Thank you for honoring my father in law Charlie Brown and his brother Franz Stigler...I miss and loved them both...

@alfredkonig4639

3 жыл бұрын

respect for both men!

@iijg27rich36

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome Mike.

@bmcg5296

2 жыл бұрын

Truly honourable men, and Franz put his own life at risk. For him to see all of his family’s children and grandchildren must have been a seriously moving moment? I have shed tears every time I write about these two great men. You must be so proud to have known a great man in Charlie? The code of honour for them both to get through war and keep it quiet for nearly 40 years. To find that man who saved your father in law’s life is also a Miracle on it’s own. As German loss of men and machines was colossal! So this is a great story of why war stinks! The best anti war story ever! And knowing they both had to go back up in the. Aid and forget about each other. Though Charlie hasn’t forgotten that deed of humanity, you’ll never see in war today! Is there any other film of these two great men together that can be shared with us here? Damn I’m set off again with tears streaming down my face thinking of them and what they both endured that day, in 1943 is a connection that I’m sure they never ever expected to have themselves? For a moment the war had ended and Franz was helping a fellow aviator in real trouble needing help in landing. That’s the moral of it or am I wrong?

@LordMekanicus

2 жыл бұрын

When it boils down, both Charlie and Franz were the same: Airplane jockeys who had a job to do, and both knew that if you have a soul, you are human. Human they are, human they shall always be. Two different men of the same family. Hold your fire, wave and grin. You shall see him, someday again.... Horrido, Herr Stigler, Godspeed Charlie.

@bizmarck731

2 жыл бұрын

Amazing part of history!…. Somewhat an emotional story

Rest in peace Franz and Charlie.

@michaelworse6034

3 жыл бұрын

RIP friends will be friends RIP

@pavelnovak9903

2 жыл бұрын

Už létají spolu RIP. Rytíři nebes- láska k létání a pokora a úcta a respekt ,hlavně lidskost jejich osudy zamotala a to je dobře 😎 Pro mě jsou ne hrdinové ,ale ukázka toho že přeci jen lidstvo má potenciál

@calibur6707

Жыл бұрын

Both died in 2008 rest in piece

@cheese_wheel24

Жыл бұрын

Peace*

@booradley6832

Жыл бұрын

Your name contrasts your message pretty boldly.

An amazing pair. They both passed away in 2008, fly high gentlemen.

@CSAdityaHoon

11 ай бұрын

I'm crying idk why but I'm crying

@ITRIEDEL

9 ай бұрын

That’s probably for the best all things considered. They lived through hell once.

@JoeBLUE167

4 ай бұрын

The passed away the same year like an old married couple lol amazing story

That German pilot, in addition to having class, had a high sense of Honor, a truly admirable story.

@CTNZ2000

Жыл бұрын

I believe his commanding officer in North Africa told his squadron members, if I ever see you shoot at an airman in a parachute I will shoot you down myself, Franze considered the men in the B17 as helpless as a man in a parachute and honoured what his old CO had said.

@seancorrigan3531

Жыл бұрын

He's quoted to have said "it would be the same as shooting a man in a parachute" and his mentor and commander had previously told him "if any man shoots at a parachute, I'll shoot you myself!". These German corps had a strong code of honour regardless of how they're portrayed in media.

@obivan22431

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that "sometimes i wonder why i didnt shoot" line killed me

@gregfloh7732

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your nice words. Unfortunately not many of the Wehrmacht acted like him. Tody USA and Germany are friends like Franz & Charlie

@tavish4699

10 ай бұрын

@@gregfloh7732 thats fucking bullshit especially with english french and americans the germans acted well in the rules of war thats in part due to the german soldiers not even understanding why they were fighting them in the first place the soviets on the other hand were a threat !

As a German, Beeing raised with the believe we Germans have been the Bad Guys, and that we're Not allowed to be proud to be German, this Story Makes me proud to be German !

@theoschofield1495

Жыл бұрын

Yes You should be proud to be German because it’s a great nation and it was the nazis who were responsible for the war, they were the bad guys not the pilots and soldiers and the country as a whole

@loganhouse6984

11 ай бұрын

Viva yall, the strongest off all if not mislead and misguided by those corrupt with power

@mccarthy5825

10 ай бұрын

You guys are amazing, kind and wonderful people. I can’t wait to go back to Germany, to Berlin (for the second time) for my 40th next year with hopefully my first baby. ❤️✌️👍 from 🇮🇪

@fundermentalist9473

10 ай бұрын

You Germans have created some incredible things throughout time world leaders in many aspects your engineering and culture is one to admire so be proud of your ancestors

@Z_D3m0n

10 ай бұрын

Be proud to be You. Your ancestors sins are not your own. Germans have been the bad guys before but most were forced, it was their life or the "enemies". Even outside of that, there are plenty who didn't give in and remained steadfast. Be proud to be German. Your ancestors 80 years ago were the bad guys. Not you. You are a German, not a N@z1. Plus yall have some amazing culture, beer and food. Be proud to be German.

Hate the war, not the warrior. These men fought well. Franz was a very honorable warrior.

"I lost 17 of them"... He escaped or landed more heavily damaged fighter planes than the double of the amount of lives a cat would have! Incredible!

@SuaveJoker

Жыл бұрын

He may have been talking about his comrades

@dallesamllhals9161

Жыл бұрын

@@SuaveJoker 109s

@TC-iv7dn

Жыл бұрын

​@@SuaveJoker no his own planes

@XpVersusVista

Жыл бұрын

@@SuaveJoker nope, he was talking about his own planes. There were quite a few german aces that went through a whole lot of shot up planes. Hans-Ulrich Rudel went through even more planes.

@braydenlovetere4545

Жыл бұрын

@@XpVersusVista yeah even Erich Hartmann, with 353 victories, lost 16 109s

Who else thinks this story should be a mandatory study in school curriculum? Imagine if everyone learned to be like Franz. 🥰

@loganhouse6984

11 ай бұрын

We would be in a great pickle if all the kids went on a 27+ kill streak and then spared one crew haha

@_NCO

5 ай бұрын

As a German I would love it but sadly this does not fit the Propaganda of the second world war and the west. there is many many many many more stories like these from German soldeirs, they were no monsters. the were given orders and fullfiled them till the last men

@Furydragonstormer

4 ай бұрын

I would like it to be shown, even if just briefly covered as the part of history covering that people in war are still human. Yet given it was during WW2, I feel like it is unlikely. School curriculums (And this is from someone in Canada, so it goes beyond the USA) tends to portray WW2 in a very black and white view despite it being closer to describe as grey vs black. Though the Nazis made that pretty convenient with their horror. But that will not stop me from sharing this story with my cousins when they start learning about the World Wars in school, and I would certainly advocate to have it added if it were possible

@BlunterSales

3 ай бұрын

Even in today's textbooks the Axis powers are made to look awful. There should be stories like this in to show everyone is human.

My grandpa was one of the last german boys who were sent to the eastern front without training. Those boys could do nothing but do as they were told otherwise they would have been shot as traitors. He got a POV of Russia before he made one shot..... spending 4,5 years over there under the worst circumstances. He came free at the end. Sick and emaciated. But he made it. And boy was he a fine human being. I've learned so many things from him. How to behave, to be kind to everybody and to be grateful for the things you have. His favorite neighbor was a russian. Such a humble man. He died 2020 just before Covid started with 92 years. Three sons, eight grandkids (I'm one of those, born 1984) and eight great-grandkids. I miss him and his life lessons so much.

@iijg27rich36

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your story about your grandpa RF.

@RF23232

Жыл бұрын

@@iijg27rich36 Call me Richard. 🙂👋🏿

I told their story for a class project. My parents wanted me to get a 100, I just wanted to tell my classmates something they may never learn. I was kind and considerate for their 2-4 minute presentation of stuff like make-up, gymnastics, and yarn. But when I stood up for 10-12 minutes( the max time you had to present was 12 minutes) , honoring the dead, all but the teacher, and one other kid, wasn't paying attention. I'd point to my slides, nothing. I held up a model that I hastily assembled in 2 days, no one dared to look. I showed a third B-17 named All American, that literally took me 2 minutes to put together in class, and no one asked her name or why it was different from the Pub. I felt like no one was paying attention, except the teacher. I made a good grade and the teacher absolutely loved it, just wish people would've paid attention. I just really wanted to teach something but all I got was my social anxiety and introvert mode on a full "I don't want to be here anymore" moment, and I was seriously thinking of becoming a military history teacher telling those stories the regular history doesn't.

