Hey Reddit, iAMA a retired Pilot and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force that was in these wars: WWII, Vietnam, and Korean. AMA

You lived and operated through the "jet revolution". How did your training change? And what's the most fun plane you've ever flown?

In WWII, when the jets came on-line, I along with a bunch of other guys were sent to jet school down in Alabama. We were down there for 6 weeks flying T-33s. Then I went back to my base, Dow Air Force Base in Maine. There was very little change in the training. I don't know that it did very much at all. I'd say the T-33 was my favorite plane. It was a pretty plane, and a joy to fly.

First of all, I want to thank you and your grandpa for doing this!

Since I'm german, i would like to know what feelings your grandpa has, when he thinks about germans.. :P

As a second question, I'm interested in what it was like working with Agent Orange.

I feel bad for the Germans. Adolf Hitler was a very persuasive speaker, and it was bad times for them. I personally have no bitterness for Germany; it's a very nice country. (grandpa speaking)

What was the most scary moment of your career, which you will never forget?

^{Sent from Reditr}

We were flying low, about 1500 feet. We were under heavy fire from the German forces. There was a loud boom, you could tell it was close. We looked, and on the ground there was a 20 mm shell that, if exploded, will kill us all. My buddy had the sense to pick it up and throw it out the window, and it dropped a couple hundred feet and exploded, unharming to us. I thought that was the end for me, and if it weren't for the actions of my co-pilot, I wouldn't be here today.

I'm confused, did the shell land inside the plane or what?

yes

[deleted]

Being upped to colonel.

How was warfare different in each war?

I don't think it was much different at all, really. When someone is shooting at you with intent to kill, it doesn't make any difference.

No questions. Just a simple thank you for your service

He is in shock and awe of all the comments like this. It means so much to him.

When is the last time you flew a plane?

I flew a plane about 10 years ago. A buddy and I owned a small plane in Wisconsin. Can't do that anymore, getting too old for that

Do you miss flying?

Yes, I also can't drive anymore, I don't have the best vision anymore.

I am a korean and our family moved to US when I was 10. When my mom was born, my grandma was hiding in a mountain so they would not get killed by north-koreans. My grandpa died from war around Daegu. They won't say in details but, I am just curious, how was Koreans like to you? Were they nice? Did they hide in mountains? Thanks... (btw i was living in busan before i came to US)

They were fine. The culture and language is different, i guess. They treated us as well as they knew how. They had it so bad during the war. I can't imagine what it was like for them. They paid a terrible price.

Hmm. I know a Lt. Col who was an air force pilot, and served in all three of those wars. You haven't been on the Honor Flight yet have you?

Yes I have, it was an incredible experience.

I was on the Honor Flight, AMA

What state do you currently reside in?

I actually went with 82 WWII veterans, and worked with 3 other students, making over 200 DVDs for the veterans and their guardians. As far as I know, it's the first time it's been done. It was an honor having the privilege to go.

Which memorial did you enjoy the most?

Minnesota. I very much enjoyed the WWII memorial.

What were the differences between how he was received at home when he returned from each war?

We're Minnesotans, so there wasn't a huge difference after Vietnam. His family was just glad to have him back each time.

MN shout out.

http://stephenchy520.blog.com/files/2012/03/we-must-stand-together.jpg

If you were to pick out the most memorable event that you have experienced in your life, what would it be and why?

I would say a combination: My wedding day, and the birth of my three beautiful children.

What was the first plane you flew or learned on? (instrument rated pilot)

First plane was a PT-19, PT is short for Primary Trainer.

What kind of plane did you fly, and what is the craziest story from that plane? Could be a near death experience, crazy adrenaline-pumping moment, or something funny. Would love to hear about this.

I flew about 5 or 6 different planes, but the one I flew the most was a B-24.

EDIT: Didn't see the last question. If you see my reply to a comment made by macmee, you will see my craziest story.

Is it really hard to learn how to fly ? I understand how planes work and have always wondered if its as easy as i think . Have you ever flown a chopper ? if so , how much more harder is it ?

You either know how to fly, or you don't. If you don't, you can train for years and still not be able to. No to the chopper question. (Grandpa)

Thank you for everything you've done! Have you seen any crazy unexplainable things during your career? Gremlins/UFO's and the like?

Yeah. I saw a light, brightest I've ever seen, down around Nashville, TN. It was during the afternoon. It was on my course, quite abit higher than I was. I tried to catch up with it, but I couldn't.

What was the most memorable war for you? Also, general description of why?

WWII, without a doubt. We won!