How One Japanese Bullet Almost Changed History

This is the story of an incredible TBF Avenger Pilot who fought in the Battle of the Philippines (Marianas Turkey Shoot) and went on to become one of the prolific leaders of the 20th century. One of the greatest air combat stories to come out of World War II. This was made using the World War II flight simulator War Thunder. Hope you enjoy the tale of George HW Bush! Please like, comment, and subscribe. #WW2 #WWIIHistory #WarThunder

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[TJ]

Hey everyone. First off, I hope you enjoyed. I am working incredibly hard to continue to make these videos for all of you. But I am getting pushed to our limits trying to keep up with our schedule with the increased quality of video I am putting out. Please consider joining our Patreon or signing up for our newsletter below to help support what we do. Thank you guys. :)

[TJ]

Historical notes - George had a variety of different liveries that he flew in 1944, as he lost multiple planes. But, for simplicities sake, I just used "Barbara III" for all clips in this video. Other than that, this one should be pretty accurate. :) Keep political discussions out of here please, as I am just paying homage for this courageous and heroic aviator. Thanks everyone!

[B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

I remember in lead up to the actual start of the Gulf War, President Bush saying at a televised news conference or meeting, "I've been there." He knew what it was like to fight and have planes shot out from under him and see friends and crew mates lost. When he passed a few years ago, there was a beautiful cartoon showing him landing his TBF in Heaven. He was climbing out of the plane with his sport jacket slung over his shoulder as "Bar" and their daughter, "Robin" ran to welcome him.

[HeyBigChriss]

I think the scariest part of this whole mission was what was happening on that island…

[rodgerrodger]

I knew immediately. I am very familiar with this story. Like him, hate him, those boys were all incredibly brave back then. My poor father was a mess. He tried to put it all behind him, but it just ate away at him. Nobody knew what PTSD was, and you were expected to just get on with your life. It's not easy to do when you're bathing in death for four years.

[et]

If I may suggest a story, that of Lieutenant Karl Richter, assigned to the 388th TFW at Korat Royal Thai AFB during the Vietnam conflict. Aircrews required 100 missions to complete a tour of duty, but the F-105 survived an average of 40 before being shot down. He volunteered for a second TOD, and almost made it.

[dormandavis]

I have more respect for a person who fought in the military during times of war and became a politician, then somebody who dodged the draft and tried to hide from military service.

[shawnreap]

Knew who it was before I clicked.
As you said, regardless of politics you cannot deny he served bravely and honorably.
I can't even begin to imagine how much the loss of his crew weighed upon him for the rest of his days.

[johnheart]

Can’t wait to watch this one. You should make a video about how the dauntless divebomber ended the war with Japan several years early- because of midway!

[LancelotChan]

Thanks for the nice story. I knew who you were talking about from the beginning, but it doesn't make any difference in how courageous and inspiring the story is.

[aproudamerican]

My Grandfather and President G.H.W Bush 41 had worked together in Houston Texas for many years. So I've met President G.H.W. Bush and his son George Bush 43. I have alot of respect for President Bush 41.

[maxstonecro]

I like how you used two different games to get the best result for visuals. Now that's called dedication!

[jon-pauluriarte]

I was pretty sure who it was until you showed the picture. Then I had no doubt about who he was. Great job on the videos

[darkdinochris]

Dear TJ,
Back in 1990, I got to know one of the S-Class sub crew that rescued George Bush. He spent a month with the sub crew and never forgot them. Forty-three years later, each surviving sub crew member got a personally signed invitation to Bush’s Innauguration!
My friend, Mr. Curry, had the invitation in a frame on his wall with a picture of the two of them together on the sub deck.

[RobertJones-uxnc]

I knew that George H. W. Bush flew an TBM/TBF Avenger but learned even more from this vidio. Thank👍

[JUNKERS]

Another great video TJ. Thanks for all the hard work you put into these videos and the facts. Keep 'em Flying buddy.

[charlie]

My father was a turret gunner on a TBF and on one occasion his plane had to ditch in the Pacific. He said his friend the radioman was killed. He and the pilot were picked up later by an destroyer. He also told me it was a custom for the carrier to reward the destroyer with ice cream for rescuing the flyers.

[mchume]

I got to shake his hand when he was visiting NAS Moffett Field in 1988 where I was stationed at the time. A restored TBF/TBM was on hand inside Hangar One for photo ops which he participated in.

[FFGOMER]

According to James Bradley in his book "Flyboys: A True Story of Courage" the other crewmember that bailed out was not killed during the bailout but was one of the cannibalized POWs on Chichi Jima

[e.b.]

I recently discovered your channel and, speaking as a WWII history buff, I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. Looking forward to future videos!