Franz Stiggler had just lost his brother's shortly before this incident. His commander told the unit that if he found them shooting at enemies decending on parachutes that he would kill them himself, Stiggler later described the pub as a parachute, completely defenseless, he passed up the Knights cross that day and never got it, but he always said, that he got something better, to him, Charlie Brown was as much his brother. They later became best friends and Charlie invited Franz to a reunion of his unit, while there Franz felt uncomfortable for obvious reasons, and then Charlie opened up and said, these families are here today thanks to you, for escorting us to safety.

I’m proud to count Franz Stigler, May he Rest In Peace as a friend. Franz was a member of the same Royal Canadian Air Force Association unit as I was in Abbotsford, B.C. Canada and spent many a delightful hour having a drink and listening to his stories, until ‘Momma’ told him it was time to go home. Franz was a gentle spirit and never gloated about his many kills and was reluctant to speak of them. There is a special place in Heaven for such men.

I learned about this encounter fairly recently. The German pilot thought it would have been dishonorable to shoot down a crippled plane even if it was the enemy. It was remarkable that this incident was largely kept secret until after the war. The two pilots met again many years later and became friends. Truly inspiring story.

Not a single spoken word and I’m crying like a baby. Moments of humanity that shine through war are what remind me to be the most human and kind that I can. We’re in this together.

Stigler may have not got an iron cross, but he got immortality as a hero!

At german Bundeswehr (military) we had a trainer (Stabsunteroffizier) who allways told us: "The enemy is a comrade just on the false side of the line. He doesn't want to be in a war as you doesn't want it either." It's good to see that a soldier is sometimes more a human than a soldier. Thank you!

For some context as I didn't understand at first. Franz pointing down was him asking Charlie to land and surrender. When that didn't work, they flew together to safety. Then Franz pointed towards Sweden which was half an hour away so that they can land safely as their plane was badly damaged. Charlie then said to back off. Franz said when he waved goodbye, the wave was him saying to "get back safely". This is truly an inspirational story and I will be buying the book very soon.

"The murder of a man is still murder, even in wartime." "But remember, our tasks is to bring down aeroplanes, not men. So stop firing when your opponent's falling. Gentlemen, we are sportsmen, not butchers." -Manfred von Richtofen, A.K.A. The Red Baron

The way this was animated, the movement and facial expressions conveyed so much emotional expression. Truly a well crafted animated short.

I am his godson, I have spent many hours with both him and Charlie and I don't think anyone has heard the story in more detail or more often than myself. Charlie was quite a guy, he loved to tell stories as where Franz was more quiet and you sometimes had to pry stuff out of him but both together could give you the perspective from each side, Charlie thought for sure they were gone when the 109 approached. Franz always said he got too close when coming in from the rear of the 17 and had a view of the people inside. Seeing the tail gunner condition up close and then realized that's why the tail gunner never fired a shot is what really made him think about not shooting at the 17 along with the others inside he could see attending to the injured. Franz knew he would most likely get caught, court martialed and shot but he let them go anyway. Funny story with Franz... Many times I drove him to Everett Washington to watch the Me-262's being built at Paine Field, we would drive down and cross the border at Blaine Washington (Pacific Border Crossing) as we got to the border we gave the U.S. border guard our Passports (Franz was never a Canadian citizen, he was still German) the border guard looked at mine and dismissed it right away... then he looked at Franz's and his eyeballs grew about twice the size and he read what seemed forever on the computer. We were then directed inside where Franz had to pay his usual few bucks but this time all the U.S. immigration officers had lined up to shake his hand. I believe Mr. Jim Brodie... (a good friend of Charlies and JEB Bush) had adding something to his information so he would be recognized when in the U.S. but this was before 9/11 when things weren't so tight at the border. Many good stories with Franz, he is missed by everyone here.

A warrior with honor. He knew they were out of the fight.

Good afternoon - I'm a retired air force officer colonel - the story I've seen is very moving, it's well done and conveys great humanity on the part of the M-109 pilot. He had everything to win and easily shoot down that ship. However, what moved me the most is the photograph that is veiled at the end of the story: showing the evidence of a true story. My fraternal salute to those pilots Thank you very much for sharing this story.

Get the book, "A Higher Call". It's the story of this incident and it is one of the best war stories I've ever read. Charlie and Franz both died in 2008 within a few months of each other after coming within the pull of a trigger in 1943, and they died loving each other. I've read their story twice and both times I'm not ashamed to say I cried. Those two men came from a generation of men the likes of which we will never see again.

For those wondering what Franz tried to signal to Charlie: - first he tried to tell them to fly low as they were heading toward the atlantic wall and its strong AA defenses. - then he signaled right which was the direction of Sweden (as they were near Bremen). That was technically a safer route for them than trying to cross back to England.

