rest in Eternal Peace.🙏🙏🙏🙏
I agree with you 😐as despite my family has history with ww2 in fact this is
Special for a number of reasons 😐this year would mark the 80th anniversary of franz and Charlie 🙂2023-80=1943 and by listening to savaton and why not I understand that I can forgive Germany for their actions in ww2 as you said many of them did not want war but it’s about dudy and survival witch is reasonable 😐however I will NOT forgive dousebags or notzis
Franz Stigler.True embodiment of a knight.
Croatian Warmaster pure German
And with that comment, maik baumann pronounces himself a fool.
the bombers mission, was not to kill people. the bombers mission was to destroy factories, vehicles, depots. they were after weapons of war. not the people involved.
unfortunately, people were involved. but, they were doing their job, both sides. they had no choice. it wasnt a sign up thing like the military is now. he was probably drafted.
Sorry but he was a man who had the courage to show mercy and still be human in a inhuman war and risking his own life for that... this is what makes a person a hero.
He was taught his skills by a WW1 veteran who taught them that there has to be honor in the battle.
He said to his pilots: "If I see anyone of you guys shooting a parachute, i will shoot you down!"
he wasn't alone. during the period he flew alongside the bomber both planes were spotted by German anti-aircraft gunners who were initially going to shoot both planes down until someone recognized Franz Stiglers fighter. The commander of the gun crews ordered them not to fire even though there was a B-17 next to him (they thought it was a captured plane used for training exercises).
Sometimes human choices trump military orders.
1971 Vietnam, I was point man near Ben Cat not far from Cambodia. In the jungle, I nearly bumped into an NVA point man. I was 20, he looked 16. I had my M-16 raised first. Terror filled his eyes. Silently using hand signals the best I could, I told him to back up. Thankfully he understood, slowly slinging his SKS Rifle, I raised mine to port arms then I smiled, so did the kid and we both slowly walked backwards, both of us soon taking off at a run. There was no contact. All of us wanted to go home from that dirty little war.
James Dale thanks for sharing your Amazing story, I wish more people could see this.
Vietnam was a sickening war putting young and good US and Vietnamese people against one another because of some jackasses in capital hill. I’m glad you and the boy showed humanity in a time where the corrupt leaders wanted machines in flesh and bone.
Sounds like BS....you are way too young to have been in Nam.....
Don't forget the jackass in North Vietnam.
But the North invaded the South, so our grandfathers had to stand up and fight against the communist invasion. Without doubt, the South was a better place for a lot of people!
The fact it happend, they both survived and manage to find eachother 45 years later and eventually died the same year. How beautiful fate can be
I liked how Stigler and Brown became friends
I'm glad these two survived the war and were able to eventually find each other.
They became brothers... Beautiful story.
better yet, they became a old married couple. Stigler said sometimes he wish he would have shot him down. that's love!
Just goes to show you how very obscene and diabolical political ideologies are.
They became the brothers they were always meant to be.
Wish this book turned into a movie
Chris S movie director Tom Stoppard has bought the movie rights, it’s just a matter of time or a case of watch this space.
+leibstandarte1stSS remember the pianist, valkerie, and schindler's list? there are more actually
They all demonize the Germans. Like I said
leibstandarte1stSS Schindler’s list didn’t. And this story is definitely being made as a movie.
They fucking should. Better give it a good budget too.
It's a great story. The less it's changed from the book the better.
The German is a true gentleman best words only looks at planes as planes but when he seen actual men he couldn't do it that shows you some enemy's have big hearts.
ZachTheGamer 812 Most Luftwaffe pilots still played by the gentleman's code from WW1 air combat, shoot down the plane, not your enemy. In this case Stigler let them go completely.
+ Eli fite
Who says Stigler was a nazi?
+BlotSven666 Maybe he was, maybe not. But people act like it's not possible for a Nazi to not be a murderer.
But then again most of the Nazis which weren't murderers didn't fully knew the ideologie of the nazi party or just surrendered to group pressure and never thought much about the nazi party in the first place.
That's very likely considering that even today germans wouldn't vote for a right-winged party because of social pressure and the fear to be outcasts in the eyes of the society.
And i guess it's not different in other countries.
However, people labeled with the word "Nazi" are automatically branded as evil people of 2nd class.
Even if they hadn't much to do with national socialism... or in today's standards you don't even need to have the slightest link to national socialism to get branded as a Nazi.
Overall the word "Nazi" is full of rubbish and 90% of the people don't even know anymore that the word "Nazi" was originally used for members of the NSDAP (The national socialist party that ruled germany from 1933 to 1945). So you could say only uneducated fools spread that word without thinking twice about it. Not that many care about that since 90% of the people on earth ARE uneducated fools that approve of it.
+ Justicar Tiberius
90% of the nazis are uneducated fools 😋
enemies
I would imagine that on the day Charlie passed, the sound of a 109 could be heard as a ghostly echo in the distance: His brother had come to escort him home. May the winds always favor you both.
Love your comment and you're probably right. May both of them rest in peace
Beautifully said
best escort one can get
What beautiful sentiments.
Now that got me a bit - yes, their souls were happy with each other and would have seen each other off on their respective days of destiny..
This shit had me in tears. Franz is literally the embodiment of a warrior knight. True soldier. I am honored to even know of his existence. Cheers my fellow warrior brother.
This story brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it
RIP Franz and Charlie..Warriors but men with humanity..May they fly forever.
"I love you Charlie" is what brought tears to my eyes. Franz didn't see a bomber hitting his country. He saw men struggling for their lives in a broken machine. Pilots were the most honorable of the servicemen. On all fronts.
So honorable that they dropped shitloads of bombs on women and children.
So true... They are the most respectable than Ground Forces and Navy
@@kpl455 I call it, decreasing recruitment.
not sure I agree with that on all fronts.
The Navy man burried japanese and germans at sea in coffins too. It wasnt just the pilots
I am German, 60 years old and I have to say that there is very very little that I am proud of in the Wehrmacht.
Colonel Graf Stauffenberg and Franz Stigler, for example, are soldiers I am very, very proud of.
Everyone who calls Stigler a traitor didn't understand anything at all.
He had already shot down two bombers that day, but this third bomber was no longer a plane but a wreck that was still flying. The team was no longer able to defend themselves and almost everyone was injured. Killing it wouldn't have been a victory, it would have been murder.
A look with the pilot showed his fear and he thought of the last seconds in the life of his brother who was also shot down. His behavior shows honor, critics didn't understand at all what it means to have honor. As a country, Germany had already lost all its honor back then, we just ran amok.
But the individual could, as here, show what it is
is still to have honor. A great role model for my two sons
I honestly mean this as a genuine question. How was it honourable to allow an allied terror bomber ‘go’ with the knowledge that the crew could come back the next day and the next to kill more German civilians? There were many honourable German servicemen during the war and I for one believe Stigler was, but I just can’t understand why it is more honourable to let the enemy live than protect your own civilian population. My conclusion? Stigler did NOT have ammunition and couldn’t shoot them down. His honour and dedication as a German serviceman was still to try to get them to turn (by bluff).
@@marka2463 I am absolutely sure that he still has enough ammo on board. He said he had reloaded ammo and fuel, which makes sense after 2 previous kills.
I would like to know how you came up with the term "terrorist bomber".
I live in Berlin and the city has suffered a lot BUT who reduced Guernica to rubble in 1937?
London, Liverpool and other western cities bombed. Warsaw almost completely wiped out all attacks on civilians. Later V1 and V2 fired at civilian cities.
The list of our deeds is endless. They talk about terror among the Allies, what did we Germans do then? If you attack me, I will defend myself with everything I can. We reckoned without the landlord. result known
@@2tone753 Thank you for your response. I know he SAID he had ammunition, but there is no independent evidence for this. I used the term terror bomber because during the war, that is how allied bombers were referred to by the German population - Terrorflieger. I am not disagreeing with your comments about the allied response in full measure, but it is important to remember the impact. Yes all of those cities you named were heavily bombed, as you will be aware, many German cities were almost wiped out. To a German flier in 1943, even to one who may have hated the Nazis, there would have been no uncertainty about his morality - a wounded bomber, or civilian children, women and old men. My premise - that Stigler did not have ammunition- still ‘fits’ with the evidence of the eye witness accounts. For the reasons I describe it actually makes him morally stronger - to try to stop an enemy bomber in an unarmed fighter because he was trying to defend those he ‘loved’
@@marka2463 I think you don't realize that Charlie's bombing run was already over by the time Franz caught up to him. With his plane already damaged, he couldn't hold formation and retreated alone. That's when Franz, rearming on the ground, spotted him.
He was NEVER a traitor,,just a wonderful human being. God bless him and his family,,
A good friend of mine who is an aircraft mechanic, was friends with Franz. When Franz passed away, his widow gave him some items that Franz wanted him to have. One of those items was a book which had Franz's name and address hand written inside the cover. He lent me the book and I have to say that holding it in my hands was almost surreal, knowing the story and what kind of a man Franz was. Another neat thing is that Franz lived about half an hour from me. I wish I could have met him.
