Formation of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers encounter heavy, high-level flak over Germany.  While the arrival of the long-range Mustang single-engine fighter made daylight bombing of German targets at least practicable (since it provided a foil for German day fighters) well-placed high-level antiaircraft opposition remained a significant danger for Allied heavy bombers by day or by night.  "Well directed" rather than "accurate"; this form of defence relied on mass fire and "carpet" explosions rather than any notion of individual accuracy.  Best regards, JR.

Heavy flak.

The B-32 was the last US heavy bomber to go into action during World War II, aircraft of this type flying a score or so of sorties before Japan surrendered. It was designed to the same specification as the Boeing B-29, considerably more development being necessary for the B-32. Pressurisation and remote control of the gun turrets were abandoned and the twin-ruddered B-24-type tail was replaced by a very large single fin and rudder on the B-32. The first of three prototypes flew on 7 September 1942. A total of 114 were built, powered by 1,639kW Wright R-3350-23 engines driving Curtiss Electric reversible-pitch four-blade propellers. Armament comprised ten 12.7mm machine-guns and up to 9,000kg of bombs. 



B-32 Dominator

SSG and successful actor Walter Matthau served in the USAAF from 1942-1945.  In 1943 he was assigned to the Eighth Air Force on a B-24 Liberator.  His MOS was M 0757-Radio Operator- Mechanic-Gunner.  

Matthau went on to star in Hollywood films such as the [i]The Odd Couple[/i]. [i]Fail Safe[/i], and [i]Grumpy Old Men[/i].  In addition he was a highly respected stage actor and he won a Tony Award.

He died in 2000 at the age of 79...