Unbelievable Survival: The Inspiring Story of a Woman Who Endured Two Plane Crashes in World War II

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A 96-year-old woman at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Breese, Illinois, has quite an extraordinary tale to tell.

Juliann White, who grew up in East St. Louis, took a leap of faith during World War II. She auditioned to perform for troops and got the gig, entertaining wounded soldiers in hospitals with her singing and dancing.

Her journey wasn’t without danger. Juliann survived two plane crashes during her tours. The first crash occurred in Manila.

“I thought, ‘He’s coming too fast,’ and then the pilot slammed on the brakes, blowing all the tires,” she recalled. “We fortunately went into tall weeds, and that’s what saved us.”

The second crash happened over the Sea of Japan. Juliann remembered a terrifying thunderstorm. “We were in the air for only a short time when it hit. The pilot warned us we were going down hard, and then the warning bell rang. It was bang, bang, bang—I thought it would never stop.”

She managed to escape in an inflatable raft and was later rescued by a Japanese fishing boat.

Years later, Juliann earned a spot in the Goldfish Club. This exclusive group is for those who have survived a plane crash into the sea and used a raft to survive.

Juliann’s bravery and resilience shine through her incredible experiences.