B-17 Flying Fortress

[GySgt1811]

Originally Posted by ripcord810

Cant' imagine what it would like inside with several of the guns going off, engines roaring, air flak going off all around. Really makes you think what these poor guys went through.

Once, after many years and too many beers, my dad told me his nickname was "Shoot 'n' Puke Cornwell". He told me that one time he barfed all over the bomb bay release and the doors wouldn't roll up because the mechanism was frozen solid. His pilot, Captain Peter Paul Anchelli, made him climb down and kick the damn things loose. Even for all that, he ended up with 5 air medals. (equiv. Bronze Star.)

S/Sgt James Cornwell, top turret gunner, B-24, 461st Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, Foggia, Italy, 1944-45.

I was born while he was overseas.

Yes, I miss the old bastard.

Regards to all,

Gunny John

PS. Now where'd I leave the friggin' box of kleenex?