Little Friend takes Big Brother Home
We were flying a maximum effort (56 Marauders) heading East into Germany We
were in the number two slot in the high flight flying deputy lead. Way in the
distance I saw a tiny spot coming toward us.

As it came closer I saw it was a single B-17. When it came even closer I saw
that it had one engine shut down and the prop feathered. Another engine
smoking but operational. And above and to one side of the B-17 was a lone P-51
flying top cover taking the B-17 home.

I got a bit choked up and wanted to applaud but knew no one would hear me. As
the B-17 passed us I examined it as best I could. I saw no gunners in the waist
window or anywhere else. Had they bailed out? Were they dead or wounded? Had
the pilot bailed the whole crew out and was taking the B-17 home alone?

When we got back to base I went to the A-2 guys and asked about that B-17. But
as usual A-2 officers only ask questions, they never answer them. I've thought
of that B-17 and that P-51 every now and again over the past 60 years and
wonder if they ever made it home.

I guess I'll never know, but that first sight if the lone B-17 and that lone
P-51 covering is a sight I never will forget. Memories like these are the rare
gifts one sometimes takes home from combat..





Arthur Kramer
344th BG 494th BS
England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany
Visit my WW II B-26 website at:
http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer