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11/19/2015 1:46:37 PM
 
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Section 25: The Lounge Subject: B-17 Sentimental Journey Msg# 937015
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I like to imagine, what it might feel like to have hundreds of those planes in the air at the same time, not terribly more separated than wing-tip to wingtip, and then sandwiched in multiple layers. At to that noise the noise of fighter escorts, and then attacking enemy fighters. Throw in incoming fire and then outgoing fire from those big fifties. Add some ack ack from the ground. First of all, the college-age boys flying those things were heroes. Second, how did anyone not come through 25 missions not totally deaf, if they did actually survive?
My dad, who served during the Korean War era keeping the peace in West Germany, told me even by then they had no concept of hearing protection on firing ranges, so I presume there was no such thing in WWII.... |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: That is a beautiful plane. When I still lived in Austin, TX, another one came through on tour and I got a chance to go up in it. My dad was a B-17 pilot and I wanted to feel a tiny fraction of what he felt during WWII. I was amazed at how small and loud it felt inside and how much engine vibration was transmitted throughout the airframe. I was also surprised at how thin the fuselage's outer skin was and how little protection it provided the crew. Image below from Allan Tarvid - Image Title: Nifty .50 |
