Comments on: Forrest Bird, The Birdman of Idaho

Morley Safer Meets an Extraordinary American Inventor

[jmhjones]

Thank you for highlighting Dr. Bird on 60 Minutes. He is a remarkable man. Just look what his intelligence, compassion and inquisitive mind has brought to us! His respirator saved my brother''s life when he was born in 1959. Thank you, Dr. Bird. Because of you, my brother and thousands of others have had the chance to live. I look forward to visiting Dr. Bird''s museum (www.birdaviationmuseum.com) next summer in northern Idaho. My parents and my daughter were there for the opening and thoroughly enjoyed it and the opportunity to meet Dr. Bird.

[pennykuz]

I have met Dr. Bird on several occasions. He is one of the greatest men of the 20th century and one of the most modest. I am a Respiratory Therapist. I see the results of his inventions evry day in the faces of the adults and babies who leave the hospital to fulfill lives of promise. Thank you for letting the world know about this wonderful and talented man.
Penny Kuzmeskus
Yuma, Arizona

Great story! As a person who has crewed for Patty Wagstaff at air shows, you should do a story on her too. She is one of the top 100 US aviators in history. She won the National Aerobatic title three years in a row.She is truly a living legend and a great role model.

[linden227]

Extraordinary. Not a mention of wealth, not a nod to meaningless celebrity --- just an elegant, exquisitely crafted story about a great man. Such love of life, joyous pioneering, and plain speaking humanity is both uplifting and inspiring. Truly one of your best. Bravo to all, and thank you.

[colesmom4]

This was a wonderful story about Forrest Bird. Tears came to my eyes as I heard that he invented the ventilator. My son was born 13 weeks prematurely and was on the ventilator to keep him alive for weeks. I have always wondered who invented it and thought how grateful I was for the inventor that made such a wondeful life saving machine for premature babies. I wish I could presonally thank Mr. Forrest for saving my son''s live, but hope he reads this comment so he will know how much I appreciate him. I showed Mr. Bird''s picture to my son and explained why he was such a wonderful man and about his invention. We both want to say "thank you".

Maria Kirkland
Alabama

[paperpenguin]

Your story about Forrest Bird was extraordinary. What a joy to hear not only a heartwarming story, but to meet (via the tv) the wonderful man, Dr. Bird. He is wonderful. Thank you for presenting his fine gentleman''s story.
Arlene Merrell
Maryland

[aileron2]

As a teenager in the 60''s, I recall when my mother had to use the "bird". We thought it was called that because of the occasional chirping sound it made. It was interesting to learn the real reason it was called "the Bird". From one pilot to another, thank you, Forrest Bird, for making it more comfortable for my mother to breathe; something most of us take for granted.
Michelle Kouri
Michigan

[hole19er]

In all the years I''ve watched 60 Minutes, this is one of the finest and most delightful stories that you have ever done.

Jean Page
Orlando

[annademing]

I was so exited when I watched this show and remembered how my Dad'slife was safed by the Bird Machine, I had no idea what it was!