Chapter 23: Who fears?
In Chapter 23, Oscar is shipped to a base in Italy and flies his first combat mission.
1. Details of the mission and operations at Lucera 8 are from various sources, including Oscar and the unit history of the 301st.
2. The CO's speech to the men during the briefing is reconstructed from Oscar's recollection of such briefings and video showing similar briefings.
3. Information on mission preparation and flight formations are based on various sources, including Oscar's recollections and the unit history of the 301st.
Media and Web links:
1. Figure 23-1 Web: Learn more about Lucera 8 and Foggia, Italy.
2. Figure 23-2 Web: Learn more about the 301st Bomb Group.
3. Figure 23-4 Video: Watch a video showing B-17 crew members and the wake-up guy.
4. Figure 23-5 Video: Watch a video about an actual mission briefing.
5. Figure 23-7 Video: Watch a video with 15th AAF generals discussing the decision to focus on oil refineries.
6. Figure 23-8 Video: Watch as a B-17 crew rides out their plane.
7. Figure 23-10 Video: Watch a video about B-17 formations.
Copyright 2007 by Dan Oja