That's awesome man, stories like these are rare. should donate it or arrange some sort of service to have the book copied so their stories can be written in history
God Bless them Both !!
It was my honor to meet both of these men, when I helped bring them together for a flight simulator convention. In addition to their great stories, the highlight of a "Panel of Aces" we put together (which also included P-47 pilot Gabby Gabreski and a pilot of the 100th Bomb Group) was that in discussing some of their exploits, all of us figured out that all four of the pilots were involved in the same action on one day during the famed Big Week offensive. Before the panel, nobody knew that.
wait, you met both of these men? Your a very lucky man.
I truly envy you sir. This is such an amazing experience... that to me is priceless! I hope one day I have the honor of experiencing something similar
You sir deserve way more likes
Wow, you are a lucky man. Gabby Gabrinsky(sp) was quiet the fighter pilot as well.
I know that had to have been an Awesome Experience. 👍👍😎🇺🇸
I swear to God I'm not crying. Neighbors are cutting onions!
dead meme lmao
S.W.A.T Sergeant Bauer XD
Alexander Meme Why do we need to cry? Ok a German pilot didn't shoot down a bomber. You act like there weren't always acts of kindness with Axis and Allied soldiers. Same thing as WW1. Christmas truce lasted all through the 24th and 25th. They played soccer and ate chocolate,rations, all of that. They were just people who were born in different places. This is nothing new.
Sorry :(
LOL, I am touched as well
Franz Stigler was a warrior and a compassionate human being. This story brought me to tears
As a Vietnam veteran, I found this to be a truly heart warming story. There are very few men with this much integrity.
Hopefully we will some day learn to live without wars.
Today is Vietnam veterans Day mate!
My dad was a seal in Vietnam. He passed away in 2009 and always told me " whenever you see a Vietnam vet , you tell them * Welcome Home * , because we never got a welcome home ". So soldier, Welcome home and God bless you, and Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your service sir 🫡🫡
Gotta get rid of the warmongers like those in the State Department and the Pentagon. NeoCons and NeoLibs, stole our government, syphoning our hard earned wealth.
@@brentgustafson5484 Indoctrination and program, people could not separate the common soldier from their evil government...Most people can not differentiate the Warmongers deeply lodged in the government, and mix up the population with the the Elite who run the show.
No bullets fly
Sparred by his mercy
Escorted out, out of harm's way!
Fly, fighting fair! it's the code, of the air!
Brothers heroes foes
Killing machine! Thunder in the sky!
B-17, flying home
Killing Machine
Said goodbye to the cross he deserved
Escorted safely out of the killzone
I'm man enough to admit that I blubbed watching this. Such a wonderful story from such a dark time!
Me too. I've seen the story told in a couple ways and I end up blubbering every time. My uncle was a P-51 pilot escorting B-17's over Germany. I hope he had the chance to return the favor to another German pilot.
So did I. No shame at all in that mate.
traitor stigler is the dear god of these amis who got away with their lives imo
Matt Holbrook Same here. An almost 52 year old firefighter with over 25 years experience. I did too.
Kyle Beeson massive respect for your profession, thank you.
Okay, that got me.
“What do you owe Franz Stigler?”
“My life.”
“That’s pretty simple”
“Sure is.”
Sam blackford
@@msavage9331 the first to see the stiglers BF109 Messerschmitt
This brought tears to My eyes! God bless You both. May They Rest In Eternal Peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Makes you wonder how many other stories like this have been covered up and forgotten by the world because of the military’s of the world. It is our duty to find these buries memories, learn from them, and honor those that chose to show honor between soldiers above blind duty to kill all in uniform.
Makes me sick to see people now a days demanding we stop teaching World War 2 history because it: “Makes them Sad”.
David Cheney if anything we should be proud. So much death and annihilation during that time, yet men like this still did acts like this. Really sets a shining example on how we should be.
@@noobie1890 Ain't that the truth, in times of war we see both the worst and the best of humanity
there are millions of story for every soldier that served in ww2.
suggest reading the dairy of a guy named Lippfert on the eastern front. He always checked to see if the guy he shot down got out OK. Helmet Lippfert had well over two hundred kills.
There are pleanty out there.... all the men who faced an enemy and did choose not to pull the trigger.... my Grandfather told me that so often, a comrad of his would see a Soviet Soldier, not much more then a child, on easy sight, but choose to rather shoot into the air to scare them off...
