WWII pilot reunited with P-51 Mustang he flew in combat

The roar of the engines could be heard while they were still far off. A crowd had gathered to see a pair of WWII era planes land at Tampa Executive Airport, and Jerry Browne Jr. was in position.

“There’s the 51,” he said from his wheelchair.

Just after noon, a B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang settled into the runway and shut off their engines to applause.

It was a reunion of sorts for Browne Jr.

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[wolfbassgames]

Man when he said “I’m half laughing half crying.” That hit deep. Damn! I salute this man with whole hearted respect.

[paulbradford]

Even in advanced old age, it seems pilots stay as sharp as ever. Good for him.

[davef.]

The greatest generation, God bless him and our country.

[pghall]

because of men like him, you have the rare privilege to travel about in a free country. We owe them everything!! I'm an early persian gulf vet (desert shield) what we did pales in comparison! These guys were truly fighting to keep us free and safe. We owe them all, what little are left nowadays, more than we could ever possibly give! Thank You sir for securing our freedom, it will NEVER be forgotten!

[Rockit-]

As much as this is a touching story, I would love to have this guy in the passenger seat of an F-15

[wiltonsmith]

Lovely story. Very poorly worded title. He did not fly THAT airplane. He flew an airplane of the same make and model as the one in the video. Typical of the current sad state of journalism today. Unable to tell the TRUTH, no matter how hard they try.

[dariusjackelson]

Sometimes ordinary men are called upon to do great things and become great men. He is one.

[clevlandblock]

I heard one WW2 fighter pilot vet describe an aerial dogfight this way; "It's like being chased on foot through a neighborhood by a guy with a 38 in his hand".

[dougfuller]

Reunited. I worked on an EC-121 we had at the Camarillo airport - it's in Chino now. One Saturday an older gentleman and his wife came by. They were passing by the area to visit their daughter in Santa Barbara, and saw our aircraft from the 101 freeway. He told us he had flown an EC-121 in the 60s, and wanted to take a look at the aircraft. He did, and came back a few minutes later, crying. Our aircraft was the very one he had piloted many times some 50 years earlier. We were able to put him back in touch with some of his crew members who had contacted us as well. He didn't make it to Santa Barbara that day.

[terrybroadway]

The men and women of the Greatest generation was made of sterner stuff

[theangrybass]

They were truly the ‘greatest generation’

[mjleger]

Look at the way he lovingly and almost reverently touches that P-51 at 0:51 to 2:00! That choked me up! There is no date given so I don't know if this dear man is still with us, but we thank him and ALL our veterans who have fought in WWII, and every war since then to help keep our Country free, we salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Bravo-Zulu, old soldier, we will never forget you!

[toddbob]

God bless this man he fought so we can all have freedom in the USA.

[chanceymclaurin]

This is what America is all about, not racist and political fighting, hats off to you pilot

[capitaljushman]

1:51
"I'm still proud of my country. It has it's weak points, but still a wonderful country." amen to that.

[paulbrewer]

I admire Mr. Browne in so many ways, including his balanced perspective. He allows himself to feel the pain of loss of other P-51 pilots he knew who were shot down and perished during WWII, while at the same time feeling proud that he was there with them fighting to stop the Axis powers. Mr. Browne's love for his country is so real, and we know this because he also calls attention to what we still need to work on in order to make it even better. In other words, Mr. Browne doesn't avoid the reality of our still to be resolved problems as he proclaims his love for his country.

This is REAL love: Mr. Browne loves his country so much that he can't help but aspire to help change things for the better in every way that we need it. This is the definition of a patriot. A REAL patriot. My infinite gratitude to you, Mr. Browne. And to every person of The Greatest Generation - the generation of my parents - who answered the call to defend not just our country, but every freedom-loving country in the world. You were there for all of us, Mr. Browne! Thank you, Sir!

[greggarner]

I could give this man and his plane the biggest hug ever! God bless them both and those who restored that beautiful bird!

[campbelldutch]

It wasn’t the mustang he flew in combat! The headline is deceiving just like most of the media!!

[whatitdo]

Can't possibly imagine the myriad of emotions that would run through someone's head upon being reminded of such experiences...just remarkable

[jacksonstandley]

What a legend.
As they say
Hard times make strong men.
Strong men make easy times
Easy times make weak men
Weak men make hard times
This man was a a strong man.