Veteran Who Downed German Ace Reunites With P-51 at Rumble Over the Redwoods

For Col. Joe Peterburs, a World War II fighter pilot, having a reliable wingman by his side was instinctive. This past weekend, the centenarian veteran revisited that moment in a manner he never anticipated—accompanied by his granddaughter.

During the Rumble Over the Redwoods Air Show, Peterburs piloted a classic North American P-51H Mustang from California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport. At the same time, his granddaughter, Sabrina, secured herself in a P-51D Mustang just a few feet away. “Her wingtip was approximately two feet away from mine,” Peterburs remembered. “We waved, and she smiled, tears glistening in her eyes.” According to Peterburs, the experience was truly uplifting as he witnessed his granddaughter’s presence there.

The weekend flights brought Peterburs back together with the legendary aircraft he once piloted in combat over Germany and Korea. “During World War II, the P-51 was the sole aircraft I desired,” he remarked. “It felt like donning protective gear.”

Before his downing in April 1945, Peterburs flew 49 combat missions in Europe with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Captured as a prisoner of war, Peterburs managed to escape and align himself with the advancing Soviet forces. During that mission, he inflicted damage on a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter, compelling the renowned German ace Walter Schuck to eject. Years later, researchers validated that Peterburs was indeed the pilot responsible for bringing down Schuck, leading to a strong friendship between the two men.

Following World War II, Peterburs completed 76 combat missions in Korea, subsequently moving on to jets and taking on a senior officer role in Vietnam. In 1979, he concluded his service in the Air Force, achieving the rank of full colonel. His accolades include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and POW Medal.

During the event in Humboldt County, Peterburs showcased his skills by piloting two-seat P-51s through impressive aerobatic maneuvers, pulling 4 Gs and executing a thrilling victory roll. “At 100 years old, I never imagined I’d find myself in this position again,” he remarked with a grin.

Sabrina described the experience as a lifelong memory. “I was completely unprepared for the experience of flying alongside him in Mustangs,” she remarked. He gestured with a wave and sent me kisses. My heart was touched.

For Peterburs, the flight was filled with profound sentiment, serving as an homage to fallen comrades—among them, two brothers who perished in the conflict. “It’s important for younger generations to understand the sacrifices that were made,” he stated. “We battled for their right to thrive in freedom and prosperity.”

‍