I Survived 33 COMBAT MISSIONS Over Europe | 8th Air Force | Bernard Nolan
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- Опубликовано: 9 янв 2018
- Bernard Nolan had a passion for planes and flying from an early age and dreamt of one day taking to the skies and becoming a pilot. Coming of age during the Great Depression Nolan left school to help support his family. When war broke out, Nolan saw an opportunity to pursue his passion and in 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps.
After training he was stationed with the 487th Bomb Group of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Lavenham, England. He would pilot both the B-17 and B-24 Bomber Planes in combat over Germany and France and by war's end he would fly a total of 33 combat missions.
Nolan would retire from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1965 and go on to work for NASA as a geosciences program manager.
Bernard T. Nolan passed away on November 30, 2021. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Interview recorded on January 9, 2018
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95 years old and well spoken, all there and sharp as a whip. You'd think he was a 67 year old man. Incredible.
WW2 bomber crew were some of the bravest warriors in that fight!!
Pity some of today's youth couldn't take a leaf out of these incredibly brave men
95 but still sharp?geez!!men like this a veryyyy rare sir!!like hell this man is incredible!he must hv a VERY good and happy life!!we need to VIDEO documented veterans experienced as many as we can.because these brave mens are rare and sadly many had pass away.
wow. Men like him are a blessing to our country. He called several of his assignments blessings while taking no credit for the fact that he was blessing our country with his service. Part of a lost generation. God just doesn't make em' like that anymore. But I still have to say, EVERY veteran is a hero in my eyes.
This guy is 95? Holy hell...he’s sharp as a razor.
He is. Totally sharp for 95. He appears as if he could 25 years younger. Nice to see. Great that he has such a perfect memory of all his experiences of his entire life. Thank you for your service. God bless you and enjoy your retirement, Sir.
The sharpest ones often survived, the not-so-sharp often did not survive. My uncle (Dad's older brother) was there in Europe in the USAAF during WW II for a few years of war and came home in one piece.
He doesn't drink too much, smoke or eat junk. Also gets some exercise.
I never get tired of hearing our heros tell their stories. God bless them and God bless America!!!!
Warcrimes! WOOOHOOOO!
He is one of the sharpest 95yo vets I've ever seen. Bless them ALL!
My dad and my uncle Keith are like this guy. Both loved aviation. Dad built model airplanes as a kid, winning several trophies in contests. My uncle Keith joined the U.S. Navy and became a Lt. jig. who flew a Corsair fighter off the U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12).
Truly the greatest generation.
A real hero.
I think they’re called the greatest generation, because the Allies won that war. I feel bad for the Vietnam veterans because the war was so much harder for the average person. They didn’t speak the same language as their allies, the fighting conditions were so much harder with the heat and the jungle plus they didn’t have the complete support of their own country! They were risking their lives for the country’s sake, but people were blaming them for the war! It was terrible. I was ashamed of the way people were talking about them and treating them. It must’ve been so hard serving in the military during that time and then having to reconcile all that in your personal life after your service is over.
This man's mind-set and personal paradigm are what made our Republic and their Generation such winners. Thank you, sir. God bless...
I hope he lives another 20 yrs educating the generations behind him. Sacrifice and call to duty are character traits that are rare to see these days.
you cannot honor these men enough !
Thank You Sir, my Dad was born in 1920, and graduated from high school in 1938. The war broke out in 1939, he too joined the Air Force - in Canada we call it the Royal Canadian Air Force ( RCAF ). He was raised on the Prairies in Western Canada he was trained in East Coast Command and became a Flight Engineer on a PBY Catalina. Just watching and listening to this man, has put tears in my eyes. The multitude that gave their All in this terrible World War II is beyond our comprehension. This was a grand interview with Mr. Bernard Nolan, a survivor. Sir, I was born in 1946, in a free world - because of the Service of You and Your Colleagues. You know the toll in tragic waste of primarily men and a multitude of Aircraft in the years of your Service. The popular Vera Lynn song, “ We’ll Meet Again” is very appropriate, where I believe a Your Creator will,once again put you in with your former air crews and ground crews. The North Atlantic was the theatre of operation for my Dad, and he too was a survivor and went on to live in the Freedom we have come to know because of people like You - Sir. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, God loves You and so do I.
Great comment ... so much sacrificed in that time and now being squandered with such little respect ... these soldiers believed in their cause for Freedom , today its wasted on superficial idealism that lacks basic morals
Nicely stated
My dad was born Sept 27, 1920. In the Battle of the bulge
What a career. Talk about "the right stuff". Thank you so much for your service, col. Bernard Nolan. You are a true hero of aviation.
95 years young. Thank you for your service. My dad was in the 13th army airborne in the South pacific theater. 2yrs 2mos. and 2 days.1942-1944
A wonderful generation of exceptional people.
Wow what a man they truly were a great generation.
I would be the most inquisitive grandson if he were my grandpa. Boy do I absolutely love war stories told by those who lived it firsthand. My goodness is he sharp! Thanks for everything ,Sir!!
