http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86ub54ChBc4

Gary Powers was an American pilot who was shot down while flying a reconnaissance mission over Soviet Union airspace in 1960. The plane Powers was flying was a U-2 spy plane belonging to the Central Intelligence Agency. Powers was captured by Soviet Forces and held prisoner until February 10, 1962, when he was released in exchange for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. This video shows historical footage from the time of the incident, including a statement from U.S. State Department spokesman Lincoln White and footage from the wreckage of the plane.

The post Cold War
Pilot Gary Powers appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OaHuKp5nPk

Lieutenant Colonel D R Butler was a helicopter pilot with the 229th Aviation Battalion in Vietnam. In this video, Butler discusses why he wanted to become a pilot and the lessons he learned in Vietnam that helped shape his life once he returned home.

The post Vietnam War
Vietnam Vet: “You Learn To Appreciate One Word – Now” appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9nCnlqIWuE

James Fleming was an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, and received the Medal of Honor for rescuing six of his fellow soldiers when they were stranded amongst enemy soldiers. In this video, Fleming recalls November 26, 1968, the day that earned him his Medal of Honor, saying: “These guys down there have seen one helicopter crash, one of them leave trailing smoke, other helicopter’s leaving. I’m the only one here. Get me low, way out. Throw me in there. I bet ya I can sneak in there and get them.”

Fleming was presented the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon at the White House on May 14, 1970.

The post Vietnam War
James Fleming Recounts Heroic Patrol appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCmceCQQW1Q

Charles McGee, William Holloman, John Leahr and Calvin Moret describe their experiences during World War II as members of what was known as the Tuskegee Experiment. This was a group of African American soldiers who worked to become combat pilots. During this war, many people thought that African Americans were not smart enough to fly planes. In order to prove them wrong, the Tuskegee Airmen were even more determined to succeed.

The post Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Experiment appeared first on Witnify.