World War II combat pilot Donald Stern turned 101 on his birthday, and he celebrated by flying over New York City in a Cessna Skyhawk. The flight was piloted by retired Air Force Major Glenn Sinibaldi, who accompanied Stern’s son Russell during the 40-minute journey from Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough Township.
Stern, born in New York City, seemed comfortable and at ease during the flight, as if he were at home. His son Russell noted that he seemed to enjoy every moment of the journey. On the ground, Stern’s older son Howard awaited their return with other family members and friends, ready to celebrate with a birthday cake.
After landing safely at the airport, 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, 1945, just one day before his 22nd birthday.
The group flew missions over several European countries during the war, including Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria
