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Eighty years ago, a young lieutenant named Ed Cottrell found himself in a life-or-death struggle in the skies above the Belgian Ardennes. It was December 17, 1944, during the infamous Battle of the Bulge. In his P-47 Thunderbolt, Ed faced a swarm of German fighters. The air was thick with chaos, but he fought on until his plane took a devastating hit. With oil smeared across his windshield and his engine failing, he managed an emergency landing—a harrowing act of survival in a world turned upside down by war.

At 22, Air Force Lt. Ed Cottrell flew 65 missions against Hitler's troops in 1944. Now 103, he recently co-piloted a North American T-6 Texan over the Ardennes again.

Now, at 102, Ed Cottrell has done something remarkable: he’s taken to the skies again. As part of the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge, a dedicated team of volunteers led by author Andrew Biggio made one of Ed’s last wishes come true. This wasn’t just a flight; it was a journey back to the heart of a moment that shaped his life—and history.

“I remember every detail,” Ed shared, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “When my plane was hit, the oil blinded me. I thought it was over. But then, something incredible happened. The German pilots didn’t shoot me down. They flew alongside me, guided me back toward my airfield, and saluted before turning away. In the midst of war, they showed me a kind of humanity I’ll never forget.”

On the way to the "80 years of the Battle of the Bulge" celebrations in Bastogne, the former flyboy from North Carolina is supported in his mission by volunteers.

Ed’s return to the cockpit this time was different. There was no fear, no enemy fire—just the steady hum of the engine and the bittersweet memories that have stayed with him all these years. “It was impressive and peaceful,” he said. “We didn’t have to look out for fighters.”

For Ed, who flew 65 missions during the war—targeting tanks, bridges, and Nazi strongholds—this flight was a celebration of life and a tribute to those who never made it home. After the war, he continued serving in the military reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. But his greatest mission has become sharing his story, ensuring the sacrifices of his comrades are never forgotten.

In Belgium, Ed is a hero. The people of Bastogne, a small town that stood firm against the German advance, welcomed him with open arms. At a ceremony marking the anniversary, Ed spoke to a new generation about the cost of war. “Listen to us,” he urged. “Let us tell you what it feels like to lose your friends. The pain doesn’t fade, but neither does the pride in what we stood for.”

Cottrell pilots the historic aircraft over the Belgian Ardennes controls.

Ed’s presence in Belgium was a reminder of the deep bond between liberators and the liberated. Though only a few dozen attended this year’s ceremony, their gratitude was palpable. Bastogne, with its 15,000 residents, remains a symbol of resilience and freedom. Plans are already underway for a larger celebration next year, but for Ed, this moment was personal—a chance to relive the skies he once commanded and to reflect on a life well-lived.

“I’m ready for another flight,” Ed joked, his eyes twinkling with the same spark that carried him through the darkest days of war. At nearly 103, he holds the title of the oldest veteran pilot—a testament to his enduring spirit. For him, this flight wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about honoring the past while inspiring the future.

Took days with his comrades to tell the stories of his missions: US veteran Ed Cottrell.

Ed’s story has reached far beyond Belgium. His experiences, and those of his comrades, are now immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air. But for Ed, it’s not about fame. It’s about the kids who sit wide-eyed as he recounts the moments that defined a generation. “I want them to understand what we fought for,” he said. “Peace is precious. It’s worth every sacrifice.”

As Ed Cottrell stepped out of the cockpit, the crowd erupted in applause. He looked up at the sky, perhaps seeing more than clouds and sunlight. In that moment, Ed wasn’t just a pilot or a war hero. He was a living bridge between history and the present, carrying with him the memories of those who fought, the lessons they left behind, and the hope that their sacrifices will never be in vain.

At 102, Ed Cottrell is still flying—if not always in the air, then in the hearts of all who hear his story. He reminds us that courage is timeless, and so is gratitude. As we salute this extraordinary man, we honor a generation that showed the world what true heroism looks like.