@iijg27rich36

3 жыл бұрын

You did great . It's their loss that they didn't pay attention.

@toddmartin6572

3 жыл бұрын

Bless you buddy for making a effort . I’m guilty of trying to preserve or history to the mindless fools of today.

@mikearnspiger9715

3 жыл бұрын

I respect you for your efforts...I am Charlie Brown's son in law and I loved both Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler....without this act of heroism...I would have never met Charlie's daughter Kim gotten married and had my wonderful son....so I am blessed they met in the sky that day and happy to know they become "brothers"! History has a way of making lives possible.

@nexorider17

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikearnspiger9715 i would like to see some actual proof that your his son there pal other wise you havr just made a stupid and a very very bold claim there just to get attention

@metroplexgrimlock7089

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikearnspiger9715 you don't know how much that means to me...my eyes are watering

Now we know how men with honor looks like. RIP Franz & Charlie

The best war story ever.....words are not enough.....rip legends...our heroes....

@iijg27rich36

10 ай бұрын

Thank for you're nice comment I'm so glad this old tape lasted so long and I finally converted it to digital for folks to enjoy

Brother, hero’s, foes Killing machine Honor in the sky B-17 flying home Killing machine Said goodbye to cross he deserved

@kevinpeng8295

3 жыл бұрын

Sabaton!

@lellolatina8157

2 жыл бұрын

inspired by this story, the greates i think of WW2

@harrisonmauldin5090

Жыл бұрын

he risked his life, 2 times that day, to save an unknown enemy

@soaringeagle175

Жыл бұрын

@@harrisonmauldin5090 Escorted safely out of the kill zone! A short salute, then departed!

@bestevaar7195

Жыл бұрын

@@soaringeagle175 Fly fighting fair That’s the code of the air Brothers heroes foes

This is the most inspiring story ever.

@andysolution62

2 жыл бұрын

absolutly...

@shyamprabhu6686

2 жыл бұрын

It's not a story, it's a life critical situation

@dink7278

Жыл бұрын

Believe it or not, there are other similar stories; one I read about a Japanese pilot and copilot deciding to crash into an American bomber sitting on a runway. They did but nothing happened. The pilots became fast friends the years following that crazy day.

@dillonbledsoe7680

Жыл бұрын

@@dink7278 huh?

@jacob1423

Жыл бұрын

@@dillonbledsoe7680 exactly 😂 what is he even saying

Ruhe in Frieden ,Deutscher Spitzenpilot und Vorbild eines deutschen Soldats

@josedro

2 ай бұрын

In all times German Soldiers were the highest respectful men

THIS SHOULD BE MADE INTO A MOVIE. I have read the book a few times already but still loves to read it some more.

@kriegsmanofthethsiegeartillery

7 ай бұрын

It's a sabaton song if you didn't know already.

My total respect for both of them. Greetings from a german parachute soldier. (Fallschirmjäger).

@iijg27rich36

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video Bjorn

I’m reading the book about Frank and Charlie, “ a Higher Call” . It is a remarkable and inspiring read. It also put a little perspective on many of the German people’s attitude towards the Nazi Party, Herman Goering and hitler.

@germanwarrabbit

3 жыл бұрын

yeah it's an amazing book

@metroplexgrimlock7089

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, in fact, if you read my comment I talk about using a slideshow. The quote of what a Nazi was was the first thing on my presentation, and again nobody, but the teacher, wasn't paying attention.

@mikearnspiger9715

3 жыл бұрын

When I met Franz...he was very, very adamant about the fact that he was a Luftwaffe pilot and NOT A NAZI!!!!

@marytygett4189

2 жыл бұрын

It’s an EXCELLENT book !

@moss8448

2 жыл бұрын

there was a time when more than a few of us said the same thing about LBJ, you grow up believin' and then get sucked into the whole deal.

Why is this truly remarkable story not better known?

@jeffbrooks8024

2 жыл бұрын

Read "a higher Call" great read. Stigler was a great pilot who loved flying above all else

@hairglowingkyle4572

Жыл бұрын

It's actually one of the more well known events of chivalry and respect in WW2, but yeah it's not that well known in mainstream media.

