At 99, WWII Veteran Takes Off for New Adventure

John Ehlert stood supported by his walker, the wind tugging at his jacket Tuesday morning as he prepared for another adventure — a short but meaningful flight in a bright yellow Boeing-Stearman biplane to Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie.

At 99, the World War II veteran still lives independently in an apartment on Beacon Hill in Minnetonka and is preparing to celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 27. Despite his age, Ehlert remains active and lively, fiercely clinging to his independence.

“Well, I’m alive and well,” Ehlert joked when someone commented on how well he was doing for his age.

A flight for the ages

Tuesday’s event honored veterans by featuring five seniors, including John Ehlert, the only World War II veteran, who took to the skies in a Stearman biplane over clear but windy Minnesota skies. Four participants — Ehlert, Kurk Ransom, Lon Rogness and Al Holmbeck — were from Beacon Hill, a Presbyterian Homes & Services community, while Jack C. Whereatt was from Johanna Shores, another Presbyterian Homes & Services community.

Advertisement

Dream FlightsBased in Carson City, Nevada, has operated 6,960 flights for veterans and seniors since 2011, funded by sponsorships like Sport Clips and donations.

Pilot Molly Littlefield and her husband, crew chief Keith Littlefield, are Dream Flights volunteers from the Seattle area. They brought the Stearman from the Chicago area, giving veterans a chance to fly in this historic World War II-era aircraft. The plane will continue its journey to Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of Dream Flights’ mission to honor veterans.

“Molly and I have had long careers in aviation, but this is by far the most meaningful flight we’ve ever taken,” Keith said, explaining that Molly retired as a United Airlines pilot and he retired from Alaska Airlines after serving as a U.S. Air Force pilot. “We were able to give back in ways we never imagined.”

Before taking the five veterans on the plane, Molly shared her special connection to the Stearman. Her father, a flight instructor during World War II, taught her to fly her own Stearman, and she later passed that tradition on to her son.

“He played a critical role in training many World War II pilots, helping the United States build a robust aviation program for the Army Air Forces and Navy,” she said. “It all started with the Stearman, which I like to say helped train our young men to save the country in World War II.”

After the war, the planes were repurposed to spray agricultural crops before being replaced by more efficient aircraft. “In a way, they also fed the country,” she added.

Although Ehlert had initially downplayed the idea of ​​flying the Stearman, his son Bill could tell his father was looking forward to the experience.

“Yeah, I think he goes more than he lets on,” Bill said. “For a while he was like, 'Oh, I don't care if I go or not.' But he goes.”

War stories emerge later in life

As Ehlert stood inside Thunderbird Aviation, waiting for his 10-minute ride in the sky, Bill said his father didn't start talking about his war experiences until Bill was in his 60s.

“He didn’t want to talk about it until he was older,” Bill said. “He went through a long period of nightmares. When he came back, he didn’t talk to anyone for about three months. Not his family, not anyone.”

The family eventually learned that Ehlert, born in Minneapolis to German immigrant parents, had served in the infantry during World War II. According to his son, he was involved in intelligence work, spending much of his time behind enemy lines locating German artillery positions. His fluency in German, thanks to his background, allowed him to do this dangerous work.

Ehlert received three battle stars for his service in the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe, and the Allied occupation of Germany.

“He wasn’t fighting the Germans, he was fighting the Nazis,” Bill said. “He always made sure we knew the difference.”

After the war, Ehlert earned a master's degree in teaching from Harvard University and became a biology teacher at Edina High School, where he taught his entire career. After retiring, he built a log cabin in northern Minnesota and lived there until last year, when he moved to Beacon Hill.

“It took a lot of persuasion to get him released, but he’s happy here now,” Bill said.

A special moment

Once Ehlert returned from his flight, Molly presented him with a signed Dream Flights cap and thanked him for his service.

“We are free because of men and women like you,” Molly said.

“Oh, you’re kind,” Ehlert replied with a smile.

“That’s the truth,” she said. “Doesn’t everyone think that?” People around the plane applauded. “Amen,” she said.

“Well, Amen,” John repeated.

The highlight was when Molly invited Ehlert to add his name to the tail of the plane, alongside the signatures of other World War II veterans.

For the Dream Flights crew, Ehlert's signature represents resilience and the spirit of the greatest generation.

“When we get someone who has flown this plane to sign the tail, it’s a special moment for us too, almost like a badge of honor,” Molly said. “So thank you for blessing us.”

“Well, thanks for letting me ride,” Ehlert said. “It was a nice ride.”

Molly then reminded him that veterans can fly a dream flight again every year after they turn 100.

“Really?” Ehlert said, his voice rising with excitement.

“Yes,” she replied. “So you have to stay strong so you can get on that plane.”

Ehlert replied with a smile: “Very well. I only have three months left.”