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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Thank you for this channel, I've watched countless interviews from you. Blessed to have these accounts from our greatest generation but sad to see how few of them are left.
"P-51 Ace Shoots Down an ME-262, Becomes a POW, then Joins the Russians to Fight the Nazi's [sic]" -- "Nazis"
He has an amazing life.
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.
This comment needs to be higher
Simply astounding! I'd definitely watch his story . Thanks for sharing.
This story needs it's own video.
That is absolutely amazing! Definitely worthy of a movie!
My favorite part was the shrug
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.
I agree!
people wouldn't believe it.
Inevitably Academy Award material. And jus think . . . ya gotta believe, these pilots are passing away, in great numbers. Hollywood would capture this . . . This could hit the screens/cable, with heightened enthusiasm . . . in this pandemic quagmire we:re all consumed with ! 🤗🇺🇸
@@cocodog85 people believe everything they see on TV, I'm sure they'd believe a true hero's story.
This would be hands down an amazing film
Out of time? Let the man talk as much as he wants, I'll listen all day!
Those stupid commercials!!
Yeah, what a c.v. Shot down ,escaped , fought with the Russians.
i know, i can't stand the time thing. there's another guy who interviews these WWII veterans and he'll ask a question, then when the guy starts telling the story, he cuts him off and quickly sums up what he's trying to say then asks another question and does the same thing, the whole way thru! it was infuriating to watch
was thinking the same thing
…”several hours of plexiglass being picked out of my face.” Interesting, we’re out of time ⌛️
94 yet looks 74! Thank you for your service!
He sure does. Doesn’t seem to have lost a bit of his impressive mind. What a fine man.
Well 84 anyway
What a legend
I came here to say exactly this
@@newdog1129 uiuiii
"If we had time"? We have time for this wonderful gentleman, this hero. Yes, we have time!
HE made the "time" when it mattered most. What in the holy hell?
In his defense, maybe the fellow conducting the interview had others lined up, or maybe our sublect had time constraints, things to do with his family? But I'm with it, I could listen to this man if days.
I agree. I would have loved to hear about the Vietnam exploits.
I agree!
Some people and their method of thinking is awful, he made the time and so will I.
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
how old are you know if i may ask? and how old when you served?
Naw I don't.
@@johnbriggs5751 I was early 30s in Germany.
I was at Hq17th Air Force the same time you were in the 601st. He used to drop by the the office from time to time and and I remember hearing he had quite a World War 2 record. Unfortunately, unlike you, I never got to hear his stories.
What a man. teared up talking about his respect for bomber pilots, which my dad was. Now I'm in tears.
Wow, the bomber loss rate was stunning, especially before the P-51 escorts were along for the length that they had fuel for. They climbed in and flew with tons of explosives, through the worst of anti aircraft flak, enemy fighters, and fear. Then they had to get back home, and safely land. Likely, the following day was a repeat of the same. Your dad, and the lads he flew with, are a big part of why that war was won. Yes, they are highly deserving of respect, and admiration. The Allied contribution was no small effort as well. Canadians with Lancasters were right in there, mainly at night, which the USA did plenty of as well
@@email4664 By the time the P51's came online P47'S were already starting to escort the bombers over Berlin. The P47D-15 with pressurized all metal external tanks had the range and were over Berlin before the P51's were. Another P51 myth is that they achieved air superiority over Europe, by the time they came along P47's and P38's had already cleared the skies over Europe of the Luftwaffe. The only real advantage to the P51 was that it was so much cheaper then planes like a P47, they could build 2.3 P51's for the same cost of a P47, in wartime money=man hours.
@@dukecraig2402 Not true, ~ Few Luftwaffe aircraft could match the P-51D -- by the end of the war, Mustangs had destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft in the air, more than any other USAAF fighter in Europe. ~ The United States Air Force Museum website
@@jerrybrady9103 You can't use that number as a barometer for comparing the different planes, first off the Mustang came along just as 8th AF command cut the escort fighter's lose on the Luftwaffe fighters, previous to that the escort fighter's weren't allowed to break away from the bombers to go after the Luftwaffe, they were ordered to stay with them. And, by the time the Mustang entered service the Luftwaffe had lost all of it's experienced pilots, the Mustang was flying against poorly trained Luftwaffe pilots who had as little as 10 hours flight time in the fighters they were flying. So you just can't compare the numbers of planes shot down by P47's against the number shot down by P51's because they weren't flying under the same circumstances. The fact is by the time the P51 came on line the skies had already been cleared of the Luftwaffe over mainland Europe by all the other Allied fighters, they were only taking to the air to meet bombers. And by the time P51's came along P47's were already escorting bombers over Berlin, as a matter of fact P47's had the range to escort bombers to Schweinfert but the "Bomber Mafia" wanted to prove their concept of the bombers being able to fight their way to the targets and back so they sent them alone and then after those raids were a disaster the high command (the Bomber Mafia) skewed all the official reports on fighter ranges to make it look like the bombers had to go on those early missions by themselves to cover their asses over the losses. Years of people writing aviation books based on the official reports have just continued to reinforce all the BS about fighter ranges and effectiveness, the fact is all the late and post war reports are wrong about fighter ranges, they were rigged up in the interest of people covering their asses and none of the aviation writers have bothered to do the math on the ranges of the planes that were in the theater at the time, if any of them had they'd have seen the official reports were BS.
@@dukecraig2402 well said. Nailed it.
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.
I agree! Even if there is a time limit why not just make it in several parts and let us hear the whole story
Said like a true Rhodesian, Rhodes !
Take the time to get the rest of the story. These guys aren’t going to live forever. Get it done now!
I’m sure the time limit was imposed due to either his family or technical issues. Otherwise many of these videos run well over 45 minutes.
Well, it is possible that at 95 years old he could have asked to keep it under 2 hours. Just a possibility.
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-
Don't worry, we have the next generation, which doesn't know which genitals go where
Yes, me too. My Dad and my uncles would sit around the mens' table at weekend dinners and I would sit as close as possible to hear their stories about family, The Depression, The War and women. Sat at the feet of giants!
I agree. I also remember the vets. They raised us and I feel their absence as they leave us and I dedicated a novel to the legacy that they left in us. I remember playing war in bring-backs as a kid. My neighbor had a German helmet, another one his dad's flight helmet and it went on. We were lucky to have been raised by them. There is a growing void now.
I had a mixed flight out of Buffalo n.y. and im feeling bad for all these people getting called off the plane we were all sitting in so i got called last .and im like great now what ..so i had to pick a random motel and took a taxi there ..not a soul in the lounge but tv on so i sat out there and in rolls all these guys in there 70s with there flight coveralls decorated with medals and they hooked there movie recorder to the big screen tv ..and man what a treat they all had fixed up bomber planes from ww2 and were filmong each other as they flew over niagara falls . My night went from boring to amazing i became there film mascott and they were more than happy to answer questions and tell stories ..i was around 33than but felt like a lil kid in amazement a night ill never forget!
What a brave man, a patriot, a gentleman, a veteran and most of all, an American from the greatest generation!
Amazing, how he reconnected with the German pilots and they became friends. War is so wicked, crazy mad Dictator and Rulers sending young men and women to their cause of world domination.
Colonel Joe Petersbru U.S. Air Force retired iren 1979 after 36 years of dedicated service to United States . In this time he has received 38 medals and awards. IMO, totally deserved. Not bad for somebody who was going to be a priest.
Part of The Greatest generation
Not bad lol
Huh? In the Seminary at 17 but rushing to get.. married.. at 20? What gives? Typical..😒
@@AaronRMG Yeah all old testament.
@@christopherfritz3840Hormones.
It was difficult seeing this heroic man choke up when he spoke of the bravery of the ombré crews. He is a certifiable hero, yet he was visibly shaken when he spoke of how the bombers hat to travel straight across the target at low speed.
Air Force veteran here, love that he became friends with his enemies. We stand on your shoulders sir, thank you.
They did not make themselves "enemies," politicians made them so. In any case, I have always agreed that it is better to have a good enemy than a bad friend.
@@viktoriaironpride4977 wise. thank you
Every minute with this American hero is precious. Excellent interview. Moments saved in time. I could watch/listen to these interviews for days.
And, at 76, I do watch a large portion of my day. I am very bitter because no service would accept me as a medic/ corpsman, though in 1967, married and both of us in college, I was not deferred---#62. Everything blew up at my pre-induction physical to be immediately followed by the oath/swearing in. I offered to enlist in the Navy as a corpsman but was rejected. Odd, because I had a documented history as a CO, but also a deadly marksman, and college courses in human physiology. The "shrink" captain must have decided I was more trouble than I was worth. I had tried to explain that if a wounded combatant was under my care, I would consider "him" as my country, my home and my family and would then have killed the enemy to protect my patient. If I had to do so, I could do it well and ferociously.
Thank God we had the technology before he died. It could have been done of film, but would have been much more cumbersome. Easy this way.
One of the coolest interviews I've ever heard. My grandfather was a B-17 pilot since The US got involved in the European theater. Before they had the protection of the mustangs and then while they had the protection. 35 missions over mostly Germany. Some amazing stories. Couldn't be a better role model for anybody
They have been called "The Greatest Generation" because of people just like this man. I salute you sir...
I can't believe how sharp this guy is for a 94 year old.
This is no man. This is a hero. A soldier. I have all the time in the world to hear his stories
I’m only 37 and tracked down and spoke to someone on my great uncles mission that was in the plane with him when he died. He had volunteered to go on another B-17 Bc a crewman was sick. Over Wiener-Neudstat Austria their oxygen system was hit forcing the out of the combat box. Once they descended alone they were easy prey and got shot all up. During this time my great uncle acting as a waist gunner was hit and killed. An author later contacted me and requested pictures and the info I had. He wrote a book and sent me a signed copy. What’s even crazier is I have the death letter still that is signed by DoLittle himself. Hats off to this man.
What a soft spoken warrior. Heart of gold, sir! Thank you for your service
What a man can you imagine after 70 years he still gets emotional when talking about the war rough memories
It's so sad to watch the greatest generation slowly fade away. Thank you for your service.
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
Completely true
This guy is a REAL hero. I salute this man for his bravery, sense of duty and honor!
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.
The “Strafing Kid” hits again! What a man! God bless you sir.
These veteran interviews are a treasure and hopefully will remain archived for future generations.
Is this MAN still alive? He is incredible....his speech, etc.... Wow!!!!!
You don't have time to talk to the Colonel about his third war. This man's experience is very rare. This isn't live TV.
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.
Our ww2 vets are more precious than gold, i only hope you get as many interviews on their experiences as you can, god bless em.
Amazing, 3 of the 20th centuries biggest wars other than WW1 of course and still alive to talk about his long service to America. Absolute treasure. What a great man, true American hero.
A great interview by the Veterans Center. Amazing memory and war recollections from 95-year old veteran fighter pilot Joe Peterburs ! We are grateful for your courage, stoicism and bravery to uphold the virtues of freedom against the Nazis and communists. Imagine how it must have felt for a 19-20 year old to fight in a brutal world war ! I am 25 years too late to be a fighter pilot but people like us from Malaysia will always preserve the memory and deep gratitude to you veterans !
He seems so soft spoken and kind. What a gracious man. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice Sir. 🇺🇸❣️🇺🇸
Thank you for your service sir! He looks amazing for 95!
Amazing and awe inspiring interview. I hope the colonel sees more than a 100 yrs. He's certainly one sharp man. I am so fortunate to be raised by these older vets as my father tried to hire as many as he could after WW2. Thanks for allowing the public to see these interviews.
He's an absolute treasure. Thank you for capturing a piece of his story. "I decided to escape, so I did that." Lmao!! What a bad ass.
"The bravest of the brave!".. God bless all of'em!
I lived in escondido ca at the time he meet the 262 pilot I would have given anything to have meet them in vista ca to hear the stories these two could tell. thanks for your service.
He loved that P51 so much he just couldn't let her go.Great interview.
Being a pilot in WWII was no joke dude that’s big boy flying time
WWII, Korea AND Vietnam! What a warrior! Thank you, sir.
Ninety-five years old and can recall exact dates of every event of his life. Amazing.
An astonishing memory on an incredible man.Thank you sir for your efforts in WWII.
God Bless, OUR Veteran's - Thank You, Col. Joseph Peterburs - OUR Greatest Generation - We Will Never Forget...
dude's life was like a movie....much respect sir!
I love this interview! And the twinkle in his eye as he reminisces - outstanding! One of my biggest regrets in life is that I will never be a WW2 fighter pilot; I was born 44 years too late.....
Join in anyway you can...Most ways might be tangential but if they can save 1 person..
I wish the interviewer let him finish talking about Operation Market Garden.
My Father also shot down an ME262, but from a mobile AAA! God Bless you both, I hope you can have a beer together!
Probably was a German Ace too!
@@badcornflakes6374 that's an interesting idea, somewhere I do have some unit history that shows what day they shot it down. I should look to see if there's records on who was flying it! Thank you for the idea!
the greatest generation ever. Thank you very much for your service sir 🇺🇸
I live 20 miles from st.paul and I have family where he lives! Thank you for your service!
Thank you Col. Peterburs! Yet another one of our beautiful brass-balled veterans!
His birthday was on the same day as my dad's, November 25th, but 6 years later, my dad was in the Pacific in WW2, What adventure these guys had!
There are no better stories than stories from ww2. I’m so thankful we have so many of their stories recorded for future generations to hear
this guy looks amazing for 95, so glad we're getting these recordings and interviews before everyone who's left from ww2 are all gone
Just blows me away, how these 90 year old plus veterans can relate their history so well and concise. The experiences they had as young men in such a conflict, is somthing I'm glad i didn't have to go through, no matter how much I would like to have flown p51s!
I just talked and laughed with him for 2 hours
@@NikosAnimals is he still in good health? Anyway I might be able to talk to him, would be a big honour.
@@kelvinsurname7051 yes check my interview
49 missions is astounding, absolutely beyond belief. Think about what that really means.
That's a lot of steak and eggs
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 ! .🙏🇺🇸❤️🇦🇺☘️🙏
Absolutely phenomenal content. God bless this man. Would never put a number on his age. So much life in those eyes.
Joseph Peterburs,thank you for you service sir,salute!
let the end statement by the guy sink in "i would do it again" this is what TRUE american heroes are... GOD BLESS
The guys born In the 1920s, like my dad, were a different breed of men. They were tough as nails.
He was an ace? Where was the stories of his 5 shoot downs? Give this man more time and finish off Vietnam. He seems so vibrant for being 94 years old. Get him back on your show!
no, he's not an ace, the title is incorrect, its a very illustrious career anyway
What an absolute legend. Dude's three times my age and speaks like a professor. I lose my train of thought WAY more than this guy lol
Bummer really wanted too hear a ton more from Col. Peterburs especially his fighting time in Vietnam I'm curious how it was for someone as experienced as him
My granddad served in World War II Korea Vietnam. My dad was born during the occupation of Germany. April 1945. 90% of my family served in the armed forces, and they are all gone now. And not from being Kia in combat. I'm the only one left. I have PTSD as well. I just want people to know the sacrifice my family Made for This wonderful country.❤ U.SA. forever
He is in unbelievably great shape both mentally and physically for 95 years old. I hope God blesses me with that good fortune!
Hello. I'm a Canadian ESL teacher and amateur historian. I'm very much aware that I'm not teaching German or Japanese because of men like this. History is a big part of teaching English. The origin of a phrase is useful in understanding what it means. When I say "This phrase dates from WW2...." I often encounter radically different views/historical educations. I can adequately explain the pragmatic reasons for major war time decisions. You allow me to make that explanation very personal and human. A young man who loves his family and country is something that is universally understood. That opens minds and allows them to listen to the whole story. Ultimately the conclusion they come to is "Never again!" Thank you for giving me the tools to be a better teacher.
Haven't seen this one yet. This interview was incredible and gave insight I haven't had yet into WWII. Thanks for this interview, and thanks to the Strafing Kid!
All I can say is ( thank you for serving ). You are truly an American Hero! Thank you to a the people who have served. My dad was in the Navy in the mid 1950's and he was on the American Aircraft Carrier The USS Shangrila and he was in the sea of Japan and he hung bombs on all the aircraft. He came home and started working for Raytheon. In 1969-1970 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and he had to retire. During this time my mom had left him for another man. I was devastated. I stayed with my dad and I was still young and I had to watch my dad just fade away. He finally passed away in November 1983. But there is one thing I remember most is that My Dad Never Complained. I will never be as tough as my dad was. There is a lot more I could say but I just want to thank all the veterans. God bless alk of you!
