B-17

Wayne Freedman
Wayne Freedman
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Published 2012-08-21
My story from the CBS News days about Charles Brown and Franz Stiegler, two warriors from opposite sides who reunited near the ends of their lives. This is easily one of my favorite stories, ever. For more on our time with these gentlemen and how this story came about, check the chapter about interviews in the second edition of my book, IT TAKES MORE THAN GOOD LOOKS TO SUCCEED AT TELEVISION NEWS REPORTING. (www.awealthofwisdom.com) Dave Dellaria shot it. Herb Bennett did the editing.
All Comments (21)
  • @monsieurcommissaire1628
    No matter how many times I hear the story, no matter who's telling it, I am reduced to tears.
  • @MrRobertaltmann
    Franz Stiegler did an act of humanity in an inhuman war. He was a true hero. Rest in peace !
  • @kai223noa6
    You can also thank Stigler's squadron leader in North Africa who told his men never to shoot at parachutes or downed aircraft. He even threatened to shoot down any of his own men who disobeyed that rule.
  • @tureencahill
    I just finished "A Higher Call" today. Probably the best and most captivating book on war I have ever read. RIP Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown.
  • @CatharticusX
    "You follow the rules for YOU, not for the enemy. You fight by the rules to keep your humanity. ... If I ever see or hear of you shooting at a man in a parachute, I will shoot you down myself." -- Luftwaffe Ace Gustav Roedel, to Stigler before his first combat mission.
  • @markt073
    Very cool report. Franz Stigler was a long time member of the Abbotsford Flying Club and I had the opportunity to meet him after joining the club in 2004. Franz was also a Me-262 pilot in the war as well, flying with Adolf Galland. He was a true gentleman and his legacy lives on.
  • @EPFANTCB
    Wonderful Franz you are a class act!
  • @SwedePelle
    I finished reading the book today! I've never read a book in my entire life and this was the first one, I do not regret it! It was the best thing i've ever experienced!
  • @dominiquepfanne5861
    Thank you Wayne for sharing this Video. Many greetings from Germany to you and all of the friends, which are interested in this sensitive theme.I admire the bravery and humanity of both men. Further I´m so glad that they found themselves for a deep brotherhood beyond borders .I read Adam Makos great book twice, in German AND English. Well done. Only sad to know: Franz´story i is almost unknown in Germany. Thank you Franz and Charlie. You tought us so much.
  • @CatharticusX
    Wow! I was raised by a B-17 gunner and POW who carried pieces of a 20mm shell from a Bf109 in his head to his grave, and shot down the airplane that dealt the B-17's mortal blow. The B-17 pilot and the German made contact and planned to meet in about 1991, but a family tragedy forced one to stay home and both men died shortly after.
  • @peacequiet
    God Bless these two hero's ! Isn't it amazing that in my heart I call them equal hero's and dear to my heart.
  • @TedSnow
    I just finished reading the book. This story absolutely blows me away. Just incredible. Its really cool see and hear these two amazing peoples reunion!
  • @toddbob55
    The most amazing story out of WW2 very sad but also very happy
  • @DeltaSniperZRR
    Just a little detail, but it's funny that Franz Stigler also wears a 379th Bomber Group cap, while he fought till the end with the Luftwaffe. Much respect for both men. I'm reading the book now, almost finished it. Amazing story, especially that of Franz Stigler.
  • @Gunners_Mate_Guns
    Just finished reading the magnificent book "A Higher Call" about this event, and I can't recommend it highly enough. You owe it to yourself to read it, and I'm ordering a hardback copy (I read the Kindle edition) for my WWII veteran father-in-law.