An interesting account by a B-17 pilot, of what it took to fly in bombing missions over Germany during WW II. A real eye-opener that is as gripping as it is telling.
The pilot interviewed in this piece long after the fact, was rare for a flight captain to serve in over 25 flight missions over Europe in WW II, since after 25 missions the crew could go home for good.
Colonel Louis M Schulstad, Jr. served 44 missions and flew in an even rarer club, as having flown in and captained a B-17 in three Schweinfurt Raids, it was a the rare pilot that flew in two Schweinfurt Raids, and even rarer to fly in three.
His first B-17 "BEATS ME" and crew member friends, was lost when he was hospitalized with a stomach infection, when it's tail was cut off by a diving bomber from another flight group.
He also survived two B-17 ditchings flying back to Great Britain across the English Channel. He eventually led formations over Germany and other parts of Europe completing 44 missions-received Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters for valor in combat.
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