@SpaceZeus0704

Жыл бұрын

cuz it portrays a german soldier as being something other than an inhuman monster

@mattgohio

Жыл бұрын

@@hairglowingkyle4572 b/c its corrupt.. wouldn't want people getting the wrong opinion about nazi ? not sure why... but the story is being supressed no doubt.

@thecaynuck

6 ай бұрын

Cause the media wants to refrain from portraying any Nazis as being humans with a heart who really didn't want to fight others in fear of being called "fascist, racist, Neo-Nazi" or so on. Its unfortunate, as there are many Nazi soldiers who were respectable people but had little to no choice to serve. Some soldiers were pure evil, like the ones posted at concentration camps or the higher ups, but others were just people.

I finally had the pleasure of reading “A Higher Call.” Many…probably most German pilots were not so different from our guys…brave patriotic men who loved to fly. The two sides of aviators respected one another as fellow aviators and as human beings. Hitler and Goering were crazed madmen and the Luftwaffe pilots fought valiantly not for these madmen, but in spite of them. This incredible book by Adam Makos is one I’ll never forget. It is a reminder that most war pits good people against good people and there is usually one madman and willing sycophants who are responsible for the sacrifice of these good people. We don’t seem to ever learn from history. RIP Frank and Charlie.

This 47 year old “tough guy” has tears streaming down his cheeks

@iijg27rich36

2 жыл бұрын

It has that effect on a lot of people Brain : )

@thebritishbookworm2649

Жыл бұрын

Me too

This is the most heartwarming story!!!

Respect to both of these Men. Like My Grandfather said who was also A World War II Veteran "War is Hell " but out of that some people do extraordinary things. God bless both Mr.Brown & Mr. Steigler

Do you know I am now just gone 60 years old and most of my life I was taught that all Germans were wicked. It is only in the last decade I’m realising the propaganda we were fed 😓 This story restores my faith in humanity 🙏🏻

@Thomas.Wright

2 жыл бұрын

I'll suggest another great story for you: The Battle of Itter. Get this: a German Wehrmacht commander named Josef Gangl sacrificed his life to save French political prisoners from the Nazi SS that were trying to kill them. He did it by teaming up with a US Army regiment in the area, and despite some early tensions, the Germans and Americans fought well together and saved a dozen political prisoners from the Nazis.

@bmcg5296

2 жыл бұрын

@@Thomas.Wright yes Thomas it is a remarkable story during actual war both sides agreed to fight the SS together. Unfortunately the German major was killed by a German sniper shortly after the picture of him and the American officer shook hands in a photo of them. More good Germans who hated war but hated the SS more!0

@Thomas.Wright

2 жыл бұрын

@@bmcg5296 Watching the new Sabaton History right now.

@Thomas.Wright

2 жыл бұрын

Forgot to mention: the band Sabaton has great songs about both of these events: "No Bullets Fly" and "The Last Battle." They also have their own history channel where this historian named Indy explains the history behind the events. (No, I don't think he ever melted any Nazis with any ancient Hebrew artifacts).

@eveoakley6270

2 жыл бұрын

@@Thomas.Wright thank you, I will certainly look this story up 👍🏻

I love these men... respectful to each other.. true kindness and forgiveness

@genkiferal7178

Жыл бұрын

the story is a nice one, but would've been better had no soldiers fought - if all had refused.

@Djp1989

Жыл бұрын

@@genkiferal7178 ???????????????????????????????????

@genkiferal7178

Жыл бұрын

@@Djp1989 there'd be no war if all soldiers and others involved refused to participate

I wanna think these men from the bottom of my heart and i hope they are resting in piece. Thanks for fighting for us

@iijg27rich36

3 жыл бұрын

You may get a kick out of this kzread.info/dash/bejne/m3-OuNqbadW6Zps.html

It shows that even foes can become friends it is remarkable

The unwritten code honored by many soldiers was not to shoot at defenseless enemy. Unfortunately it is slowly becoming "the thing of the past".

