WWII B-17 Bombardier Survives 35 Combat Missions, Including Two on D-Day | Ralph Goldsticker

After failing to become a pilot, Ralph Goldsticker was not discouraged and took to the skies above Europe in the nose cone of a B-17 Flying Fortress as a bombardier and navigator. He would go on to fly 35 combat missions during his service.

Goldsticker would begin flying missions over the beaches of Normandy and would culminate with the bombing of Berlin and other German Cities. During his service he would be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the French Legion of Honor, and six other medals.

[philbrennaman]

Sharp as a tack, what incredible recollection.

[mdlm]

My grandfather was a B24 pilot, 36 missions, Medal of Honor recipient, nothing compares to that generation. Truly the greatest.

[johnburrows]

These guys were phenomenal. Heroic beyond description. About 10 years ago I was fortunate enough to go to an air show w B17s. As I crawled inside I was dumbfounded as to how cramped and small it was. You couldn’t stand up. I paid $400 for a 5 minute flight. I came down and my wife was waiting. She said how was it? I looked at her and said there’s no fn way I would have flown in these things. I can’t even imagine being 30, 000 ft at -30 with flak and enemy aircraft. Jesus. I was a grunt in Vietnam 68-70. I’ll take the ground any day. My salute to every guy who ever flew in these🇺🇸

[klo]

My dad flew 35 missions also in WW2. He was in Fifteenth Army Air Force. Ninety Ninth Bomb Group. 416th Bomber Squadron. Mostly out of North Africa and Italy. Last mission was May 7th over SE Germany. Thank you for your service sir. God Bless all of our veterans.

[maxhoppenbrouwers]

Had the pleasure of meeting Ralph yesterday evening. What a gentleman and hero! ❤️

[adriannogales]

A living piece of history, listening to him is like having my grandpas B24 flight logs read to me. Amazing details. We love our WWII vets

[robotslug]

I love how he presented the shrapnel, dude is a natural storyteller!

[Brace]

Amazing stories from this brave airman who flew all those combat missions and somehow survived to tell his stories today so many years later. There are no words strong enough to express my admiration for this man and countless others who did their duty to help save the world from Hitler and the Nazis.

[Montana_Bob]

My dad was a Bombardier on a B17 in England. He only told me he was an “equipment operator “ in the war. After he passed away i was going through all of his stuff and found his ribbons, medals and his dd-214. I wish I could have heard his stories.

[celiagorleski]

My dad was a B-17 pilot. He flew 35 bombing missions in WWII. Being a B-17 pilot was what he was proudest of during his 20 years in the military.

[wesharris]

We owe people like him so much, I can't even imagine what it was like.

[leonardlloyd]

God bless you, and thank you for your bravery SIR!!!

[dbohler]

This man is a national treasure. I can’t imagine what it took to go back up a second time after experiencing the fighter attacks, the flak; and watching so many other planes being shot down. I’ll bet he aged 10 years mentally every time he went up. God bless him.

[shaunstrange]

Braver smarter, more of a man than I could hope to be . You are the American we all aspire to be . Thank you Sir for sharing this !

[MrFinallythere]

The Courage these Men must of had to endure in the face of great fear. I can't imagine !

[ridgebhouse]

This guy have to be in his 90s he is sharp with his memories and I can listen to him all day. Thank you sir for your service

[thatguy]

This gentleman did not miss a beat, rare at this age. Thank you for your service sir and it was an honor to listen.

[meadows]

No words are sufficient to express my gratitude for the greatest generation. My Dad survived 34 missions as a gunner on a B17 in the 15th AF and was sent home after VE day and on his way to the pacific when the war ended. A slow salute of respect and esp. for the Tuskegee Airmen that flew cover for them. I owe them my life.

[billybarefoot]

100 years old and still on point. Amazing

[rtrobinson]

Can't believe he can remember the dates and time of the day of the missions. Thank you for your service sir. God Bless You