World War II Airman Reacts to Masters of the Air - Ep.1

This video features Al Couture, a 99 year old U.S. Army Air Forces veteran who served as a navigator aboard a B-24 Bomber with the 456th Bombardment Group during World War II. We had the privilege of sitting down with Al to watch the first episode of “Masters of the Air” and record his thoughts and reactions to the series, and how it compared to his experiences as a 19 year old bomber crewman.

“Masters of the Air” is a long anticipated series from the producers of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” that follows bomber crews of 100th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force during their tour of duty.

“Masters of the Air” is courtesy of Apple TV+

**Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.This video is for Non-profit, educational purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners.**

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[armyhistory]

We are pleased to share the link to Mr. Couture’s reactions to the remainder of the series:

[simonflower]

What a guy - 99 years old and still sharp as a tack. Thanks to all those involved in producing this fascinating short film…especially to Al Couture himself.

[TheRealBobBasher]

Every single one of these surviving WWII vets needs to have their stories recorded so it's never forgotten.

[b_Loopy]

Exactly what I wanted to see. YouTube is overwhelmed with nobody’s in their reaction to varying videos, but this is truly something special: I like to see how the movies compare to what really happened, and only people like this man would know

[davechin]

Wish my father, Tuskegee Airmen Jack Chin, was still alive to watch it with me. Thanks for sharing this video.

[jgrant]

From the UK, we will never forget what your armed forces did for us.. How these young army airforce men went out time after time, knowing that on some raids they were losing 1/3 of their planes just amazes me. Best wishes to the elderly gentleman, we owe him and his companions so much...

[megacode]

Wish my uncle could have watched this. He was a navigator on one of the "17's" in the group that is featured in the series. I tried to get him an interview with the production company but no joy, although a newspaper in Phoenix found out about him and did an interview/article. He even had well-kept journals of missions, planes, targets, etc. He even still had his flight jacket. Unfortunately, Parkinson's took him while the series was in development. RIP Uncle Bill!

[calneigbauer]

Amazing to be able to see a ww2 bomber member react to this

[callummitchell]

Videos like this is what YouTube was created for. There's is no way I would have been able to experience an interview with such a person if it wasn't for the internet. Definitely far more impressionable than any "influencer." Nothing beats a first hand account from something who actually experienced it. Thankyou.

[youknownothing]

As a Brit I cannot thank the young US Serviceman who joined us in our fight for freedom during WW II. My Grandmother told me once she met a US Airman back in 1943 at a "Tea Dance" near Warrington. He was a young Pilot who flew B17s back to their Bomb Groups after being repaired at the US Burtonwood Air Base. She was looking forward to seeing him a couple of weeks later but he never showed. She later found out he been injured when a "repaired" B17 suffered hydraulic failure on takeoff/landing? He lost both legs and was shipped back to the US. we all owe a lot to Al and his generation.

[armyhistory]

Hello all - Al Couture was very surprised and humbled by the many views and comments he received about his video. After many requests from viewers, he has agreed to watch the remainder of the series and share his thoughts after the last episode has aired. Please stay tuned, and consider liking and subscribing to our channel for more updates.

[mwhyte]

From one Air Force vet to another please accept my deepest respects and admirations. Your generation of Airmen left some very big shoes for us later generations to fill sir. Clear skies always sir.

[benmiz]

Magic!! What a dead set legend. 99…..he’d pass for 79. Thank you sir for your service to the free world.

[travisprather]

Colonel Al, thank you for your service. Not sure if you'll see this, but sincerely thank you.

[GStatusMusicChannel]

Al, thank you sir for all that you and your generation did. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten

[frankfowlkes]

My father also was in the 15th Air Force in Italy from 1944-45. He was a waist gunner and verified how cold it was. His oxygen mask froze several times and he had to share with the other gunners. He also mentioned as does this gentleman that everyone was young. He was 18 and turned 19 in Italy. He said their pilot was the oldest person in his plane and he was 25. Dad said they referred to him as "the old man". This was truly a special generation. He told me his greatest fear in high school was that the war would end before he graduated and could enlist! He past away in 1994. I miss him!

[jayscheick]

There is nothing that parallels actual commentary from an actual vet who has such a clear and wonderful recollection of events. Thank you, Al!

[AlTurra-ru]

My Dad lived through the war in northern Italy, he was 8 in 39 and 14 when the war ended. He once told me he and his father were up a mountain slope gathering feed for the few cows they had, when a cloud of B-17s appeared in the sky going north, he asked his dad where they where going? His father said they were probably going to Germania, but instead this cloud of B-17s turned and dropped their bomb loads on the town of Tomo, and destroyed it and its population. Apparently the Americans thought there were German armies there but in reality the Germans had long retreated on their way back to protect their fatherland.
Dad immigrated to Canada in 52, and truly loved his new country. His retelling of wartime atrocities were few, he didn’t like to talk about the war, you could see it deeply affected him throughout his life. Dad was a very courageous, fearless, protective, husband father & Nonno. God bless my Dad and all who endured the horrors of war. Miss you Pops.

[TheSoundOutside]

Impressive. Completely together at 99. Here's to another ten years.

[Skymedc]

Thank you for your service sir. My father was a B17 copilot with the 381st BG at Ridgewell. I wish he had lived long enough to see this film. He died just short of 101. He was an old man when he got his B17. 28 years old. Shot down on his 14th mission over Bremen one mission before getting his own crew, and was a POW at Stalag Luft III during the Great Escape years. That, of course, was the British compound. His aircraft was teken from him when he landed in Scotland and was a replacement aircraft for the 100th. It made the flight to Africa after the Regensgurg mission and was the B17 that the famous photo was taken on with all the crews standing on her. The B17 was named "The Polly Jo." It was renamed several missions later and eventually was lost.