|
Give Us This Day,
by William Phillips
In England during World War
II, each dawn was brought the sounds of young men headed off to war. As
daylight spreads across the tranquil countryside on this mist-shrouded
summer morning, the aircraft of the 8th Air Force once again take to the air
as they head for the dangerous skies of occupied Europe.
Representing not only an
overt symbol of Allied might, the B-17G is also a more subtle indication as
to the direction of the war. The plane carries no camouflage paint, since
paint added weight, which cost speed and fuel. Stationed in North Amsted
between April '44 and June '45, this B-17G is from the 398th Bomb Group,
602nd Bomb Squadron. Along with most others, the crew members ardent prayer
was, "…give us this day."
|