CAF Warbird Tube

In this captivating episode, we dive into the incredible story of the 1st Air Commandos of World War II with special guest Ralph Van Wagner, author of the acclaimed book "Any Place, Any Time, Any Where." Discover the daring missions, innovative tactics, and heroic feats of these airmen who played a pivotal role in shaping modern air warfare. Ralph Van Wagner will share insights from his...

Step into history with our riveting interview with the legendary World War II aviator John “Lucky” Luckadoo. Join us to explore Luckadoo’s journey from his enlistment after Pearl Harbor to piloting the B-17 Flying Fortress in the 8th Air Force. Discover the harrowing experiences of the "Bloody Hundredth," where Luckadoo was one of just four survivors from a squadron of 40 pilots after co...

On this week's Warbird Tube, join author MajGen Mari K. Eder to talk about the women of World War II and her book, "The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II". Let us know what you think of the video!  Aired on: Apr 21, 2023  Guest: MajGen Mari K. Eder  Host: Steve Buss  Producer: Blaine Seaboalt  Produced by: Commemorative...

Explore the enchanting realm of aviation nose art with acclaimed painter Gary Velasco. With decades of expertise, Velasco's iconic designs grace renowned aircraft like the B-24 Diamond Lil and B-25 Show Me. Join us as Velasco unveils the inspiration and intricacies behind his timeless creations. Delve into the challenges of painting on aircraft surfaces and gain insight into the fusion of art...

Explore the rich aviation history preserved at the Southern Heritage Air Museum in Tallulah, Louisiana. Our guest, Dan Fordice, who founded the organization, shares some of the artifacts and stories from their archives. He also shares his personal mission to use his life to care for and show gratitude to all military veterans. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8Jh9Aey5Ww8 ....

In this episode, author Bruce Gamble delves into the remarkable saga of the Black Sheep Squadron of World War II. Discover the fearless exploits and unyielding bonds of these legendary aviators, led by the indomitable Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. Bruce Gamble sheds light on the triumphs, challenges, and legacy of these extraordinary aviators of the Pacific Theater. You can also watch...

In this episode, we explore the acclaimed TV series Masters of the Air, now streaming on AppleTV+. Serving as the technical consultant during the production of Masters of the Air, our guest, Taigh Ramey, played a pivotal role in ensuring historical accuracy, particularly in portraying the harrowing experiences of the 100th Bomb Group stationed in England. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity...

AirCorps Library is an online collection of historic aircraft engineering drawings and technical manuals. Library Manager Ester Aube will join us to discuss the company's award-winning warbird restoration work and her role in managing their extensive technical library of engineering drawings and manuals, a valuable resource to the warbird community. You can watch a video of this episode at ht...

Join World War II historian and author Chris Kolakowski, of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinVeteransMuseum/), to discuss Operation Chastise, otherwise known as the Dam Busters Raid. Kolakowski will provide details of this operation from concept to execution and reflect on the impact the raids had on the outcome of the War. You can check out books by Christopher Kol...

Step into history with our riveting interview with the legendary World War II aviator John “Lucky” Luckadoo. Join us to explore Luckadoo’s journey from his enlistment after Pearl Harbor to piloting the B-17 Flying Fortress in the 8th Air Force. Discover the harrowing experiences of the "Bloody Hundredth," where Luckadoo was one of just four survivors from a squadron of 40 pilots after co...

On this week's CAF Warbird Tube, discover the story behind Show Me!, the B-25 Mitchell bomber flown by the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing. Join the restoration team as they discuss the paint project's challenges and the ongoing efforts to maintain this historical gem. Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/-xPN8kzAdng . Aired On: April 12, 2024 Guest: Rob Jenner Host: Steve Buss Pro...

This Warbird Tube is a unique overlap of WWII and Sci-Fi when professor Allison Whitney explains how World War II’s influences can be seen throughout the "Star Wars"  franchise. From special effects to sound design, cinematography to costume, and even in fans' interpretations of the series, Star Wars allows us to think about the aftermath and legacy of the War, even today. Allison W...

Join Kaila Brock, Allyson Blackney, April Trotta, Erin Patterson, and Jamie Seibert from the Women's Vintage Society of Dallas for a fascinating look at life for women on the Homefront during World War II. Learn how everyone's lifestyle, the music, the activities, and even the food were impacted when America went to War. The show will feature archival images and even a special video sequ...