I’ve heard a LOT of stories… but this man is really tops!! Thanks for capturing his story!
Thank you, Colonel, for sharing your story.
His humility warms my heart. God bless you sir!
Meet Walter Schuck a number of years back at the Reading P.A. WW2 Weekend they hold in June every year. His English was as good as my German (not very good..) so my interaction was brief & just told him an honor to meet him (through his translator..). Still have is autographed picture of him & his Me-262. I'm assuming the one Col. Peterburs shot down ;-). Great stories and best wishes to him & all that have served for their country! I'd be remiss if I didn't include all those healthcare workers who are currently serving on the front lines fighting a much different enemy/battle these days.
Nescon, I met Walter Schuck at Virginia Bader's aviation art gallery back in the 1990s. I could understand his broken English, and WS asked me what part of Germany I was from! I was floored! I used my not-so-good German, but I think he thought I was from the eastern part of Germany because some of my German speech was kind of out-of-date. I assume that because the two halves of Germany were separate for so long, the older idioms were preserved in the East but the language went forward in the West In any case, I was pleased he thought that and was so honored to meet him. They were their "greatest generation," also.
Very humble amazing gentleman.
Thanks to all our Veterans. Semper Fi.
19 and made fit to fly a top class fighter plane, I would be cautious about letting most 19 year olds loose with checking the air on the tyres these days! Remarkable gentleman and interview.
WOW
I think the Army Air Force purposely went with young fighter pilots precisely because of their recklessness. If you fully understood what they were getting into, you wouldn't.
Thank You 🙏 Colonel Joe Peterburs For Your Service to Our Country Sir 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Awesome would have loved to hear about Vietnam.
Thank you for your service . Someone should do a movie about this guy.
True American spirit The greatest generation that came together for one cause was the best of men and women in history Thank you veterans
I fall asleep listening to these old grandpa stories, even though the stories are brutal, they talk so calmly and gently. I feel safe as a baby.
I have zero stories that meet his gentleman's level of service, but I have a few that I will always remember till the day I die.
94 years young...amazing memory and career...The Greatest Generation...I really wanted to hear when he transitioned to Jet Aircraft...In Korea? Nam? What did he fly?
He flew P-51 up to Korea and IIRC during, or maybe after the Korean war, at the rank of Colonel he got a desk job.
Ugh ... years young ....
I could listen to this gentleman all day long.. Love and respect from the u.k 🇬🇧🇺🇸
What an incredible gentleman, He was so sharp with dates and times. A true here makes you be so proud to be an American.
So glad these interviews were done and made available for all to see.
Thank you for recording these priceless stories.
Wow, fantastic interview! As others have said, I could listen to this man for days. Thank you!
Amazing- too bad no photos of our pilot and his German adversary from WWII period and when they later met? Thanks to this hero and thank you for documenting his bravery and service.
all those are in the net, just a google search away
It's wonderful that you have chronicled these stories and experiences of people like Col. Peterbrs, so they will never be forgotten.
What an amazing man. So many of these men have stories that are worthy of a motion picture...I wish I had gotten more of these stories from my Uncles. 4 fought in WWII, 3 survived, one was KIA in North Africa in the US Army Infantry. My Uncle Wayne is still living at 96, he was a fighter plane mechanic on the USS Enterprise in the South Pacific. Uncle Joe was USMC in the South Pacific (I can't imagine the stories he could tell) and last, but not least was Uncle Bill, he was 82nd Airborne in D-Day and the Bulge! All these men were beyond brave.
Can you not record your uncle Wayne? Have a listen to Raymond McFalone's interviews on KZhead. Copy down the questions and then record your uncle. His memories are priceless.
36 years of service, wow. Thank You Sir!!
He is the same age as my dad who was born in 1924 also and flew P51s in the Pacific. But what an incredible life and a really cool guy
That man is unbelievable for 94! Bless you Sir!
Thank you Sir for your Service.
Wow. Incredible story . True American hero
I just watched the colonel along with two other Tuskegee Airmen one of them was the first Top Gun pilot ever. I was on pins and needles listening to every word they had to say it was amazing. It was from 2019 on C-Span. Truly the greatest generation compared to the generation we got now unfortunately
Thank you Col. Peterburs for your many years of service. God Bless you always.