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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