Those things alone... imagine the dramas that are untold...
That's what war is really about: making good men kill each other ;-(
"War is old men talking about it and young men fighting it"
-Winston Churchill
@@Mate-vg2ft ahahah Churchill is the son of bitch that started ww2
LOL
Young men die for old mens wars
Not all Gaming good sir that was Hitler a simple act of invading poland. Don't diss Churchill my guy.
@@Mate-vg2ft you dont know nothin
-_-
continue to choose society not the truth X'D
good day to you sir
"If you ever shoot a man in a parachute, I will shoot you myself." Rodel to Stigler.
He thought the men in the bomber were as helpless as if they were in a parachute.
This needs to be a movie
A multi million dollar production
This is a story that the world needs today just as it did back then.
.. And hopefully directed by Clint Eastwood
👍👍👍
“No Bullets Fly” by Sabaton brought me to this story. Fantastic band. Even more fantastic story.
I knew of the story before I heard the song. I was amazed by this song and Sabaton's history of this.
They've been immortalized in the book "A Higher Call" and in the Sabaton song "No Bullets Fly". Brothers. Heroes. Foes... Friends at the end.
Sabaton 🤘🤘🤘
Killing machine
Honour in the skies
B-17
Flying home
Killing machine
Said goodbye to the cross he deserved
Fly Fighting Fair, It’s the code of the air
Brothers
Heros
Foes
He risked his life 2 times that day to save a unknown enemy
Even in the darkest days of war, a warrior can exhibit an act of compassion for his enemy. While downing the B-17 would have been a kill, Herr Stigler could not commit murder, as that is what he would have considered it to be by shooting the B-17 down. Herr Stigler was a true hero and a proven warrior that went by a chivalrous code of conduct, one does not kill a wounded man. He risked his very life by his actions that day, not just in flying against the flying fortresses, but from his own country if found out. We will always need warriors, those willing to risk their lives and to take others in the defense of their country, but we need warriors like Herr Stigler that are men of honor. Herr Stigler I salute you as a man of principle, a Warrior, a man of honor and a true chivalrous knight of old. HORRIDO
True example of Chivalrous Franchise. Doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing, notwithstanding consequence.
Yeah, this B-17s were so chivalrous when they bombed women and children in Dresden....
@@I_Art_Laughing your stupidly simplistic comment is clearly not borne out of real-life experience
@@I_Art_Laughing German bombers also dropped their bombers on women and children. England, France, Poland, Russia, all were bombed by Germans. It was unrestricted warfare, practiced by all sides. But all of the bombings pale in comparison to what the Nazis did to men, women and children in the concentration camps.
A man who keeps the spirit of humanity alive forever Franz Stigler, an inspiration to us all. I heard this story 15 years ago and have always told it to others since. It's so heartwarming and legendary.
Franz Never got the Knights Cross..... But he said in his book "I got something better"......
He is a true good man! Salute to them!
when you see old men cry....then you know ....(especially if your grandfather fought wars)
Never truer words have been spoken . Respect to everyone that went through the horrors of war .
@Rad Derry that kind of thing could easily get you killed in Nazi Germany. I know because that was how my Granddad died because he didn’t want to kill 5 French resistance fighters.
@Rad Derry You talk shit, you have read too many fiction stories
I know exactly what you mean. Its my greatest weakness.
@@UrWifiIsSlow grand father of my friened, he was a partisan, was a prisoner in german military camp, they soon send him and german solder to exsecution in the woods buth he was sperd by this german solder! Sorry for my english
R.I.P Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler. May you both know eternal joy and peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
It’s the reason why gentlemen, like these two men who were veterans from WWII, were called “The Greatest Generation”.
This story brought tears to my eyes. Two men that became brothers 40 years later!!
Respect to Luftwaffe pilots.
why do movies in ww2 air combat hate the 109 and making shoot airsoft guns and the p type planes having a ez kill?
@RUhere4the TRIGGERING You know they're at Skies right?
No civilian is flying or House to burn down so chill maannnn....
Every Pilot there wants to see enemies plane crash not the enemy pilot
Stop the BS Yes, But most of these pilots flew under the SS
@Stop the BS bastards and heroes are everywhere we just have to recognize them
@johnmann so true
Truly a story of unmeasurable humanity.
"I didn't have the hear to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They we're trying desperately to get home, and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them"
-Franz Stigler
The true definition of a hero.
@@mandyellis876 not à hero since those were bombing his country but he was a good human being
When franz said I love you Charlie it brought tears to my eyes and just writing this brings tears to my eyes...what a incredible story and friendship!!
I remember History Channel long time ago (when they did History) did a special on D-Day.
They were interviewing an American and a German soldier separately.
Someone then figured out both men were on the same beach....heck they were shooting at each other from the same damn hill side/revine.
So, they took both men (neither knew of the others existance) and asked them to retrace their steps.
The German found the nook he had shoot from, and the American retraced his steps up the him.
About 75 yards away they noticed each other and just STARED at each other....with their escorts backing up quickly.
They stared for about 30 seconds then started walking toward each other.
When they meet up, they shook hands...and were soon taking up a storm.
Amazed they were shooting at each other 40 years ago, only to meet up and shake hands.
They were comparing notes real quickly.....and the credits noted they exchanged info and wanted to do a proper reunion with each others families.
This left an impression on me as a kid.
That, and my Granda who made peace with the Japanese after fighting them during WW2.
May the good (not evil ones) soldiers of WW2 (and WW1) RIP.
True soldiers
Wonderful story!
Thank you for making that distinction. My mother (who worked at Miami Army Air Depot [now Miami international Airport] during the war) told me of the Japanese, Italian, and German soldiers, sailors, and airmen: "They weren't monsters; they were young men who answered their countries' call to duty." In every war, there are a few sickos (such as serial killers, sadists, etc.) who use the general mayhem of war as a cover for engaging in their favored activities, but they are a tiny minority. Also, their fellow troops usually soon notice that something isn't quite right about them--they talk with glee about killing and/or tormenting the enemy, they eagerly volunteer for missions that no sane person would (except--reluctantly--to help end the fighting in that particular place), and so on. Not uncommonly, they are killed by their fellow troops, if they are caught killing enemy combatants and/or civilians just for the thrill of it, or torturing captured enemy combatants just for the "rush" of power it gives them. Everyone else just wants to do their jobs, hopefully without killing anyone or getting killed themselves, and go home as soon as possible.
I can find no mention of this unfortunately
there are more stories like on dark times that enemies becomes the savior of his enemies. Here in the Philippines my grandparents was saved by a Japanese General as they were facing a firing squad. He stop the execution and took them with him with other families until the war came to end. This Japanese General thougj born in Japan but grew up in Southern Philippines, he is more Filipino than Japanese. He returned to the Philippines after the war and was welcomed by Filipinos and Americans who knows what he did....His name is General Murakami, of Japanese Imperial Army
Alan Caldoza amazing, gonna look it up man
That is / was one brave man. Thank you for the story , definitely going to look him up now.
Alan Caldoza
My Granda fought in the Pacific during WW2.
He saw HELL.
BUT. He made one thing clear.
After Pearl was bombed he HATED the Japanese.
BUT. But by Wars end he made peace with the Japanese, and held no ill will against them.
He avoided the topic. But he saw things that slowly changed his point of view.
Nice to hear of one human in the Japanese Army.
You should sent this story to Sabaton.
Who knows, maybe they'll make a song about him
I don't know how anyone could possibly watch this without shedding a tear. Beautiful story!
Franz is an extraordinary human with such honor and chivalry. R.I.P. to both Franz and Charlie as well as the crew of Ye Olde Pub. I got to know this thanks to Sabaton and got the book A Higher Call. I hope this gets made into a film.
Also credit goes to Franz's mentor, Gustav Rodel, as well, for instilling him this code of honor.
I encourage you all to read the book "A Higher Call". unbelievable true story, so well written
Drpboston1 I'm halfway through it
Drpboston1 I’ve got it and read it a true favourite, I heard the movie director Tom Stoppard bought the movie rights, love to see it made into a film.
Faith in humanity restored!
Corvus Corax it never will be for me
fredit _yt nah
Just can't ignore all the bad things because of one video
Now this story needs to be made in to a movie!
Yes
Wonder when "Hollywood"decides to make it
calling Steven Spielberg?
Couldn't agree more.
Well at least they got a tribute and kind of video with it from the band Sabaton
They were called, "Knights of the Air" for a reason. There was an unspoken and yet universally understood code of honor. There are so many stories from WWII of adversaries extending courtesies to their adversaries. WWI saw many of the same kinds of things. These two men suspended hostilities and rather than do what many would think they would, they treated each other with courtesy, kindness and brotherhood. Franz said it all when he told Charlie that he loved him. Brothers from other nations torn apart by war and yet helping each other. If there is a moment that defines why we human beings are such marvelous and miraculous creatures capable of such compassion and kindness, this and the others like it reaffirm that although we suffer they typical failings as human beings, we are capable of so much more.
They really should make a movie about this tale. From both sides, would been a hell of a movie!
Just finished reading the book a few days ago. The mostly tells it from Franz's perspective. One of the best ww2 stories I've read. Highly recommend it.
I completely agree, it stands out as one of the best books I've read.
I’ve read it to, and a absolutely great read
"i love you charlie" with the band of brother music was really heartwarming.
William Warren 😢 Just proves how very obscene war is......Christ was with Franz that day.....
@@immaggiethesenilegoldenret7918 War is the ruling elite's way of making money, reducing population, consolidating power, redraw territorial maps...Every war is manufactured by using false flags, assassination of archduke Ferdinand and his wife started WWI, Pearl Harbor got the Americans into the war, 9/11 started war on terror. Surely it is an old game, if we count the numerous wars going back to Alexander the Great, the Carthaginian wars, the crusades...and today, we got the terrorist attack of the Moscow music hall...the ruling elites seem to have insatiable addiction to wars.
He shot down a Soviet Union pilot 70 kills with a pregnant wife and Charlie was a rookie only to be delt the hand of mercy by a ace German pilot my god that touched my soul
No, it was a German pilot who fought on the Eastern Front and racked up the kills. He was one of the 109 pilots Ye Olde Pub shot down before they were completely crippled.
this story goes straight to my heart.....wow brave Man Heros and Knights of the Sky
heroes*
Two awesome men. I'm proud of how Mr. Stigler reacted. I'm grateful that both men are healed through a lasting friendship. I hope they make a movie. This story must be told. God bless their memories and their families.
Tom Stoppard bought the right to the movie.
“MY LIFE” so simple but meaningful that two words made me cry 😭😭😭
Franz Stigler a knight in the sky. R.i.p now you are in Valhalla heaven 🙏
"Honour" is a word bandied about. Not in this case.
Recently read the story of Brown and Stigler, "A Higher Call".....it's an excellent read. During Charlie Browns search for "who was the pilot" (not knowing even if he'd survived the war), he wrote a brief article leaving certain points out which only he (and the German pilot would know), and asked a German magazine to publish it. They refused, so Brown contacted Galland (ret. Luftwaffe General) who he knew and Galland insisted on it's publication. Stigler saw it and the rest is known history!
It's a great story and shows the futility and madness of war....but there were many other similar stories such as what became known as the Laconia Incident and U-boat Commander Werner Hartenstein.
Ui, 'Charlie' Brown knew Adolf Galland? How did THAT come about?
I will certainly read this book. so fascinating to hear how they met and develop friendship after the war is over
I find it quite frustrating and disheartening how our governments and military officials covered it up at the time and years later during the what, late 80’s-early 90’s still trying to keep it from public view. Truly makes me question everything I’ve come to know.
@@lawrenceinsley4114 The reason for covering an incident like this up at the time was morale of the country. Government and authorities understandably didn't want it's civilians thinking, "hey maybe those German folk aren't so bad after all". Both sides had it's own propaganda machines but a few citizens could "think outside the box". As for covering it over today there is no chance due mainly to the internet which is exactly how I stumbled across the story of Stigler and Brown, but there are many more examples like this.
@@Bulletguy07 I understand the reasoning, that’s why it frustrates me. It’s 2021 and the propaganda continues doesn’t it.
"No Bullets Fly" by Sabaton. The story of this meeting. Stiegler lost his brother the second year of the war. That whole bombers crew became his brother
Franz Stigler was a man who remembered his humanity in an inhumane war.
If the crew's recollection is accurate, they fell over 20,000 ft in an inverted flatspin while Charlie was unconscious, and just barely pulled up and missed trees when he regained consciousness from the high oxygen content at lower altitude.
Absolutely miraculous. If you don't believe in fate, idk what to tell you.
They bushed over that quickly in this story. That part alone is incredible the plane didn't tear herself apart
I don't believe in fate but luck
Well that did not applied to the funny moustache man but he was the only exception
@Rad Derry if fate exists then tell it to fuck off to whatever fairytale it came from.
Erik Van der Zee most of the crew were badly wounded and the tail gunner was decapitated by a cannon shell : (
Brought me to tears. Such compassion and chivalry.