Unfortunately my Dad wouldn't talk about it so I didn't press in it Same campaign Normandy
Thank you for a professional video and thank you Col. Nolan. Not many 30 year olds have minds as sharp, how remarkable for 95!
He's like a 55 yr old man and is extremely sharp and articulate for a 95yr old. Amazing man - representing the great Irish New Yorkers of Queens!
Come on, he'a in great shape, but he doesn't look 55.
Surprised he wasn't attached to Strategic Air Command like my Father was at MacDill AFB He retired in 69 Unfortunately my Dad passed at age 76 in the 90's Good man like most of their generation God Bless Them
What a sharp minded veteran. Salute sir
Thank you Colonel Bernard Nolan for your Distinguished Service to our Country! I am a friend of Dr. Joseph Gutierrez, who speaks so highly of you and was himself stationed in Vietnam during the TET Offensive.. Nice to get to know your history! I am a former USO performer in Vietnam - and am presently an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, Arizona.
I am the neice of an Iwo Jima Marine, the daughter in law of an Army soldier on Europe and the daughter of a Korean vet. A cousin saw duty with the Navy off North Vietnam and two uncles were USAF, retired. I have nothing but mad respect for this gentleman and his comrades. I adore B17s. I went through CAF's Sentimentaal Journey and was blown away. Thank you, sir, for your service and bravery!
anyone who was in the 8th Air Force during WWII is a hero in my (and many others') book. And that's whether they flew combat missions or not. But the ones that flew combat missions are a special class of hero ... their bravery and courage and endurance are beyond description and comprehension.
what a priceless critique of the B24 and B17 by one who flew both. Who can argue with him? I salute you, sir. Thank you!
A massive thank you to all US servicemen for your sacrifices during this conflict from us Brits.
My uncle flew B24s, he passed 10yrs ago, never talked about it.
My dad was a Navy Surgeon, passed 2 yrs ago at 94.
My mom grew up in Regensburg, worked in the Messerschmitt factory.....bombed by my uncle several times.
Great video , another hero , thanks for your service .
Incredible. Thank you for your service sir.
Thank you Sir
One Hell of a resume/career for a high school dropout. An absolutely amazing brave man. God bless him.
God Bless you Sir My Dad was a bombardier/radar navigator Normandy LtColn later John C Cowart...received the DFC for the Invasion Real Hero thank you for you service
Brilliant story. Thank you, Colonel!
My mother's cousin was a navigator on a B24 that was shot down and killed, the pilot made it out, one of the 3 parachutes that came out of it, the pilot also went on to work for NACA and NASA like this guy, he flew test flights with Neil Armstrong and other future astronauts and was himself later a part of the space program including Apollo.
I'll bet he knew this guy.
I would also add note the Colonels temperament, very collected, professional, and calm. Obviously a first class officer.
Thank you Sir!
Amazing. Thanks Col. Nolan and thanks for recording him.
Wow that dude is fresh and sharp as a tick for 95!
Thank you for your service and for sharing
When I was growing up in the 80’s most of our grandfather’s either were instrumental in giving freedom to Europe in the services, or did important work at home but many didn’t talk about it. I wish I had asked more questions. The generation of these selfless men are nearly gone and it’s incredibly sad
These men are/were once-in-a-thousand year men.
I really appreciate the interview format...
To Philosopher 007. You ain't wrong . Suprisingly detailed and lucid delivery to questions . No discernable lack of detail. Convinced it's all genetic predisposition to life's challenges . Bloody amazing . From an Aussie in Qld.
When there's a good story to tell, the quiet authority of interviewees like Colonel Nolan make it compulsive listening!
This is such a great channel. Listening to all these heroes is as humbling as it is educational. The men and women you interview represent the best and most selfless people in our history. God bless them, and your team from bringing them to our attention. Thankyou.
The interviewer is as impressive as the men he interviews!
So sad to see that Colonel Nolan passed away November 30th. 2021 at aged 99. Legends never die, they just fade away. R.I .P Colonel. You fought so we could live in freedom. Thank you from a grateful nation. I hope you are flying as much as you desire in heaven.
Amen
This man is awesome! I really enjoy these interviews. Thank you.
Very sharp and well spoken.
Just Awesome!! 👍👍
Fascinating. Brilliantly told.
Thank you for your service Sir. 22years Army Vietnam Vet here. My father was a waste gunner on a B17
this old man must had a VERY good and happy life.because at 95 yrs old but still sharp like this are soooooooo rare!!and i meant it!!to me..men or women like these are the real LEGENDARY X MEN!!i envy the interviewer to hv met in person with living legends like this!! i salute you Mr.Bernard and tq for your service.
He's sharper than whoever wrote the caption calling him a figher pilot.
God bless you Sir.
Excellent interview with a most excellent man. Well done!
Thankyou sir , our lives we now live.🤗🥰💯✔️
The greatest generation ever,they were all the greatest American soldiers. This country ever had,past and present...
With out them..we wouldn't have a country to call America...these very, very, young men saved
the world.defeating armies. That couldn't be beat...hell yea !!