The emotion shown in their eyes is incredible. Still fighting back tears as I write. Well done.

The story of Charlie and Franz is one of my favorites from WW2. Rest in peace, gentlemen. Fly high and fly fast through the heavens and beyond.

Franz Stigler was a true Knight of the Air, a man of honor.

Human decency and compassion. No one prays for peace more than a soldier.

Beside the moving story, let's take a minute to enjoy the absolutely fabulous animation. Movments are fluids and realists. A masterpiece !

The story speaks for itself, but I have to comment on the animation; absolutely incredible. It’s possibly the best aviation animation I’ve ever seen in terms of placing you in the scene - it somehow takes a simplified style yet brings a heightened sense of reality. Consider me subscribed.

The interview with Charlie is amazing. He later 40 or 50 years told everyone about the incident.. and someone somehow heard the same story from a German WW2 pilot veteran. They got eachother on the phone and the story matched up and they both broke down crying on the phone. The interview is amazing too. This 3d edit of it does it this guy did a 10/10 job on the small detail even.

Franz was my uncle, a time or two removed, thank you for telling this story.

I've read about this a thousand times. Never thought seeing it in animation would hit me like that.. Their whole generation is quickly disappearing and that's a huge shame because there were some unbelievably good human beings back then. We will never see this type of respect out of anyone in any situation these days and it's heartbreaking to admit that. I'm glad these guys all got to live long lives.. Hell is an understatement when describing the second world war.

I highly recommend “A Higher Call” by Adam Makos. While the climax of the book is this incident, it fills in a lot of backstory on Stigler and his time as a Luftwaffe pilot. He flew Me-262 by the war’s end. (Makos also wrote the excellent book “Devotion”, now a movie).

I always cry with this story. Once again. Franz and Charlie. Never forgotten.

Stunning recreation of a rare human moment in war, bravo 👏

I'm sorry, but this video is on a whole other level. I'm just spellbound by its power. Every detail, from the music to the timing , I cant stop watching this. The people or person that made this has a gift of talent that literally the whole world needs to experience.

The animation was outstanding. Thank you for sharing and showing us in these dark days that there is humanity in each of us.

The animations in this story are unreal. The confusion of the pilots looks so natural. I'll put this animation in my hall of fame

Freaking awesomeness, much appreciated for all the hours putting this together.

This is hands-down THE BEST animation I have ever witnessed for this true event. I'm an avid WWII enthusiast and I absolutely revere these men and women that served during this war and have such a passion and respect for their sacrifices. This video and the aftermath is the truest representation of utter humanity that I have ever witnessed and I'm an inactive Gulf War Era US Marine Veteran and Law Enforcement Veteran of 22 years. These men of men went on to become the best of friends before their deaths in 2008, in which they both perished in that same year! The many lives that had the opportunity to live due to Franz's humanitarian decision is remarkable and the fact that he performed this mercy in the wake of potential military service suicide to himself and his family is truly remarkable. War is HELL, but HUMANITY rules and this is a story worthy of movie stature. None of these men involved in this event ever forgot that sacrifice of mercy and it brought enemies to become the best of friends. Franz was already an ACE and this would have been an easy target at best, but mercy and humanity prevailed. Praise the Lord!

Fly, Fighting fair, It's the code Of the air. Brothers. Heroes. Foes.

This feels like it should be in Love, Death, Robots as the animation is simply top-notch. The music was very fitting in all its somberness and the emotions portrayed and conveyed so well without either speaking a word. A truly moving piece of art.

That was absolutely fantastic. I got a little misty eyed at the end. Such a great story, I am glad you told it!

This animation told the story "PERFECTLY"!!! It's the BEST I have ever seen!!! SALUTE to the Production Company!!!

This is one of the best stories I’ve ever read. Just shows that not everyone is an enemy, they’re trying to get through a horrible situation like the next man. True courage.

My dad had a classmate who served in the AAF during the war. He said that when the German jets showed up some of the pilots would come close, wave and then go off. After they knew the war was lost they stopped attacking. They were soldiers, not killers.

I am proud to say that I have had the distinct honor of flying aboard the B-17 "Ye Olde Pub" operated by the Liberty Foundation. Their B-17 has been painted in the complete livery and nose art of the original "Ye Olde Pub" bomber depicted here. Truly, the experience of a lifetime.

Beautiful recreation of a beautiful moment in history. May Franz and Charlie Rest in Peace...and immortalised in Legend.

