You just never know....

[rwsmith]

Milton Rubenfeld flew for the RAF, then the USAAF, then was one of five (count 'em) five fighter pilots that comprised the Israeli Air Force during the 1948 Arab Israeli War. (That is a fascinating story in itself, about cobbling together an 'illegal' air force. Look into it).

I had heard this before, but never knew the connection.

He was shot down and bailed out over the Med in Israeli territory. His chute malfunctioned and he was injured when he hit the water. He swam for hours, until he realized that he was swimming in knee deep water. He scrambled to the beach where he was being shot at by Isaelis who thought he was Arab pilot. He didn't know Hebrew or Yiddish so he could only think to yell. " "Shabbos, gefilte fish! Shabbos, gefilte fish!".

Anyway, Milton went on to raise his family. His son, who goes by Paul Reubens, is an actor and comedian, better known as "Pee Wee Herman". Milton died in 2004 at the age of 84.

 

[SW MP15]

Great Story! Thanks For Sharing!!

 

[bigwheelzip]

Thanks for the reminder.
I've intermittently been searching for information on a relative, and your thread reminded me to do it again, and I got lucky tonight. Already shared with family and we are all having fun with it.

Your title of "You just never know..." is what our family has said after learning of the secret, international rebel warrior history of a distant uncle in-law, that everyone knew just as a quiet and gentle house painter.
His background only began to be known to us just before his death, when a book and movie about him, came out in Italy.

Thanks again for the inadvertent timely reminder.

 

[GaryS]

For any of you who have Netflix, look for the movie "Above and Beyond". It's the story of the founding of the IDF Air Force in the months leading up to the creation of the State of Israel.

It has the story of Milton Rubenfeld, as well as others.


Never mind my last part, my brain skipped over the end of rwsmith's post.

 

[shouldazagged]

I loved the wading-ashore story.

 

[da gimp]

thanks for the neat posts... I'd read of the American who helped build and lead the Israeli army... then saw the movie about him starring Kirk Douglas....

Many years ago I'd heard a brief story about an American pilot who flew for the Israeli AF during the time they were founded... but your posts, brief as they are, fleshed out his story even more. Thanks to you both RW & Gary.

 

[Speedo2]

I wonder if he flew one of those Czechoslovakian Messerschmitts for the Israelis?

 

[rwsmith]

Yes...

I wonder if he flew one of those Czechoslovakian Messerschmitts for the Israelis?

I believe it was...

Avia S-199 Czech, made from a 109, (or 109s)

 

[model70hunter]

Pictures and some interesting stories of the Air wing. And how they acquired planes.

IDF 1948 Israel Independence War: Israel Air Force- first steps from 1948 0n

 

[Mike G 0351]

I also watched the movie on Netflix recently....
Good movie....