Planes on the Prairie

Planes on the Prairie is a podcast and YouTube channel all about delivering you information and discussions all about aviation, primarily focused on aviation in the Upper Midwest!

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23 December 2023

Captain Donald Emerson - A Holiday Special

We are back with a holiday special, featuring Pembina, North Dakota native and P-51 Mustang pilot Donald Emerson. Both Max and Sam have ready Sandra Merrill's biography of her uncle Donald in the thrilling book Donald's Story, and both of the Planes on the Prairie crew enjoyed it so much, they figured you would enjoy hearing his story and his exploits as a fighter pilot in the 4th Fighter Group. Unfortunately, Emerson was killed by ground fire on Christmas Day, 1944, but his story cannot go untold by the crew, so enjoy this episode, have a great holiday season an happy new year!

13 November 2023

Captain John O. Donaldson - ND Aces 12

In our last episode of the North Dakota Aces series, we cover John Owen Donaldson, our only Ace from World War One. Tune in to hear us discuss World War I aerial combat, Donaldson's victories, and his harrowing journey as a POW on the run.

06 November 2023

Lieutenant Colonel Leland "Tommy" Molland - ND Aces 11

In this installment of the North Dakota Aces Series, we cover Leland Molland, a Nome, North Dakota native who flew Spitfires and Mustangs in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations with the 308th FS of the 31st FG. Tune in to learn more about Reverse Lend Lease aircraft, a bit about the air war in the MTO, and of course the "Fargo Express!"

30 October 2023

Lieutenant Commander Harvey P. Picken - ND Aces 10

Welcome to our tenth episode of the ND Aces Series, where Max and Sam cover Harvey Picken, a Minot, North Dakota native who served as a photo reconnaissance pilot with VF-18 in the Pacific. Special thanks go out to Mike Fink and Jackie Case for the wealth of information provided during the research process for this episode.

09 October 2023

Colonel Donald A. Baccus - ND Aces 9

Episode nine of our ND Aces series features Colonel Donald A. Baccus, a Jamestown, ND native who downed five aircraft while serving with the 356th Fighter Group in Europe during World War II. Tune in to hear a neat story!

02 October 2023

Lloyd P. Heinzen - ND Aces 8

In this episode, the crew talk about Lloyd P. Heinzen, a Garrison, ND native who served with VF-8 during the war. Tune in to hear about his combat career, his interesting victories, and his tragic death in an aircraft accident.

25 September 2023

Captain Norman E. Olson - ND Aces 7

In episode 7 of the North Dakota Aces series, Sam and Max talk about the life and combat career of Norman E. Olson, a P-47 and P-51 pilot from Fargo, ND. We hope you enjoy this episode and thanks for listening!

18 September 2023

Lieutenant Commander Leonard J. Check - ND Aces 6

In this episode, Sam and Max talk about Lieutenant Leonard Joeseph Check, a Double Ace from Berwick, North Dakota. Tune in to hear Check's interesting path to the navy as well his mixed bag of victories against both Japanese Army and Naval aircraft!

11 September 2023

Ensign Clarence Borley - ND Aces 5

In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the combat career of Ensign Clarence "Spike" Borley, a Williston, ND native who flew Hellcats with VF-15 in the Pacific. Tune in for an epic story of combat and survival on this installment of our ND Aces Series!

04 September 2023

Max's Colorado Aviation Trip

This week, Sam and Max take a little break from the ND Aces series to discuss Max's recent trip to the Denver area. In this episode, the crew will discuss some museums and kebabs so we hope you enjoy the listen!