WWII Bombardier Recounts INTENSE COMBAT in a B-17 Flying Fortress | Paul “Bud” Haedike

Inspired by movies and newsreels, Paul “Bud” Haedike wanted nothing more than to become a fighter pilot and take the fight to the Luftwaffe over the skies of Europe. Fate however, would place Paul in the nose of B-17 Flying Fortress dropping payloads of destruction across Germany.

As part of the Eighth Air Force, Haedike’s baptism by fire would come fast and hard. As a rookie crew, on their first combat mission, their bomber would be the last plane in formation to pass over the target - A position known as ‘Tail End Charlie’.

By the time Haedike dropped his payload the German anti-aircraft positions had zeroed in their 88 millimeter cannons and were able to knock out the number one and two engines on Haedike’s bomber. Through sheer skill and determination the pilot of the crippled bomber made it past the German lines and was able to crash land in Belgium. Haedike would go on to fly 22 more combat missions.

Our dear friend Paul "Bud" Conrad Edward Haedike passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the age of 98.

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[YaBoiGibbons]

Paul Haedike
5/30/1925 - 3/22/24
RIP Paul I’m so glad we have this video to remember you by. You served our nation and we won’t forget you. Rest easy soldier.

[connorgaydos]

I wrote this man a letter a few years ago after seeing him in "The Cold Blue." He wrote me back and sent me a DVD… one of the most genuine men alive today. God bless you sir

[Chris-Nico]

Bud just passed away a few months ago.
RIP good Patriot 🇺🇸

[jimselzle]

My Dad was a tailgunner on B17, 30 missions over Germany, 401st BG. The stories he told had a lot of parallels to Buds. I still have his flight jacket, medals, and a lot of Army Air Corps paperwork. We owe a lot to these guys and others like them.

[jolanc]

He's 95-96 years old and has the mind of a 35 year old. Outstanding!

[DCtheArtist]

My great great uncle flew in a B17 during his time in the war. He was a door or side gunner. His life was cut short after his plane crashed and while it crashed a side explosion blew him out making him fall to his death. He served from 1943-44. May you rest well Franky❤

[DitchCCDC]

You can tell this gent is a dad. He explains very detailed. MY GOD THIS MAN IS LUCID, HIS MEMORY IS PHENOMENAL! Thank you for your service sir.

[ATITKD]

I am alive because my grandfather survived 52 missions as a B17 door gunner and my other grandfather survived Iwo Jima. This guys kids are lucky as well..

[cprotect]

My dad flew for the Jolly Rogers b-24s in the South Pacific he would always take me to his conventions to meet these guys and I sure miss that generation. They were so much fun to be around.

[Phildo]

R.I.P. Paul not only were the definition of what it meant to be apart of THE GREATEST GENERATION but you were 1 of the most honorable, humble, and nicest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I’m so glad we not only have this video but many more of you telling your amazing story of your time in The Eighth Air Force. I’m honored to have been able to meet you, shake your hand and sat down to hear some stories first hand from you. R.I.P. HERO!!

[AS-zkhz]

This man is such a good descriptive speaker. He is very intelligent he is the reason we won the war. People like him assured victory. God bless him and take care of him in heaven.

[Cainer]

This is one of the best interviews I have ever listened to from a WWII veteran. He lived it, experienced it, and lived to tell us about it. My dad served in a B-29 outfit on Guam in WWII. I regret to this day not asking him about his experiences during the war and learning about his experiences. God bless you, Dad. I miss you, and Mom.

[Nighthawk]

This guy is amazing, he remembers it all and is a wonderful story teller. What a hero, God Bless Him !

[shaherbadawy]

Gramps is a bad ass and more coherent than the president him self 😂

[leerich]

I could listen to these men talk all day, Brave lads. Absolute true heroes.

[dominicalberto]

My late father in law flew over 30 missions over Germany in a B17. He loved airplanes. He saw alot of his friends go down and was also wounded by flax. He is a real hero!

[danielsteuber]

Great interview. Reminds me of my grandfather Don Parker on B24 Liberators with the 449th Bomb Group, 717th Squadron. He passed away in 2011. Absolutely the greatest generation.

[mikewhitlow]

Several years ago I had the good fortune to fly in a B-17 in St. Louis and Mr. Haedike was with us in that bomber. He had the whole group in tears as he made one crack after another. It was one of the greatest moments of my life to be inside that plane listening to Mr. Haedike's stories of his time in Europe. Thank you Mr. Haedike and God bless you and all those who served.

[bradjohnson]

Bud, you have my deepest and most sincere thank you for what you did for our country. I have to agree with some of the other posts here. You have such a way of telling your story, we MUST have more. Even if they are little anecdotes or silly things that happened. History is being lost or distorted every day. We need to hear it from the folks that were there.

[DrRussellMcConnell]

I've listened to a number of these guys tell their stories, and Bud gives the best explanations of them all.