Twenty-Fifth Mission

This is the crews final flight, their twenty-fifth mission. "Lord", they pray, "deliver us one last time from this perdition!" Thank You for Your guiding hand upon the yoke thus far. We ask for Your protection, nothing this mission to mar!" They get the green light from the guys in the tower, Then roar down the runway, engines straining at full power! Crew place their trust in the Lord and their venerable old queen: Their durable, faithful, war-weary B-Seventeen! They climb steadily from their British home station, Joining other flights in a protective box-formation. Gunners on the alert and the bombardier at the ready; Navigator charting the way, pilot keeping the plane level and steady! The target is sighted, shot and shell fly as thick as hail. Over the intercom is heard an anguished cry from the tail! The gunner is wounded, please God, don't let him die! Two engines are gone, it's becoming difficult to fly! Two little buddies, P-Fifty-Ones, close in to escort them home! Flaps and wheels are lowered, they land smoothly on the drome! The gunner survived, they thank God for their salvation, Each full of jubilation, ready for home and joyous celebration! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)