@imjang2430

Жыл бұрын

It'll slowly come back once the generations who ignores it fades out of important roles

@asphalteater615

Жыл бұрын

Because it's far better to not take risks than to get shot in the back

@booradley6832

Жыл бұрын

there's a few problems with that statement. The US multiple times shot at red cross vessels during this "more chivalrous time" if anything people may be more conscientious today, but the fact is pilots do not see their targets before firing anymore. Charlie was so close he could see into the bomber. Now a missle would be fired from miles away to take out another aircraft. Then you get into jihadis and other fanatics pretending to be dead so they can blow themselves up or trip off an IED when you walk by it, and compassion is harder to find by design. And thats just what they want, to make the enemy look ruthless, to get more fighters to their side.

@perzyvalsimmons5946

6 ай бұрын

​@@asphalteater615I think he is talking about footage of wounded soldiers being killed im the ukrainian trenches by grenades droped from drones. There is no risk in sparing them.

@eriktruchinskas3747

22 күн бұрын

​@@perzyvalsimmons5946nothing had made me lose faith in humanity more than seeing people take glee in those videos. I hate both sides equally at this point and despise anyone who watches those videos and feels anything but disgust

This story brought me to tears. It's good to see that even in the darkest hours of history there were beacons of humanity. And their lights still shine even today. Rest in peace, gentlemen.

@okkcomputer

Жыл бұрын

I highly recommend the book "a higher call" by Adam Makos it follows their careers pre and post incident. You'll cry like a baby like I did

“ Even enemies can respect each other ”, Priam will say to Achilles in the Odyssey , three thousand years ago .

I shed my tears wooooh what a true to life story of these brave men. War has its friendly sky too. God bless both of them and the WW2 heroes who gave their lives for our respective country. This video is on my top list of WW2 archives stories 👌

I add just one word: Read the book. The biggest marvel of this and before century.

From Buffalo, N.Y. This surely was heart warming, heart warming indeed. The German pilot was able to distinguish (plane from man) That's what made all the difference. Mercy was shown that day and comradeship was show afterwards. Thank You for putting this video together, THANK YOU.

@jimtom4878

Жыл бұрын

I'm from NY too

This warms my heart and gives me hope.

Always in the warzone, always in the fires of hell, always in the foxholes and trenches... When all hope seems lost, when it seems as if every man loses their humanity... You hear stories like this. And I don't know about you, but my faith in humanity is restored -- by two men that never lost theirs. Rest in peace, and Godspeed, to both Franz Stigler, and to Charlie Brown. You both were men of honor. May your story never, ever be forgotten.

This needs to be a next Top Gun movie! Prost and cheers to AAF Brown and Luftwaffe Stigler!

Don't forget, Stigler was a real ace, 1 kill away from his Ritterkreuz (Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross) for 30 (!) kills. Charlie Brown would have been his 30th kill. So he also gave up a very motivating, very prestigeous German medal, the highest for bravery, and an award people looked up to and people showed deep respect for.

This is pure gold. Thank you for uploading it. Wonderful story.

That is how true warriors are. Love the story. They where both just doing their job.

What a magnificent story. One I will never forget.

Just the most amazing story. So grateful it's been preserved.

Even in a madness like a war, sometimes, common cense prevails!!! Amazing job Franz.

This story always makes me think of my grandpa. Such a beutifull story

What a kind pilot

@mikearnspiger9715

3 жыл бұрын

He was an honorable man...

Franz, you are a legend. A true gentleman.

I just finished the book… What a great story. God blessCharlie & Frank, and all the veterans from that war.

Thank you for recording and uploading this. Amazing story.

what a man, what a BIG story.....

R.I.P FOR BOTH OF THESE AIRMEN !!!

Veterans of The War Between the States held reunions, including both sides, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Even in Brown and Stigler's era it was possible to respect and even admire an ex-enemy. In the new era there is no past, just a continually re-written present.

Such a remarkable story, what wonderful forgiveness, and what a rare occurrence on the battlefield.

I am 24 years old and from Brazil, and I am fascinated by World War II. A wave of salute to both of you! Rest in peace, Charlie and Franz! Thank you, Franz, for sparing his life and making a difference in our lives by being a huge example of humility, manliness, and kindness! Thank you both for making the world a better place, not by taking any side in history, but through your gestures of affection, soldiers! My generation might not care much about history, but I 100% acknowledge what you all have done for our future! THANKS!

