Fighter Squadron 81 Veteran Reunion

[Grand music]

It's hard for me to believe that

every one of these planes
actually flies.

It would be interesting
to see them fly.

My name is Ray Owen.

During World War II,

I trained, and became
a Naval aviator.

We brought my father out here

to meet a man
who was in his squadron

in World War II.

He hasn't seen him
in 72 years.

My name is
Robert Turnell.

I joined the Navy,
and got my wings.

Went out in the war,
and flew a Hellcat.

The Flying Heritage
and Combat Armor Museum

is the greatest collection
of flying vintage aircraft

in the world.

We're not just about machines.

We're about the people
who use the machines.

We love to bring people together.

Two and a half months ago,
I found the video

of Commander Turnell,
through Flying Heritage.

They put us all in touch,
and here we are.

"Chronicles of Courage"
culminated in this wonderful thing,

to get these two veterans together.

It's just gonna be
a beautiful historic moment.

[Inspirational music]

Who's that guy?

Commander.

How are you?

I'm fine. How is yourself?

I...

You're looking great.

It's the old stomping grounds.

We were stationed out here
for a while, you know.

Oh, yeah. I remember that.

I see you got the old
flight jacket, too.

[Owen] It was gratifying.
[Turnell chuckles]

I was looking forward
to meeting somebody

I hadn't seen for
72 years.

Is that all?

That's all.

[They chuckle]

[Ray Owen] We were in an
air group,

stationed aboard a carrier
during a combat period,

generally in the West Pacific.

And, fought against the enemy,
Japan.

[Reporter] Now, do you remember
any of the other guys

in the picture?

Oh, absolutely.

Every one of 'em.

Yeah.

[Owen] This is you,
right here.

I see that.

[Owen chuckles]

It's a squadron reunion.
Just the two of us.

Here we are.

Well, do you guys
want a tour?

I will show you
a few airplanes?

[Owen] I would love
to see some.

I'll follow you, Commander.

[Music]

[Man] The "bent wing monster."

[Owen] Yeah. It looks
a lot larger.

I don't remember
it being that big.

I think he is going to
talk about this

every day,
or the rest of his life.

We used to take
a 500 pound bomb,

under one wing,
or rockets, under each wing.

It was a nice plane to fly.
I didn't mind flying it.

[Boy] I like that plane.

[Turnell] This one, here?

[Boy] Mm-hmm.

[Owen] My favorite was always
the F-6.

It was a sweetheart aircraft.

[Turnell] It was a dream.

[Owen] It was a dream.

[Turnell] It was a hot machine.

Look at them spread that wing.

[Owen] Now, it looks like an airplane!

[Turnell] Yep.

[Man] Well, I think
all of us should remember

how important
these two people are.

They represent
thousands of others.

We should not forget that.

[Owen] I enjoyed the Navy.

I enjoyed the people.
We were like a big family.

I just enjoyed it all the time,
when we were flying.

[Turnell laughs]

[Owen] I felt like an eagle.

It was a chance
to be exuberant.

[Music]

We were so lucky
to have this generation of people

who fought for our freedom.

What has happened here,
the love and warmth

between these two guys,

and the families.

Other than the birth
of my children?

This is one of the greatest
events in my life.

[Owen] It's been grand
seeing you once again.

[Musical flourish]