“Red Hot Rider”
June 2, 2009
Don Clees hailed from Detroit, Michigan and knew he wanted to join the Army Air Corps. His story gives vivid details about b-29’s and the training involved. His crew opted out of leave after 15 missions, hoping they would get home sooner. Well as luck would have it then ended up flying 4 more missions then they were required…. they flew 39. Don gives a real insightful look at the air war over Japan, and talks in length about his crew. 
Written by Chris Wulf
· Filed Under World War II
This was one of the most interesting interviews I have ever watched. You guy are doing a service to everyone involved in WWII. Great job!
Great interview. Thanks for taking the time to put this out for all to hear. My father was the tailgunner on the Irish Lassie, the rammed and crashed plane mentioned a couple of times in the interview.
–Michael Mulligan-
This was an excellent interview! It was my father who was the pilot of the Red Hot Rider, and he never spoke much of his service. When he passed away 15 years ago, my brothers and I felt there was a side to him we never got to know. It was Mr. Clees (interviewed here) who actually found one of us on the internet and got in touch with us.
Thanks to all involved!