World War II B-17 pilot takes first flight after 70 Years

On July 2nd, 1945, after flying 23 missions over Europe for the 390th Bombardment Group, Lt. James F. Goolsby landed on US soil and stepped out of his plane for the final time as a combat pilot for the Allied Forces.

In December of 2013, he sat in the pilot seat of a B-17 for the first time since that day. This would also be his first time taking flight in his former aircraft as a passenger.

During his visit he shared and reflected on his memories of his time in active duty with those who gathered for the occasion. I have heard these stories many times before, but never with the level of emotion he displayed on this afternoon.

Though I unfortunately didn't have the opportunity to fly with him, I felt honored just to be along to capture his experience.

Видео World War II B-17 pilot takes first flight after 70 Years канала AtomicAnomic