They say they mistook the mining tugs for enemy interceptors.
An AA-8 leaped from his wing, curving to meet the enemy interceptor in a white flash and a shower of debris.
Although heavily outnumbered by German fighters, the group succeeded not only in bombing the target but also in destroying many of the enemy interceptors.
For this mission, in which the group braved head on attacks by enemy interceptors, it was awarded a third DUC.
The enemy interceptor had thrust its knife.
Strategic bombing evolved into a one-plane, one target affair, with the nuclear-armed Boeing B-52 Stratofortress flying higher and faster than most enemy interceptors.
The enemy interceptors were a good deal closer than she would have preferred.
"Don't get me worried, Colonel," Rhodan answered jokingly to confuse any possible enemy interceptors.
Aircraft: The American command reported that to date the allies have shot down 19 enemy interceptors and destroyed 22 more planes on the ground, a total of 41.
The group withstood repeated assaults by enemy interceptors to bomb an aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 August 1943, being awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for the mission.