Wow sounds like you’ve had a great life! Thank you!
Thank you for your service
Amazing to hear his experiences.
Mr. Nolan, Thank you for your highly astute recollection of past experience. You are an inspiration and I hope I shall be able to be as enlightening as you when the time comes. Thank you.
Thank you sir.
Thank you sir for your service
I'm amazed at just how he's able t o remember sl the details of the mission's he flew at age 95. God b less all those brave men who riske d there lives to fight for the USA. I'm going to the Aviatiom Museum to see a B-17 they flew in to Blueg ass Field Lex Ky to display. this w eekend.
The more emotional an event, the more likely the brain "burns" it in and thus the stronger the memory. There is no doubt the combat missions by nature demanded a lot of emotional response from the crews.
I love his dispassionate comparison between the B-24 and the B-17, with the pointed caveat that he was speaking specifically of the ETO. Simple, specific, to the point from the perspective of a flying man. So much better than all the technical stuff so many arm chair air marshals want to spout.
Perhaps you could edit out the brakes for people listening on RUclips? Thank you for the upload. And what a great man. Sharp as a whistle!! Thank you for your service.
Bernard T. Nolan
NOVEMBER 7, 1922 - NOVEMBER 30, 2021
RIP Sir
7:45 he describes feathering props wrong, it's not about stopping rotation but dramatically reducing *drag* on said engine(s).
Turning the blades into the wind, intuitive. Otherwise spinning dead engine prop like a porous disk in the wind if you can't feather it.
Nitpicking but for those who may have been confused.
Col. Bernard Nolan,
Thank you so much for your service, Sir.
Did you happen to know Major Jack Brake?
He flew B24's in that theater, in that time frame.
Jack survived the war and was my best friend. Sadly, he passed in '95, a casualty of the VA.
(I don't have it in me to say he passed of 'natural causes.' Incompetance is the nicest way i can express what they did to him.)
Astounding.
I salute you sir
Another gem
Great experience.
What a life! Wow
Wow, he went from flying B-24s to being in the Air Force when the XB-70 made its first flight. Nowhere near that rate of change in aerospace today...
ill bet he is a cool cat under pressure
I still build models...mostly B-24 & B-17's...different scales...my most favorite bombers/planes
This guy is incredibly lucid.
Complete respect for his generations accomplishments
Wow. As a WWII AAF historian this guy is a top class act..
Looks good for 95.
Think he got bit by a vampire lol
Wow, Westover AFB in Chicopee, MA in 1986 was my first base and I’d always wondered about who served there in the earlier decades.
Hi! I joined in 56 and Westover was my first duty station after basic. It was 8th AF, SAC during my four years of active duty. I did a year at Thule AFB, Greenland, then elected to return to Westover for the remainder of my time.
Wow yes my Dad was stationed there in the mid 60's.....I was in the 4th and 5th grade
@@deanhueter2866 Did you know John C Cowart ? Not sure what rank he was...he ended up Lt Col in 69 Was in the Normandy campaign and Korea We we're at Westover in the mid 60's
@@paulcowart3174 I don’t recognize the name, sorry. I left the service in 62, and opened my own business.
@@deanhueter2866 Hey thanks Dean I appreciate it God Bless
Is he missing an eye? Glad to hear his stories many that went down are not able to tell their story.
*that's a long story you don't want to go there* Me- I want to go there hahaha.
Cool story but bad production as far as the lighting goes. Thanks for documenting these stories before these heros were gone.
These men are leaving us. 😢
The video's title and the interviewer both indicate that Nolan was a bomber pilot, but the video description and the screen text indicate that he was a fighter pilot.
Why this confusion?
My grandmother was born in 1923 and during the war effort was a tac welder for these very bombers.
MJ SOKOLIK It's great to meet these real men through their stories, this man was a living history book. This kind of thing should be taught in public schools.
The lighting is so bad it looks like hes missing his eye lol.
Great interviewing skills. This guy has a wealth of information and experience but he needs a little prompting. Well done.
My great grandfather brought down over 40 German aircraft in WW2
He was the worst mechanic the Luftwaffe ever had 🤣😂😂
An American Ace… lol
Great man in control of his destiny
Bomber crews had the second most dangerous assignment in the war behind submariners.
Not in the US military, the 8th Air Force alone lost more men than all of the Marine Corps in the Pacific, and that just the 8th, the 15th had similar losses and then there the air group's in the Pacific.
Did the allies ever make a concerted effort to bomb the batteries that were putting up flak?
I know 60 year olds who don't look as good as this guy!
Nerves of steel. Laser Focus. Hardened Steel Balls. Keep the plane on course to target, ignore the flak. Ignore other B-17's falling out of the sky. Ignore the messerschmidts. And as a side benefit, bring back the crew and yourself alive.
Send him up to the Senate...he's got spine
Damm hes 95 ??look at his hair its all there !! Guy is sharp as a tack he found the fountian of youth lol
A true generation of invincible heroes-mostly just folk