Every time I see this my tears pours out and I’m a grown up man
Absolutely remarkable story. If only all people could show the courage and compassion of Herr Stigler.
This is a meeting between two men, two friends, two brothers. Even if you're on different ends of a war you're brothers in the end. Because of one man's compassion, a few men got back for Christmas and were able to create families after the war.
Amen ❤
My heart cries. RIP great fighters and loving friends. Blessing to u both for teaching us love,empathy and humility. Gone but never forgotten. Salute....
Dad: "Why tf you crying so damn loud?"
me:
I was a volunteer at an aircraft museum in NSW Australia called HARS and at one time we had an Mess 108 plane which was the personal private aircraft of Franz Stigler....so this story was very close to us all at the museum.
Who wouldn't cry
What a garbage from your mouth! You should be shame of your words!
slayallthedeamons Prove to me that a Christian, Jew, or Atheist wouldn't cry. The reason is because we all have empathy it is a human thing and Muslims are also human.
CSOR AUDEAMUS I
MindRot _ Do you have proof? The human psyche is not as simple as you may think.
CSOR AUDEAMUS
Wish I could have one more day with my grandpa now that I’m old enough to appreciate his words.
I know just how you feel, my wish is the same.
And they both rest in peace and with honor.
mr stigler, you were a knight in the air, a gentle man and a true legend. rip
Hey guys I have respect and love for these soldiers Charlie's and Franz show human side of wars the pain ,honour in one self. I salute u both
I'm not crying ;( OK! fine, I cried but just a little. Ugh okay A LOT. This was a beautiful story.
There is a reason that fighter pilots were known as "Knights of the Air". Bravery isn't always about knowing when and where to strike. Bravery is also knowing when to stay the hand. Rest in peace, warriors.
Power is when we have every justification to to ha and we choose not to. - Oskar Schindler
"We fought the wrong enemy" - General Patton
He's not wrong. The reality is we had the firepower to push the Russians back to their own country. Here's why: The country was SICK of war by this time and the chance of additional money to continue fighting was almost nil.
"
From down below, and enemy spotted,
Hurry up, rearm and refuel!
But through the bomber's damaged air frame,
see wounded men scattered and burned!
Look to the right, then look again,
See the enemy in the eye!
No bullets fly, spared by his mercy,
Escorted out, out of harm's way!
Flying, fighting fair,
It's the code, of the air,
Brothers, Heroes,
Foes!
Killing Machine,
Honor in the sky!
B-17,
Flying Home!
Killing Machine,
Said goodbye to the Cross he deserved!
He risked his life two times that day
To save an unknown enemy!
Escort to safety, out of the kill zone,
A short salute, then departed!
||: Fly, fighting fair,
It's the code, of the air!
Brothers, heroes, foes!
Killing Machine,
Honor in the sky!
B-17,
Flying Home!
Killing Machine,
Said goodbye to the Cross he deserved! :||"
key: repeat everything between the ||: and :||.
Title: No Bullets Fly,
Album: Heroes (2014),
Artist(s): Sabaton.
use of this song falls under fair use (i think).
Such a great song, such a great band
The soldiers don’t hate each other. They were just pawns on a chessboard for their leaders.
Es braucht Mut, dem Feind ins Gesicht zu schauen und zuzugeben, dass er ein Mitmensch ist.
It takes courage to look the enemy in the face and admit that he is a fellow man.
Aus einem Feind einen Freund zu machen, ist ein Merkmal eines wahren Helden.
Turning an enemy into a friend characterizes a true hero.
Und dass noch nach dem Bombenangriff auf Bremen...
Die meisten Piloten haben auf wehrlose Feinde nicht geschossen. Mein Onkel war Pilot im Krieg und er hat Geschichten erzählt
Mein Opa war Flakschütze in den Niederlanden, ich frage mich ob er sich über eine BF-109 gewundert hat die eine B-17 eskortiert hat?
@@tigeriussvarne177 Im Krieg verlernt man das wundern.
