When a BF-109 spared a B-17

December 20th 1943, a badly shot up B-17 struggled to stay in the air, at the controls Charlie Brown. Passing low over a German airfield, it was spotted by Franz Stigler who raced to intercept, just one victory away from receiving the Knight's Cross. What happened next would be called one of the most incredible acts of kindness between enemies.

Thanks to Adam Makos for allowing us to use the footage of the first meeting of Stigler and Brown. You should also read the full story in the book 'A Higher Call' by Adam Makos & Larry Alexander.

We received many requests to do this in our new style. We hope you like it.

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[robwebber]

"Honour is everything!" If only people thought like that today. The world would be a better place.

[ArcticWolfAlpha]

"There is no honor in killing the Helpless."

That German Pilot deserves EVERYONES respect...

[daniellebcooper]

Franz stigler may not have got his iron cross, but he'll be remembered throughout history for all the right reasons. Hes a fine example of Human Being, and someone to look up to. An inspiring story.

[History-Secrets]

Damn.. This story is so beautiful, and I had to wipe away some tears. See.. Not all Germans were bad, and definitely not all of them were Nazi's. Most of them were just the same as others, but were fighting on the wrong side. There are so much more beautiful stories like this one, and I keep explaining this to people, but unfortunately, most people won't listen, they ignore, and say they were all evil. Huge respect for this German fighter pilot!

[tatboiinthelane]

"in 2008, within a few months, the two firm friends went on their final journey together."

im not crying, im not crying....

[ninovalenzuela]

"Behind every gunsight is a human being"

Franz knew this....

[cheezkid]

Had he shot down the Pub and earned that Knight's Cross, Stigler would've been a mere footnote in history, only remembered by historians and the biggest history nerds. By sparing the Pub, he not only did the right thing and saved multiple lives, he cemented his place in history. He'll be remembered as an honorable man who did the right thing, against his training. He found a brother through it, too. RIP to both Brown and Stigler.

I hope that the rest of the crew who lived long enough got to know who Stigler was.

This story made me tear up.

[mynamesjudge]

That "final journey" line and the sight of the B-17 and 109 flying wing to wing had me in tears.

[mywinmychoice]

Franz saying "I love you broke in tears.

[joeyz]

The remaster of the century: it was what we wanted, but not what we deserved. It's beautiful.

[johnnyboijracing]

My great grandfather flew four missions in carol dawn, a b17 g-model that Charlie named and once piloted Charlie even completed his tour of duty. When my great grandfather flew those missions in that aircraft Charlie was already out of England and back to the U.S. he never met Charlie until the 90s when at a reunion he saw a odd looking fellow who turned out to be franz

[Handles-Suck-YouTube]

I've known about this story for over 7 years and it still gets me every single time.

A higher call indeed.

[paradigm_shft]

"Fly.

Fighting fair.

It's the code of the air.

Brothers.
Heroes.
Foes!"

[MrJinglejanglejingle]

"I love you, Charlie"

He probably went on for decades, wondering if that B-17's crew ever survived... Wondering if he could've done better, done more... To hear that all but the tail gunner, whom was already dead, survived? It was probably the greatest feeling in the world. Like a weight of the world taken off his shoulders. Not only that, but he found a friend...

[nate]

It's was great to see both men had a chance to meet each other before they died both are very honorable indeed

[Ace_Star_]

Let’s all be honest here, Yarnhub and Sabton teach us more about history then our history teachers

[cocoaexists]

Nobody’s born cool, except of course
















Franz Stigler

[elijahrasonabe]

We are losing world war 2 veterans everyday and it's heartbreaking.

[santhig]

My Top Three Favorite Videos Are :
1. This One
2. Castle Itter
3. The P47 Pilot Who Saved A Japanese Pilot. ( Chivalry ).

[monsieurcommissaire]

The original was the first Yarnhub video I watched, and it had me reduced to tears in minutes. This new version is a masterpiece for the ages. Thank you, Yarnhub. May this story always be told.