I'm incredibly thankful to have been able to watch this. Thank you.

Fantastic history! God bless him and your friend!!!!

This is what should define humanity towards one another and that is love for which comes in different meanings leading back to love. What happened should be remembered and thought of. God bless all those forgotten soldiers and peoples that perished they are remembered, and their stories discovered and to yet be discovered are ones to be learned from. I lost an uncle at age 15 from a grenade and a 19 year old uncle who’s body was never found. This was from the 2nd world war. I know fervently that I will see them again. God bless you all.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.....

Amazing how when there was no time or place for compassion, Franz was able to find it with amazing results that lasted lifetimes.

Franz is so cool

@mikearnspiger9715

3 жыл бұрын

Franz was a man of men just like Charlie Brown.

Even in war, you must have humanity. Once you lose it, you can never get it back. Both these men will forever be remembered as never having lost theirs.

What a neat story I’m so glad I stumbled onto this!

This story took my breath away.

This would make a wonderful film! Two fantastic men indeed! RIP to them both.

I wish I could have met these brave men.

Rest in peace Franz an d Charlie🙏🌹

Imagine these men their prime. Imagine their ubreakable courage, that would make modern men tremble.

What an excellent journalist, asking good pressing questions.

Thank you, a great peace of history that no one should forget

Eine unglaubliche Geschichte!

THank you for Recording this, and re-recording this to your PC/Laptop/Mac/Macbook and uploading this too KZread for the World to see!

Three lessons here . 1: There are men with honor, respect kindness in war. 2: The winners control the narrative of history . 3: The truth is always there and usually comes out. Respect to both men.

Isnt it crazy? Time flies and won't stop. Even these stories will be forgotten. There will be just a few who will remember this. Just like so many many more stories.. Kinda sad actually.

Zwei Ritter der Lüfte die nach einem ehernen Gesetz lebten. Ruhet in Frieden! 🙏🙏🙏🍺🍺

Great story glad I came across it 👍

Celebrating there life and story every year since I first learned of them as a child. Fly high brothers!

It will be good if somebody make a movie base on this story in honour to our two brave and kind warrior .

my tears will never dry .....love it

Awesome video thank you for uploading this it is very important history. !!!

Mr Franz Stigler the doors of heaven are wide open for you. Both were real High Standard honors Warriors

This is the most amazing story ever.

The utter most respect to both men. What a brilliant story.

An amazing story.

brilliant, compassionate and brave 💐💐💐

Im happy they were able to spend time together before they passed on

Thank you to All those who served, in the midst of what hell our leaders may bring to us..... the wars we must fight..... may there always be those who show their humanity.... dignity.... and honour.

I’ve herd this story many times, but every time I here it I like it I like it even more than before… I’ve never seen this video where they both meets and share stories on camera and both attend the 379th bomber groups reunion….

Real Man of Honor.

Brothers in arms. Even if in opposite sides. Amazing

What an amazing story!

Lets just hope the knights code of chivalry is not lost forever..

No bullets fly

@bsabjarne

3 жыл бұрын

Sabaton 🤘😇

@Thomas.Wright

3 жыл бұрын

KILLING MACHINE, HONOR IN THE SKY!

Amazing and touching.

I'm not crying, it's just water in my eyes 😢

Imagine there's war and every soldier just decides nope not going to happen...

If there’s a heaven I’d like to think this is how slain enemies treat each other also. How blessed we are to witness these men, who had been through hell, finding peace on Earth.

This story is absolutely amazing

Wonderful story..

A real human being, and a real hero 🎶

Back when I was in school and still attended church, our pastor told us: ,,all it takes to get to heaven is to do the one right thing. If you have and take the opportunity to help a fellow soul in need, God will remember". Now im not religious but I sure hope that this good deed that day landed Franz heaven.

At the 2:40 & 5:25 spots, that is Robert Morgan, the pilot of the original “Memphis Belle” B17 from WWII. I do believe Morgan & Franz actually met but it was after the war had ended, when they both attended the 50th Anniversary celebration of the B-17. Franz was actually invited by the Boeing Aircraft Company, and it was there where he was able to meet & talk with Morgan.

Honour amongst warriors.