Flying High: 101-Year-Old WWII Combat Pilot Realizes Lifelong Dream Over New York City

World War II combat pilot Donald Stern celebrated his 101st birthday by fulfilling his lifelong dream of flying over New York City in a Cessna Skyhawk. Born in the city, Stern had a 40-minute flight that took off from Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough Township and was piloted by retired Air Force Major Glenn Sinibaldi. His 63-year-old son Russell joined him on the flight, and they soared over several New York City and New Jersey landmarks.

As they flew over the city, Russell noticed that his father seemed comfortable and at ease, almost as if he were at home. After landing, Stern expressed his gratitude with a salute to those waiting for him. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 483rd Bombardment Group, completing 32 combat missions in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. His final mission occurred on April 24, just one day before his 22nd birthday.

The group flew missions over several European countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania