Don Libby
Well-known member
I have the pleasure and honor of attempting to restore the following image of "Felts Crew", 466th BG - 787th Bomb Squadron, Plane #357.
Air Force planners decided that a tour of duty for bombers was to be 25 missions. They factored the physical stress of high altitude flight in poorly heated, unpressurized aircraft, psychological stress of aerial combat and the numerical strength of the Luftwaffe. Early experience showed the average life expectancy of the crews in late 1942 was 8-12 missions. 30-50% chance of completing a tour of duty.
Air Force planners decided that a tour of duty for bombers was to be 25 missions. They factored the physical stress of high altitude flight in poorly heated, unpressurized aircraft, psychological stress of aerial combat and the numerical strength of the Luftwaffe. Early experience showed the average life expectancy of the crews in late 1942 was 8-12 missions. 30-50% chance of completing a tour of duty.