Knowing this Story well I thought this was so beautifully done and shows how your enemy could have enough respect for a Fellow airman whom being in such a dire situation with almost zero chance of defending oneself he refused to fire on the injured plane and then escorted them to safety. They became good friends after the war. Thanks for your rendering of such an amazing story of the kindness that can be found in a horrible situation. R.I.P. to the both of you, eternally skyward...

I've heard this story many times but your animations made it hit just as hard as the first time thanks

If you can watch this, as a service member or veteran, with dry eyes, then you must be dead inside. The incredible internal strength and integrity displayed by Franz Stigler that day is nothing short of heroic.

As I'm writing this comment, tomorrow will be exactly 80 years of that incident.

This deserves a full-length feature hollywood film. Excellent animation by the way!

Never knew of this moment in history until hearing Sabaton's - No Bullets Fly WW2 has been a period of interest but it is some of the lesser known instances where they have brought mine & others attention to them. Circumstances leading up to it aside...this is surely one of the most heartwarming moments to survive to be told out of the mess that WW2 was. VERY well done. FLAWLESS.

Beautiful video. No dialog required. The honor, the strength of character, the emotions are all there. Thank you for making it.

Outstanding. Everything about this is wonderful, but the subtle clarity of emotion in the eyes is particularly noteworthy. Thank you for making this, it clearly comes from love.

An incredible story and got to give props to whoever did the animation, the emotion and expression in everybodies face is just sublime.

What an amazing story, which until now never knew existed, BUT because of this video I can look into this so more people realise common decency prevailed between pilots on different sides of the war ! Thank you

As one of my favorite stories from WWII I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate this video. My uncle was a tail gunner on a B17 and ended up as a POW. Great work as always.

I never cryied over an animation video daamn

What makes us animation good is that it tells the story of what happened with no words at all

I've seen 100 different versions of this story, told 100 different ways, and it always makes me sad for the lessons we still have failed to learn. Fantastic animation, well done!

I'm not an emotional person, but this restores faith in man and an honorable warrior. Salute herr Stigler!!!

Animation? Amazing. Incredible job. abosutlutely amazing

Today marks 80 years ago today.

"Fly, fighting fair, it's the code of the air" -Sabaton: No Bullets Fly

Some stories don't need words to be understood. Some, like this one, hits at the very core of what it means to be a human being. Thank you for telling this story in such an amazing way.

They could make such a killer movie about this. Telling the stories of the pilots individually and climaxing with this moment. Tearing up just thinking about it

This animation deserves various Oscars

It's amazing how loudly this video speaks without a single word being said. This story is beautiful. The two. Pilot's ended up being friends in later years as well.

Absolutely stunning story, told in a compelling and gorgeous way! Thank you for bringing us this amazing tale!

This story has become one of my favorite WW II stories. And your animation of it was brilliant.

bro how cinematic this is so good bro

As a retired Veteran. I'm honored to watch this and see that even those whom we fight against can still show compassion for our enemies. If more people acted that way, there might be less war and more bridge's built.

My God, this is moving. One of the most beautiful creations I’ve ever seen. The animation and soundtrack are of premier quality. I am forever changed by this, thank you!

Wow amazing merry Christmas what a a warm feeling this video gives. Shows you dont have to kill to be a hero.

By far one of the best animations I have seen.

I am a military aviator of a much later generation. I don't think today's military aviators wouldn't have the same level of respect that aviators of that era had for each other. I can't help but get emotional watching this. The animation allows you to put yourself in the decision making process of both crew members which deepens the impact for me. This is an awesome presentation.... Thank you....

Brilliant production. Thank you for telling their story so beautifully.

Este es uno de los mejores videos que he visto en UKposts. Sobriedad, elegancia, excelente montaje y musica perfectamente sincronizada. Una pequeña joya digna de disfrutarse. felicidades

The fullest meaning of mercy without one word being spoken,outstanding.

Absolutely phenomal animation for such a blessed and memorable story of chivalry and heroism... very very well done to the team for keeping this treasured story alive!

Love the look in Charlie Browns eyes when the top turret takes aim, like; "what're you playin' at" followed by disbelief and bewilderment.

Not a single word was spoken in this video but it was one of the most beautiful animations ive ever seen

I know that history. They met decades later somewhere in Canada. A high emotional animated movie. Well done! Thx for upload

I can feel the emotion and thrill behind your animation. It is so satisfying to watch machines move and operate, but to also see the humanity gel so well alongside makes this as good as I've seen.

Fantastic work. The character animation is particularly nice.

History was made in a blessed moment! Great reenactment! A true story of compassion….