Marvin says: Don't panic and wear your Mask. 🖖😷👍 ❗
@@uleiosu4582 Mein Großvater war in Stalingrad und erzählte dass sie Weihnachten 44 in einem Schuppen irgendwo im nirgendwo zusammen mit Russischen Soldaten Weihnachten gefeiert haben und am Tag darauf wieder aufeinander geschossen haben und für die Russen war noch nicht mal Weihnachten... zig Kesseldurchbrüche, mehrere Schwere Verwundungen, einmal trotz Aufforderung sich selbst zu retten von einem Kameraden hinter die Linien geschleppt worden, im Schützengraben eine Stimme vernommen die sagte "geh da weg" 10 sek. später ein Mörsereinschlag das Geräusch von berstenden Knochen wenn Menschen vor deinen Augen von einem Panzer überfahren werden und und und... zu guter Letzt nach Ende des Krieges von der Höhe Kiew bis nach Hause ins Saarland zu Fuß gelaufen und hat sich bis zum Schluss für die letzten 25 Kilometer auf einem Pritschenwagen geschämt dann dieser Blick wie Stigler kurz vor dem Satz It Wasnt Easy..... ein ruhiger belesener sanftmütiger Mensch den ich nie böse laut genervt etc. gesehen habe da wird man ganz Still und überdenkt an welchen Dingen sich man beschwert auch heute noch mit fast 50 Jahren.
What a touching story , I had to splite this vid into 2 parts . Truly beautiful souls . Thank you for posting
I like that they became friends for life.
I read the book but to see the the men involved and their true love and respect for each is truly heart warming.
For 50+ years, I thought nothing good could come out of a war but this fantastic story proves me wrong and gives me hope for mankind.
They were normal people who killed each other for no reason
Would be even better if more people see that war is a manufactured misery by the Ruling Elite, they have not stopped since the end of wwii. Every decade, they start another war in a smaller, poor country, far away so we don't see it, experience it and thus don't pay attention to it. To this day, most don't see the humanity in enemy soldiers. War dehumanize the enemy so killing can be justified. This is the point of the Franz/Charlie story.
Holy cow... this is so huge.... it literally brought tears to my eyes. It takes a BIG MAN to do this, to adjust your mind out of combat and show compassion and mercy to a fellow human being. This is the best of the best in terms of being human. And just like that there came a bond that made them friends for life. I am just is awe...RIP Franz and Charlie.
Heart warming story! 👍 My grandfather was a tail gunner. He survived the war.
This story made me cry. In the heat of battle, that German pilot put humanity first.
God bless the German pilot. Good man. Great art work too. Thanks for uploading.
Yes, I cried too. Bless you guys ❤
Just when you thought you had lost faith in humanity, stories like this give us hope that in human nature, there is some shining light.
Almost forgot how it felt to cry, this is the most humane story i ever heard.
Crying is incredibly healing, something we have been made to be embarrassed about. Crying courses all the energetic channels in our body, it lets go of the sorrow, it amplifies joy, decompresses stress, it is a powerful mechanism to regulate our physical and energetic body. It is high time that we acknowledge this gift. There is nothing more beautiful and comforting to know men are perfectly capable of acknowledging they were touched to tears.
Amazing story. Much respect to all in the video. with love from uk.
Thats some butterfly effect pull the trigger 25 people would never exist
At the reunion where he was made an honorary member of the bomber group Franz met the children and grandchildren of the men he spared that day. By the time the night was over, he knew their names by heart.
Truly a remarkable pilot, he couldn't accept a dishonorable kill
Not only that, but after the incident he stopped trying for the Knight's Cross.
@@TubeRadiosRule what is the knights cross?
@@owengutierrez8689 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight%27s_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross
Damn this was beautiful. This is what we need to remember during these war stories, of the people that had compassion during wartime.
The mutual repsect these gentleman had for eachother is just the best example of being an actual man. Not following a ideologie or orders. But acting out of the fact they are both Human. Ordered the book right now. Heroes in every meaning of the word.
I've heard this story before. This a beautiful one and I can't imagine having been there
Check out at 3.51 - If they ever make a movie of this, who should play the young Stigler? - Got to be Ben Afleck - Look at the likeness!
remind me the story of the u.s navy seals that were ambushed by talibans in Afghanistan and were saved by villagers and taking away to safety and now Mohammad Gulab and Marcus Luttrell are safe and another example of brothers in humanity
Bullshit! Luttrell is a piece of shit who used Gulab and left him for a decade to fight for his life. When Gulab finally got to the US, Luttrell asked HLS to send him back and ignored his calls. Gulab wanted to hash things out between them while Luttrell wanted him sent back to certain death.
Luttrell is a greedy asshole who left his "friend" high and dry when he had milked all the money out of him that he could.
I hope that they are together on the other side, enjoying the youth that was taken from them, enjoying a friendship they were destined to have and sharing their love of flying without the trappings of war. It makes my heart feel lifted to think of that for them on the other side. Rest in peace Charlie and Franz.
Yeah I Read the book and it was based on a True Story of Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler. I love this book so much.