Dogfight Under The Eiffel Tower. P-51 Mustang VS. Messerschmitt Bf 109 | WW2 History Documentary

WW2, an epic dogfight in Paris, under the Eiffel Tower. A P-51B Mustang against a Messerschmitt Bf 109, and things you might not know about the German Plane, but also the P-51 explained by legendary pilot Bud Anderson.
The fight in Paris saw William Bruce "Bill" Overstreet Jr., an American fighter pilot and a veteran of the 357th Fighter Group, 363rd Fighter Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, in a solo pursuit of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109G underneath the arches of the Eiffel Tower in 1944. This engagement occurred on an unknown date in the spring of 1944, Bill Overstreet and his P-51B Mustang "Berlin Express" were a half hour away from Paris when the action started.

German fighters attacked the American bomber group Overstreet was escorting. After most of the Germans had broken off their attack, Overstreet and a Bf 109 began a running dogfight. With Overstreet behind him, the Bf 109 pilot flew over Paris, hoping that the heavy German anti-aircraft batteries surrounding the city would either shoot Overstreet down or force him to disengage. However, Overstreet stayed on his quarry's tail, despite the intense enemy ground fire. Overstreet managed to get some hits at about 1500 feet, damaging the engine. In a surprise maneuver, the German pilot flew beneath the Eiffel Tower. Undeterred, Overstreet followed, scoring several more hits in the process. The German plane crashed, and Overstreet escaped the heavy flak around Paris by flying low and full throttle down the Seine until he had cleared the heavily defended city's anti-aircraft batteries.

The scene of Overstreet chasing and downing the enemy plane inspired French citizens and the Resistance. He was awarded France's highest military award, the Legion of Honour, by French Ambassador to the United States Pierre Vimont at a ceremony held at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, on June 6, 2009.

Overstreet died on December 29, 2013, at the age of 92.[2]

#p51mustang #aviation #bf109

[ThomasSchick]

…Bud Anderson 101 years young …He is the last living American triple flying ace of WW2

[QMore-fpwn]

Wow! I just did a preflight on a ‘51 with the Bud Anderson. Incredible!

[clint]

Wow. I fell like this amazing man gave little me a personal tour of the mighty mustang and I have a smile on my face from ear to ear. GREAT OUTSTANDING VIDEO. thank you

[jonathansteadman]

Actually, the ilusin il2 was the most produced combat plane, over 36, 000.

[josephbutler]

Sir that was a wonderful story of your crew chief and your crew. You undoubtedly were a brave pilot, but having a crew like that working on your airplane had to be like they were flying with you! I am sure their work and support motivated you beyond words! Thank you and them for your service!

[andrewbranch]

Great video. I love listening to veteran pilots 👍✌️☮️

[MarkSmith-jspu]

I’ve always wondered if dogfighters took into consideration where their bullets and cannons went.

[leetrotboswell]

This is amazing that it happened for real ! Ive done this on a computer game and always wondered if it could be done or ever was done .

[christophereadgbe]

Here we have a man who could visit Paris anytime and never have to buy a drink. Humility probably kept that from happening much.

[j.albertogratacos]

As I understand it, the P51 hunting the 109 so confidently over Paris was a sign that the French Resistance was waiting for to initiate their counterattack, knowing that the Allies were close and winning.

[clint]

I liked when he says about the intake cover, ...and you wanna make sure that “this thing” is out !

[paulgregg]

Rather unfortunate that immediately after talking of the gun jams of B model P-51’s, the clips follow with a p-51 and a gun camera engagement with an RAF Typhoon 1B!!! Tut-Tut!

[JC-puej]

"All I want is Eddie Simpson remembered." Request of William Bruce Overstreet, Jr. (1921-2013)

[ericsahagun]

Of all these documentaries I see and they headline or title a certain event and it turns out you watch the whole damn thing and it never shows it They just use the headline and picture just to grab your attention Now that would have been okay if they would have showed that dogfight flying underneath the Eiffel Tower in the middle somewhere or at the very end cuz sometimes you can just fast forward to the end and find it But the fact you did it in the very beginning I love you and then the rest of it was very interesting I really appreciate you instead of dangling that carrot in front of us and never showing nothing or holding out to the very end Thank you so much This is so refreshing!

[RivhardDavenport]

SO DID THE GERMAN PILOT BAIL OUT OR DID HE DIE IN A CRASH. WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?

[anthonywilson]

The German Pilot. choosing what he did to try and save his butt gave theFrench Nation a huge lift. Under occupation to see a ME 109 shot up right under the Eiffel Tower wow.

[charlesarmstrong]

Wow!! Are you sure his name is`nt Carke Kent? When he gets into the cockpit he becomes Superman!!

[Rohoactr]

If this is true flying underneath the Eiffel Tower. This is Epic ! Legend for sure !

[dr.kroenen]

The bf 109 has always looked so cool to me. If I had to fight in the war I would have wanted to fight in this plane. It would have sucked fighting for the fuhrer but I'd get over it after getting to burp off those nose cannon rounds😂

[BTillman]

It never happened but keeps popping up.
Missing essentials:
Date
Combat report
Victory claim
Crash site
Verified witnesses, US or French
All three of Bill Overstreet's victories were claimed over Germany.
Two 363rd FS aces said that Overstreet never mentioned it during the war. "Otherwise there would've been a huge party at the O club!"

Sad thing is: I was acquainted with Bill, and a nicer gentleman you'd never meet.

Anyway:

Eric Brown and Bud Anderson more than compensate for the downside to this video. What a pair!