[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]