This animation hit harder than many "emotional" animations I have seen on the platform. All of that with partially covered faces and not a word spoken

I have also read the book "A Higher Call", which details the facts of this true event. It is one of the best books I've ever read, and shows that even the enemy, in this case a Luftwaffe Ace, Franz Stigler, can show compassion even in war time. The book recounts their early military experiences which led up to this momentous, heart-warming event. This would make a fantastic movie. Their eventual face-to-face meeting is so emotional, and their enduring friendship for the rest of their lives. By not shooting the B-17, Stigler risked court-martial - and possibly a death sentence - if his superiors had found out. Adolf Galland, another Act, eventually learned about it, and grudgingly admitted he "probably would have done the same thing". Neither were true Nazis, but rather fiercely loyal (to Germany) and highly skilled German Luftwaffe Aces. Both were highly respected by the Allies. All of us should read "A Higher Call".

Thanks for making this, wonderful work 🥲

Bought this book maybe 4 yrs ago now... and couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. I lived in Holland throughout the '80's and heard many stories about the Occupation. I even met Miep Gies once who helped hide Anne Frank & Fam. There's no way all those stories of people being people toward one another can ever all be heard. I thought I was going to read about this from the American point of view. But the real story was about Franz. Raised Catholic and wanted to fly from an early age. Ended up a pilot for Lufthansa until his brother was killed. Then joined the Luftwaffe. He was stationed from North Africa and the Mediterranean all the way to northern Germany. Even flew the ME 262's (first operational jet). When he waved the B-17 good luck, he really figured they'd never make it home. Decades later, they met again and become good friends. God means for us to love one another in this life. Not hate and kill. Something I found very interesting about the men Franz flew with anyway, was they weren't Nazi's (fanatics). They weren't cold blooded killers. And thank God, too. It saved a certain B-17 crew in '43 and all these years later we're still talking about it! 😂

This was incredible. Didn’t want it to end. Your work is top notch - please keep doing WW2 content - your channel is passing the history onto so many viewers who wouldn’t otherwise know these stories

Mr Stigler, a Knight in the war. An example. Rest in Peace, brave man.

I learned about this story through Sabaton’s “No Bullets Fly” and it’s my favourite story

This was so good!!!! Best way to tell their stories thank you❤

I wish I could like this more than once. Just finished the book. This animation was spot on, but most importantly, the chivalry and humanity of Franz Stigler, and the friendship that Franz and Charlie had for each other later in life is inspiring.

I love this animation, and damn, I'd say it's museum worthy. Amazing detail especially with how the light bounces off and goes through the skin. Amazing, amazing detail.

A pure case of chivalry and compassion.

As a soldier, I find this quite an emotional event. SEMPER FI has never been simply applied to just my feelings to the USMC.

This animation, and the 3d Models that went into making this are absolutely incredible. An amazing way to show this amazing story, well done, top notch creation.

a masterpiece, both the theme that tells us about a story that was hidden until many years after the end of the war, and the realism achieved in these 3D images. I have seen some historical failures, like that the BF109 that you have put was a BF109F-4, the numeral that you used was the 1 Blanco and the Jagdgeschwader 53 "Pik as" unit. In reality, Franz Stigler took off with his Messerschmitt BF109G-6, Gelbe "Yellow" 2 and his unit, which Franz commanded at the time, was Jagdgeschwader 27. For the rest, you deserve a 10! I would like to see more cinematics like this from WWI and WWII aviation veterans, there are truly amazing stories with equally shocking endings. Thank you for this Journey to the past, for lovers of classic aviation, this is a gift.

You seriously made me cry . As a German fan I respect Franz Stiggler a lot.😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

An incredible story, two rivals who showed respect and sympathy for each other in the midst of the most devastating war history has ever known. If they were capable of such gentleman’s behavior, why can’t we get along and respect each other’s points of view, etc. in a time of much more advancements and technological achievements?

This is a great video. Those 2 became close friends when they finally met. My own dad was in the navy before and during World War 2. He met the Japanese sailor who sank his ship. I was 12 that day and learned more about forgiveness than in the rest of my life.

Stigler's was a good man and a good pilot. If it wasn't for him, Charlie and his crew would've been dead. I'm glad that these two pilots became friends years after the war. May they both Rest In Peace.

That bomber was supposed to be his 28th kill to receive the knights cross of the iron cross Germany's highest military award. But he choose not to. RIP Franz Stigler

Heard that story before cause i have always been interested with all that is aviation history and especially the WWII era, but to see with such emotion what happen between Franz and Charlie in an animated production is out of this world, so much details, no words, just glimpse of each other in eyed contacts....Bravo....Sorry for my writing, i'm french Canadiens

This was one of the cleanest animations I've ever seen. A true test of CGI is when the viewer can't tell if the people are real actors or animated figures. For a long time, I thought they were live actors interspersed with shots of CGI. Nicely done.