The recent thread on "most beautiful things" has brought back many memories. 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 wounded
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 rhe 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. I still get choked up thinking about it.


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