Mighty Fortress Lead Bomber Over Europe: A Tale of Courage, Sacrifice, and Triumph

A Mighty Fortress: Lead Bomber Over Europe

by Ebbe Dommisse

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Mighty Fortress Lead Bomber Over Europe was a B-17 Flying Fortress that flew 25 combat missions over Europe during World War II. It was named after the hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and was flown by a crew of 10 men.

The Mighty Fortress was a symbol of hope and freedom for the people of Europe, and its crew was a shining example of the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. The crew of the Mighty Fortress flew their first combat mission on July 4, 1943, and their last mission on April 15, 1945. During their 25 missions, they flew over 2,000 combat hours and dropped over 1,000 bombs on enemy targets. They were credited with destroying 15 enemy aircraft, 20 tanks, and 30 locomotives.

The Mighty Fortress was damaged six times during its combat missions, but it always managed to return to its base in England. The crew of the Mighty Fortress was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for their bravery and heroism.

The Mighty Fortress was retired from service in 1945 and is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. It is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in World War II.

The Crew of the Mighty Fortress

The crew of the Mighty Fortress was a diverse group of men from all walks of life. They came from different backgrounds and had different experiences, but they were all united by their love of country and their desire to serve.

The pilot of the Mighty Fortress was Lieutenant Colonel Robert K. Morgan. Morgan was a veteran of the Battle of Britain and had flown over 100 combat missions. He was a skilled pilot and a respected leader.

The co-pilot of the Mighty Fortress was First Lieutenant John P. Dryden. Dryden was a young pilot who had just graduated from flight school. He was eager to prove himself, and he quickly became a valuable member of the crew.

The bombardier of the Mighty Fortress was Sergeant John P. Cooney. Cooney was a skilled bombardier who had been trained at the Army Air Forces Bombing School in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He was responsible for dropping the Mighty Fortress's bombs on target.

The navigator of the Mighty Fortress was First Lieutenant William E. Leonard. Leonard was a skilled navigator who had been trained at the Army Air Forces Navigation School in Selman Field, Alabama. He was responsible for guiding the Mighty Fortress to its targets and back.

The flight engineer of the Mighty Fortress was Sergeant Frank L. Buono. Buono was a skilled mechanic who was responsible for keeping the Mighty Fortress flying. He was also a valuable member of the crew, and he was always ready to lend a hand.

The radio operator of the Mighty Fortress was Sergeant John J. Meyerson. Meyerson was a skilled radio operator who was responsible for communicating with other aircraft and with ground control. He was also a valuable member of the crew, and he was always ready to provide information to the pilot.

The gunners of the Mighty Fortress were Sergeant James F. Cavanagh, Sergeant James A. Kerns, and Sergeant John P. Rowen. The gunners were responsible for defending the Mighty Fortress from enemy aircraft. They were all skilled marksmen, and they were always ready to defend their aircraft and their crewmates.

The Missions of the Mighty Fortress

The Mighty Fortress flew 25 combat missions over Europe during World War II. The crew of the Mighty Fortress flew their first combat mission on July 4, 1943, and their last mission on April 15, 1945. During their 25 missions, they flew over 2,000 combat hours and dropped over 1,000 bombs on enemy targets. They were credited with destroying 15 enemy aircraft, 20 tanks, and 30 locomotives.

The Mighty Fortress flew a variety of missions during World War II. They flew bombing missions, strafing missions, and reconnaissance missions. They flew missions over Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. They flew missions in support of the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge.

The crew of the Mighty Fortress was always ready to face danger. They knew that every mission could be their last. But they were never afraid to do their duty. They were always ready to fight for their country and for the cause of freedom.

The Legacy of the Mighty Fortress

The Mighty Fortress was a symbol of hope and freedom for the people of Europe during World War II. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The crew of the Mighty Fortress was a shining example of the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. They were a group of ordinary men who did extraordinary things. They risked their lives to defend their country and to fight for the cause of freedom.

The legacy of the Mighty Fortress lives on today. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the men and women of the Greatest Generation. It is also a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

A Mighty Fortress: Lead Bomber Over Europe

by Ebbe Dommisse

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE