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Meet the Detroit ‘Flyboy’ who served in iconic World War II bomber unit

It was a call from longtime radio/tv anchor Cynthia Canty that got this story rolling. She had gone on many honor flights with WWII vets over her career.

Sadly, most had passed away BUT her all-time favorite, B-17 Navigator Bill Rosnyai was 99 years old but just as sharp as if he was still 35. She told me Bill’s story deserved to be told. I wholeheartedly agree.

The American boys who fought in WWII are aptly described as the “Greatest Generation.” Bill is one of an elite minority who completed and survived 35 bombing missions during the war.

Please enjoy what we’re calling the director’s cut of the piece we aired on TV. The reality is I could listen to Bill for hours, I bet you could too.

(Photos used in story from 2006 to 2009 are credited to Brad Ziegler)