MAY 2025
VE DAY - 80th Anniversary
Saluting the Flying Fortress
By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos
May 8th
marks the 80th Anniversary of the Allied Victory that ended World War
II in Europe. In honor of this landmark event, we salute the Boeing
B-17 Flying Fortress, perhaps the most impactful, iconic American bomber
in the European Theater of World War II. Although the B-17 did not end
World War II (that distinction goes to the B-29 Superfortress), nor did
it have the range, speed, or payload of the Consolidated B-24
Liberator, or the firepower of the Royal Air Force Avro Lancaster (aka
"The Dam Buster"), the Flying Fortress nevertheless holds legendary
status as the preeminent symbol of America's aerial prowess during World
War II. This has been embedded into the consciousness of multiple
generations with media productions such as "Twelve O'Clock High" (film
& TV), "The Memphis Belle" and many others.
The
B-17 Flying Fortress was a decisive asset for the Allies because of its
workhorse status in dropping the most ordnance versus any other
aircraft during the war - in the deepest, most well defended territories
of the adversary - while also being able to sustain heavy damage in
battle. This latter attribute is the one that was most endearing to the
pilots and crews of the Flying Fortress. To borrow the advertising
slogan from Timex Wristwatch, the B-17 Flying Fortress could really take
a beating and keep on ticking! While this was immortalized in
newsprint cartoon format, the legend was based upon actual combat
footage of many damaged B-17 bomber aircraft that endured severe
punishment that destroyed most other aircraft. The most well known
group to fly the B-17 Flying Fort was the US Eighth Air Force (aka "The
Mighty Eighth") based out of England.
The
Allied Forces were able to maximize the B-17's defensive and offensive
firepower with its Box formation: staggered three-bomber formations with
squadrons staggered within the group. Each group was headed by a lead
bombardier, dropping their ordnance at the same moment while each
aircraft stayed in formation. Along with its combat durability, the
B-17 had a reputation for being relatively easier to fly and taxi versus
other bombers. Having long range fighter escorts such as the P-38
Lightning and P-51 Mustang enabled the Flying Fortress to absorb brutal
anti-aircraft attacks and return home with at least some of its crew
members alive. In all, 12,731 B-17 airframes were produced, making it
the third-most produced bomber aircraft of all time, behind the B-24
Liberator and Luftwaffe's Junkers Ju-88. As such, the Flying Fortress
not only was a crucial capital asset in helping to achieve victory for
the Allied Forces in Europe, but a technology and manufacturing driver
for the American economy that produced enormous benefits and
advancements for decades thereafter.
But
the most impressive aspect of the B-17 Flying Fortress was the
unparalleled courage of its pilots and crew members. Despite the
aforementioned capabilities and escort fighter support, the B-17s only
had a 25% to 33% chance of surviving the 25 missions necessary to
complete their tour. With the average age for B-17 crew at 24 years or
less, and being assigned to the busiest regions of the adversary, these
brave young men pushed onward and did whatever was needed to complete
their missions in the face of enormous odds. All gave some, but many
gave all by giving their last measure of full devotion in combat. It is
no wonder that after 80 years it remains difficult to fully express
gratitude for the incalculable sacrifice given in defense of freedom
that is symbolized by the Flying Fortress.
As
a published author on military aviation, it has been my privilege and
honor to have interviewed B-17 pilots and crew members who helped
achieve Victory in Europe during World War II. To those heroes who have
now taken their final flight into Heaven, please join me in saluting
them with heartfelt thanks and the call sign "CAVU" - Ceiling And
Visibility Unlimited. Do you have any special memories or thoughts
concerning VE Day? If so, please share them by either posting to the Galaxy FACEBOOK page or writing directly to me at: Haloulakos@gmail.com
Note: All photographs are from the Public Domain.
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