Comments by "Big Blue" (@bigblue6917) on "PeriscopeFilm"
channel.
-
8
-
@stephenarling1667 In case it come across differently I will state now that I am not trying to disparage the sacrifices made by aircrews of the B17. I have nothing but the greatest admiration for what they did. Especially with them knowing that their odds of completing the 25 missions were very much against them. I was merely trying to set the record straight about which aircraft was first to achieve the 25 missions.
B-24 Liberator Hot Stuff and her crew flew their 25th mission on February 7, 1943. In fact she went on to fly five more missions before being sent home. On the way home they tried to land at Reykjavik, Iceland, but because of the difficulty weather conditions she crashed into the side of 1,600-foot-tall Mount Fagradalsfjall, near Grindavik, Iceland. Of the 15 aboard 14 died, the except being the tail-gunner who, though injured, survived the crash. One of those killed was US Army Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews, Commander of the European Theatre of Operations. The death of the general somewhat overshadowed the lose of the aircraft.
I personally did not lose any family during the war, though it did come close on several occasions. But I have nothing but respect for those, including your uncle, who made the ultimate sacrifice.
2