97-year-old Georgia veteran takes his first ride in B-17 bomber for Veterans Day

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A local veteran took to the skies for a historic flight Sunday afternoon in honor of Veterans Day.

Herman Tannenbaum is a 97-year-old veteran who served in the Air Force during World War II. Today, Tannenbaum had the chance to take a ride in a B-17 bomber with some friends.

Channel 2 Action News talked with him just before the plane took off from Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville.

"I feel heartened that a lot of people are interested in aircraft and history. I'm looking forward to it - and not having much to do, just sitting on the plane. I'd rather be navigating. But I'll look out for sites that I recognize," he said.

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Tannenbaum was a navigator on the B-24 Mitchell during World War II in the Philippines. His ride Sunday was his first in a B-17 bomber.

"I enjoyed it immensely. It was nothing to compare with what we doing in war," he said. "This was interesting. Brought back some memories and it was a joyful experience."

The veteran's neighbor Mike Matthews helped set up the flight as a way to thank Tannenbaum for his service.

Cox Media Group