How a Torn-Apart B-17 Stayed in the Air — Thanks to One Pilot’s Split-Second Decision Under Fire

The Incredible Survival of the B-17 All-American: A Tale of Courage and Ingenuity

Introduction

At 11:47 a.m. on February 1, 1943, a B-17F Flying Fortress named All-American was fighting for its life in the bright, cold skies over Tunisia. Moments earlier, it had been a part of a disciplined formation, its ten .50 caliber machine guns tracing lines of fire across the Mediterranean blue. Suddenly, it was struck by a German fighter, resulting in a catastrophic collision that would test the limits of human courage and ingenuity. This is the gripping story of how the crew of All-American faced overwhelming odds and defied fate.

The Mission

The mission was a familiar one: bomb the heavily defended port of Bizerte in Tunisia. For the crew of All-American, part of the 414th Bomb Squadron of the 97th Bomb Group, this was their 22nd mission. They were seasoned veterans, led by Pilot Lieutenant Kendrick R. Bragg Jr., a 24-year-old from Texas known for his calm demeanor. His co-pilot, Lieutenant Harry G. Newsl, the son of a German immigrant, provided a fiery counterpoint to Bragg’s steady leadership.

As they approached their target, the atmosphere in the cockpit was tense but focused. The bomb run was textbook; the bombardier called out, “Bombs away!” and the aircraft lifted, relieved of its burden. But the joy was short-lived. German fighters, including Messerschmitt Bf 109s and Focke-Wulf Fw 190s, began their assault.

The Assault

The Luftwaffe attacked with ferocity, launching a coordinated strike that would test the limits of the bomber crews. The air was filled with the chaos of tracers, black flak puffs, and the deafening sounds of cannon shells impacting the bombers. The gunners aboard All-American shouted targets over the intercom, their voices filled with urgency and fear.

Then came the pivotal moment. A Focke-Wulf Fw 190, piloted by Oberleutnant Heinz G of the 2nd JG2, executed a risky low attack, aiming for the vulnerable underbelly of the bomber. Unfortunately for him, he miscalculated. Instead of a glancing blow, the German fighter collided with All-American, tearing through the fuselage and causing catastrophic damage.

The Aftermath of the Collision

Inside the All-American, chaos erupted. The deafening metallic shriek drowned out the engines, and the aircraft bucked violently as frigid air rushed through the gaping hole where the rear fuselage had been. Staff Sergeant Ralph Brewbaker, stationed in the radio room, witnessed the horror as the sky replaced the floor beneath him.

In the tail, Staff Sergeant Samuel T. Sweeney, the ball turret gunner, and Staff Sergeant Charles L. Partial, the tail gunner, found themselves isolated in a fragment of the aircraft that was tenuously attached. The cockpit was in disarray as Lieutenant Bragg and Newsl fought to maintain control of the stricken bomber, which was now nearly bisected.

The Crew’s Determination

Bragg’s calm demeanor became crucial as he assessed the situation. They were still flying, but the tail section was hanging by a thread. He made a decision that would define their fate: they would not abandon their crew members trapped in the tail. “We’re not leaving them,” he said resolutely.

Using a delicate touch, Bragg and Newsl adjusted the power on their engines to stabilize the aircraft. The left engines were idled while the right engines maintained cruise power, creating a yaw-based stability that allowed them to keep the plane in the air. It was a desperate gamble, but it worked, and the aircraft stabilized into a slow, sickening wobble.

Meanwhile, the crew in the tail turret faced their own peril. Sweeney was trapped in his ball turret, unable to escape due to the severed hydraulic system. The urgency of their situation was palpable, and the other crew members devised a plan to rescue him.

The Rescue Mission

Staff Sergeant Charles L. Pinson, the engineer, and Staff Sergeant Ralph Brewbaker, the radio operator, volunteered to crawl back through the aircraft to free Sweeney. They secured themselves with safety lines and began the treacherous journey across the narrow catwalk in the bomb bay. The wind howled around them, and the risk of falling was immense.

Sweeney watched helplessly from his turret as his fellow crew members braved the elements. Pinson finally reached him, and with a tremendous effort, he managed to unlock the turret and help Sweeney escape. The two men crawled back to the safety of the forward fuselage, but the danger was far from over.

Facing New Challenges

With Sweeney now safe, the crew faced a new crisis. The aircraft’s center of gravity had shifted dramatically, causing the nose to drop dangerously. They were still flying, but the threat of losing control hung over them like a dark cloud. Bragg and Newsl had to make another critical decision: they needed to land at Bone Airfield, but the landing would be anything but standard.

As they approached the airfield, they encountered turbulence that sent fresh shudders through the aircraft. The crew prepared for the landing, knowing that it would be a harrowing experience. With no flaps to slow the aircraft down, Bragg had to land fast, and the pressure mounted as they neared the runway.

The Landing

The moment of truth arrived as they touched down on the rough airstrip. The main wheels hit the ground with a deafening impact, and the tail section finally gave way, cartwheeling along the runway. The crew braced for the worst, but miraculously, they came to a stop just 50 yards short of a line of parked C-47 transports.

As the dust settled, the nine men emerged from the wreckage, shaken but alive. They had defied the odds and brought their damaged aircraft home. The base commander, a full colonel, greeted them with disbelief and admiration, recognizing the incredible feat they had accomplished.

The Aftermath and Legacy

In the days that followed, the story of All-American spread throughout the ranks of the 12th Air Force. It became a symbol of resilience and courage, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, survival was possible. The crew’s actions inspired future bomber crews, instilling in them a sense of confidence and determination.

As the war continued, the legacy of All-American and its crew lived on. Their experience became part of the training for new bomber gunners, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability in the face of danger. The phrase “pull a Sandy” emerged, signifying the need for aggressive defense in aerial combat.

Conclusion

The story of the B-17 All-American is not just a tale of survival; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who served during World War II. Sandy Sanford, Frank Boston, and their fellow crew members exemplified the courage to fight against the odds, proving that the will to survive can triumph over even the most dire circumstances. Their legacy endures, reminding us that in the darkest moments, the strength of the human spirit can shine brightest.