CASTROVILLE, Texas — A World War II aviator marked his 101st birthday by returning to the skies the last week of 2025, flying the same aircraft he trained in during the war more than eight decades ago.
San Antonio native and World War II aviator B.L. Craighead Jr. celebrated his milestone birthday on Dec. 30 with a Dream Flight, soaring 1,000 feet in a restored 1940 Stearman biplane, the same aircraft used by the U.S. Army to train military aviators during World War II.
Craighead learned to fly in the Stearman in 1944 while serving in the Army Air Forces.
The flight was made possible by Dream Flights, a national non-profit organization dedicated to honoring senior military veterans with the adventure of flight. The organization was contacted by Craighead’s granddaughter, Julie Craighead, who requested the flight as a birthday surprise for her grandfather.
“On the drive home, my grandfather told us it was the best birthday he’s ever had,” Craighead said. “Dream Flights gave my 101-year-old veteran hero one of the most incredible days of his life, and in doing so, created unforgettable memories for our entire family.”
For Dream Flights volunteer pilot Hunter Stuckey, the flight carried special meaning.
“Honoring a member of the Greatest Generation is always a privilege, but flying a fellow aviator in the same aircraft he trained in during the war made this flight especially meaningful,” he said. “Being back in the Stearman brought those early flying memories back.”
Craighead was joined by family, friends, and Dream Flights’ volunteer pilots and crew during the celebration. Following the flight, he signed his name on the tail of the aircraft, a tradition reserved for members of the Greatest Generation.
Stuckey also presented Craighead with a signed baseball cap and a congratulatory message from President Trump.
The celebration concluded as the crowd gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to the centenarian aviator.
A graduate of San Antonio’s Fox Tech High School Class of 1941, Craighead joined the Army Air Forces at age 17. He went on to guide B-17 Flying Fortresses across the skies of Texas. His pilot training took place at Sheppard Field (now Sheppard Air Force Base) near Wichita Falls, and he later served as an instructor flying out of Randolph Field (now Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph) and other airfields across Texas.
Craighead is one of more than 1,000 World War II veterans who have been honored with a Dream Flight. Since 2011, Dream Flights has landed in 49 states, honoring nearly 8,000 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans.
Dream Flights University, where its volunteer pilots train, is based at Castroville Municipal Airport, the location where Craighead’s Dream Flight took place.
For more information: DreamFlights.org
Congratulations B.L. Craighead Jr. on your dream flight!