During World War II thousands of British cadets learned to fly at six civilian training schools across the southern United States. The first and largest of the schools was in Terrell, Texas. More than 2,200 Royal Air Force and U.S. Army Air Corps cadets earned their wings over North Texas between 1941 and 1945. Join Executive Director of the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, Patrick Hot...

Join Warbird Tube host Steve Buss as he talks with the Assistant Director of "Devotion" and CAF members of Airbase Georgia about the Corsair and their involvement in the filming of the new movie. "Devotion" used the CAF's Corsair while filming the inspirational true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black U.S. Naval aviator. You can watch a video of this podcast at https://y...

Join us for a riveting CAF Warbird Tube webinar as we delve into the legacy of Imperial War Museum Duxford's renowned air shows. For half a century, Duxford's spectacular displays have narrated tales in the sky, spanning from the infancy of flight to the tumultuous days of World War II and the advancements of the Cold War era. We're thrilled to welcome back esteemed author and aviat...

Join us for a "riveting" discussion with Jeannette Gutierrez about the history of Rosie The Riveter and the Women of World War II. Jeannette is the President of the Michigan Willow Run Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/_nL_uWxz43Q . Aired on: Sep 29, 2022  Host: Steve Buss  Guest: Jeannette Gutierrez  Producer...

The CAF's only airworthy helicopter is a Bell 47, assigned to the Bayou State Escadrille based in Hammond, Louisiana. Join members of the Bayou State Escadrille as they discuss their assigned "Bayou Belle." Learn the role of this aircraft, why this aircraft is an icon of the Korean War, and what U.S. state has the most helicopters per capita. You can watch this podcast on YouTube at...

The C-60A is a twin-engine transport based on Lockheed’s Model 18 Lodestar. The Model 18 was a civilian airliner like the DC3, but slightly smaller and a little faster. During the War, the C-60 was used as a cargo aircraft, VIP transport, and paratroop transport. The C-60s also served stateside as tow aircraft for training glider pilots. Most C-47s were sent to fighting units overseas in Europe an...

CAF Pilot Charles Scott Williams takes us through his experience at the flight controls in the Supermarine Spitfire at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, Biggin Hill, Bromley, United Kingdom. Watch on YouTube Here. Air Date: February 3, 2021  Host: Steve Buss Guest: Charles Scott Williams  Produced by: Commemorative Air Force  Send us Fan Mail Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes f...

A Holocaust Memoir of Love & Resilience is a compelling book written by Dr. Ettie Zilber, the daughter of the story's heroine, Zlata. In this episode, we relive Zlata's horrific ordeal during the Nazi invasion, her survival that was nearly miraculous, and her reunification with what family remained. Watch on YouTube Here . Aired: January 20, 2021 Host: Steve Buss Guest: Ettie Zilber...

The first production SB2C-1 flew in 1942, and SB2Cs first flew into combat in the campaign for Rabaul in November 1943. By the next year, the SB2C had replaced the SBD Dauntless as the Navy's first-line dive bomber. The "Big-Tailed Beast," as its not-always-affectionate crewmen called it, eventually proved to be a formidable and highly versatile weapon. Join us to learn about the la...

In this episode, we learn more about the famed Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, and the Pilot in Command, Jimmy Doolittle. Out guest Jonna Doolittle Hoppes talks about her famous grandfather. In addition to talking about the Raid, we also talk about Doolittle's many other accomplishments and the 70-plus-year love story between Jimmy Doolittle and his wife. Watch on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live...

" Miss Mitchell " is a pristine example of what a dedicated group of volunteers can accomplish. Donated to the Minnesota Wing in the 1980s, volunteers immediately began a complete ground-up restoration of this versatile medium bomber. ​ The B-25 placed itself in World War II history books on April 18, 1942, when 16 of the medium-range bombers launched from the deck of an aircraft carrier...

Discuss the attack on Pearl Harbor 80 years later with renowned historian and author Christopher Kolakowski. He will discuss how this major surprise attack on the United States led to years of turmoil and warfare in the Pacific Theater. Watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/LcK7ybwF2Ow?si=LXP9U4GhXotQR__O Aired Date- December 8, 2022 Hosted by- Steve Buss Guest- Christopher Kolakowski D...