P-51 Ace Shoots Down an ME-262, Becomes a POW, then Joins the Russians to Fight | Joseph Peterburs

Col. Joseph Peterburs was an ‘Ace’ pilot of 49 missions and 269 combat hours flying the P-51 during the Second World War. On April 10, 1945, he shot down the famed German ‘ace’ Walter Schuck, flying the ME-262, the first German jet flown in combat.

Shortly after, he was shot down and taken prisoner, before escaping and joining up with the Russian Red Army, fighting with them at the Battle of Jitterbug and Wittenberg. He would go on to serve in Korea and Vietnam.

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[johnbaugh]

I knew a guy who flew fighters over Europe. His parents were from Holland. He grew up in Texas. He was shot over Holland. He bailed out and it was nighttime. He landed by his grandparents town. He remembered their address from letters as a kid and he spoke Dutch. He went to their house and they let him in. The underground helped him escape back to American forces. The Germans were going through town looking for him. Until that night, he never actually met his grandparents. He flew in Korea as well. I told him he should have a movie or episode on the History Channel. He just kind of shrugged.

[generalkayoss]

Absolutely incredible story. A pilot that gets shot down after 49 missions, get's captured by Germans and taken prisoner, escapes, then hooks up with a Russian tank crew. Fights a few battles with them, gets rescued by Americans.

This should be a movie.

[bretthummel]

Out of time? Let the man talk as much as he wants, I'll listen all day!

[wildcatparky]

Col Peterburs was the best boss I ever had in the Air Force. Serving under Col Peterburs in the 601st TAC Control Wing in Germany I got to hear some of those amazing stories of Col Peterburs WWII experiences in person. Thank You and God Bless You Col Peterburs. (Captain) Gordon Parkhill

[JRGarage]

94 yet looks 74! Thank you for your service!

[auntkaz]

"If we had time"? We have time for this wonderful gentleman, this hero. Yes, we have time!

[ono]

What a man. teared up talking about his respect for bomber pilots, which my dad was. Now I'm in tears.

[paulbrennan]

Was in the Seminary to be a Priest ! WOW, What a great Man & a gentlemen !
And Evem more a Wonderful Life ?
Old Aussie here, I thank U Sir, For your Service & Attention to Duty !
I believe the Greatest Generation of men Ever, & Would Do it all over again, if had too ? WOW!
God bless U !
Love from Downunder Australia !
.🙏🇺🇸❤️🇦🇺☘️🙏

[nrv]

Don’t understand for the life of me why you’re “limited” in time to get these stories. If it takes two hrs, take the dang time!! You just scratched the surface of learning about this amazing man and the rest of us are left setting on the edge of our chairs.

[Pantera-wuty]

What a brave man, a patriot, a gentleman, a veteran and most of all, an American from the greatest generation!

[timdake]

Every minute with this American hero is precious. Excellent interview. Moments saved in time. I could watch/listen to these interviews for days.

[kckoellein]

I’ve heard a LOT of stories… but this man is really tops!! Thanks for capturing his story!

[stevebuffinton]

Air Force veteran here, love that he became friends with his enemies. We stand on your shoulders sir, thank you.

[kilikdudley]

What a soft spoken warrior. Heart of gold, sir! Thank you for your service

[paulw]

this gentleman was a lot of fun to listen to. When I was a kid I was surrounded by WW2 guys like this who sat around our backyard laughing. A great generation and sorely missiing them now-

[nastynoles]

95 going on 75! Wow my man! Keep up the good work and thank you for your long appreciated service! You will be honored on this earth for eternity.

[dmaextraordinaire]

He seems so soft spoken and kind. What a gracious man. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice Sir. 🇺🇸❣️🇺🇸

[koosman]

Very wonderful interview of a great American. My Dad and three Uncles were all WWII combat Veterans, one of whom was a bombardier in a B-25, and one of two survivors when his plane blew up on takeoff in Italy. I was surrounded by great men like Col. Peterburs growing up. Thank you for your efforts to make these videos.

[neilcrowesongs]

In this age and culture of narcissism, these incredible men are the embodiment of humility, courage, resilience, respect and empathy for others. The capacity to understand and forgive former enemies is astounding