This is a one-of-a-kind veteran interview. William Pennebaker was a command pilot for a B-17 group. This means he was in the lead plane for the 390th Bomb Group or sometimes the entire wing (390th, 100th and 95th Groups); or the lead for all groups in the stream of B-17 bombers. His leadership role provides an interesting overall view of the B-17s role in the European campaign. He was assigned to the air base at Framlingham, England. He flew 44 combat missions between 8/15/43 and 4/16/45. He was a born leader and whip smart - a Harvard and Yale Law graduate. During his interview, Pennebaker talks about the improvements of the B-17 G model over the B-17 F model. In 1943 at the beginning of the bombing campaign, in his words, "the losses were terrifying". But as the war progressed, he talks about improvements in formation flying and bombing techniques that reduced losses with better results. This is a completely unique interview.
Негізгі бет Bomber Command Pilot
Пікірлер: 51