The Bloody H Mission: A Forgotten Tale of Courage and Sacrifice

TLDROn August 17, 1943, the 100th Bomb Group embarked on a deadly mission to bomb the aircraft and ballbearing factories at Regensburg, Germany. They faced intense German anti-aircraft fire and skilled fighter pilots. Despite the lack of fighter escort, they fought bravely, but their plane, Maybe, was shot down. Some of the crew managed to escape, but others didn't survive. This is their forgotten story of courage and sacrifice.

Key insights

🔥The 100th Bomb Group embarked on a dangerous mission to bomb Regensburg and faced intense German anti-aircraft fire and fighter pilots.

💣The crew of the B-17 bomber, Maybe, fought bravely, but their plane was shot down during the mission.

🛠️The top turret engineer and waist gunner, Tex Balor and Kenneth O'Conor, showed immense bravery and resilience.

📜The crew received extra rations and supplies, indicating that they wouldn't be returning to the airfield after the mission.

💔The mission resulted in the loss of several planes from the 100th Bomb Group, including Maybe, causing great sorrow and grief.

Q&A

How did the crew of Maybe fend off the German attacks?

—The crew fought fiercely, with the top turret engineer and waist gunner firing at the German fighters. However, the constant attacks eventually led to Maybe's downing.

Did any of the crew members survive?

—Yes, some of the crew managed to escape the burning plane and parachute to safety. However, not all of them survived.

What was the significance of the extra rations and supplies given to the crew?

—The extra rations and supplies indicated that the crew wouldn't be returning to the airfield after the mission. They were prepared to continue on to another destination.

How many planes were lost from the 100th Bomb Group during the mission?

—A total of nine planes from the 100th Bomb Group were lost during the mission, including Maybe.

What impact did the mission have on the 100th Bomb Group?

—The mission resulted in great sorrow and grief within the 100th Bomb Group, as they lost several planes and brave crew members. It was a reminder of the immense sacrifices made during the war.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The 100th Bomb Group prepares for a dangerous mission to bomb the aircraft and ballbearing factories at Regensburg, Germany.

06:08German fighter attacks intensify as the bombers cross into Germany, putting the crew of Maybe in great peril.

11:48Maybe is hit and catches fire, forcing the crew to bail out.

13:57Some of the crew members survive the plane crash, but others are not as fortunate.

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