When This B-17 Lost Its Entire Nose — This Crew Flew 10 Minutes Pulling Bare Cables

The Incredible Survival of the B-17 Mispa: A Story of Courage at 30,000 Feet

Introduction

At 30,000 feet over Budapest on July 14, 1944, an explosion ripped through the B-17 bomber Mispa, erasing its nose along with the cockpit instruments and two crew members. What followed was a harrowing 10 minutes of flight that defied the laws of physics and showcased the indomitable spirit of its remaining crew. This is the extraordinary tale of First Lieutenant Evil Swanson and his crew, who faced overwhelming odds and emerged as symbols of courage during World War II.

The Mission Ahead

Mispa was part of the 483rd Bomb Group, flying out of southern Italy. On that fateful morning, Swanson, just 24 years old and with 17 combat missions under his belt, was tasked with a brutal mission: fly straight into the heart of German-controlled Budapest and drop two tons of bombs on rail yards feeding the eastern front. The stakes were high, and bomber crews knew the grim statistics of their missions. By mid-1944, only two out of ten men who climbed into a B-17 would finish their tour. The rest would die, be captured, or vanish without a trace.

As Mispa approached its target, the tension in the cockpit was palpable. Swanson and his crew had flown deep into enemy territory before, but this time felt different. Below them, the bombers were not just dots on a map; they were men with hopes and dreams, and Swanson could see the faces of the crews. He felt a responsibility to protect them, especially as they neared the target and German fighters began to swarm.

The Attack

At 9:42 a.m., flak bursts erupted around them, thick and violent. More than 200 German anti-aircraft guns fired at the formation, and Mispa shuddered under the onslaught. Despite the chaos, the bomber held its formation. As the bomb bay doors opened and the payload dropped, the crew prepared for the worst. But then, in a blinding flash, the war reached up and tore the airplane apart.

The explosion was catastrophic. The entire nose of the bomber vanished, along with the cockpit instruments. Kenneth Dudley and Joe Henderson, two crew members, were killed instantly. Cold air rushed into the open cavity, and Swanson found himself staring into a void where controls and gauges once were. The B-17 pitched violently upward as its center of gravity shifted, threatening to stall and crash.

The Fight for Control

With no cockpit and no instruments, Swanson was left to rely on instinct. He forced the nose down, reading the horizon through the gaping hole. Miraculously, the exposed steel control cables remained intact, allowing Mispa to fly, albeit barely. Swanson understood that he had to stabilize the aircraft to keep it from breaking apart.

As he struggled to maintain control, another 88 mm shell struck, exploding engine number two. The propeller seized, and Mispa was now running on three engines, further jeopardizing their chances of survival. Swanson could feel the aircraft losing altitude and speed, and he knew they were in a race against time.

The Crew’s Response

In the chaos, Technical Sergeant Frank Gmenzi, the flight engineer, moved forward to help. He saw the cables vibrating violently in the slipstream. Staff Sergeants George Simonelli and Robert Bell quickly joined him, and together they wrapped their gloved hands around the freezing steel cables. The wind howled around them, and as Swanson adjusted the throttle, the bomber yawed unpredictably. The men reacted instinctively, pulling left and right to stabilize the aircraft.

What followed was a remarkable display of teamwork. With no intercom and no instruments, the pilot and crew became a single organism, working together to keep the plane in the air. Flak continued to burst around them, and the formation was disappearing into the distance, but the men aboard Mispa refused to give up.

The Struggle for Survival

As the fight continued, Swanson felt the aircraft losing altitude. The crew’s determination was palpable, but the situation was dire. Each passing minute brought them closer to disaster. Swanson realized that staying in the air was not just about flying; it was about survival. He had to keep the bomber flying long enough for the crew to escape.

As the altitude dropped to 19,000 feet, the stress on the aircraft became evident. The fuselage began to ripple, and cracks spread across the metal skin. The men in the bomb bay knew they were flying a bomber that was dying by inches. The unspoken decision to bail out began to form among the crew. Staying aboard meant certain death; jumping offered a slim chance of survival.

One by one, the crew members released their grips on the cables and jumped from the aircraft, parachutes blooming against the sky. Each jump took weight from the aircraft, and Mispa began to falter even more. Swanson fought to keep the plane steady, knowing that he was the last line of defense for the crew still aboard.

The Final Descent

With only two men left, Swanson and co-pilot Paul Burnt, the situation grew increasingly desperate. Swanson had no instruments to guide him, only a determination to get as many men to safety as possible. The aircraft descended through 15,000 feet, engines roaring, but with every passing second, it became clear that the bomber was not going to make it.

As the last crew member jumped, Swanson was left alone in the cockpit. He had fought valiantly, but now it was time to save himself. He unbuckled his harness and prepared to jump. The moment he leaped into the air, Mispa rolled and began to disintegrate, crashing into the forest below in a fiery explosion.

Aftermath and Survival

Swanson landed hard, breaking his leg upon impact. German soldiers quickly found him, and despite his injuries, he was treated by medics and taken into custody. Remarkably, all the crew members who had jumped survived and were captured, but they were alive—a testament to their bravery and teamwork.

In the days that followed, the crew of Mispa reunited in a prisoner of war camp. They shared their stories, reflecting on the harrowing moments they had experienced together. Each man carried the weight of their memories, especially of Kenneth Dudley and Joe Henderson, who had not made it out.

Legacy of Courage

The story of Mispa and its crew became a symbol of resilience and courage during World War II. Swanson’s actions were recognized, and he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. He never sought fame or glory; he simply did what he believed was right.

As years passed, the crew of Mispa returned to their lives, but the memories of that day remained etched in their minds. They formed a bond that transcended their time in the air, a connection forged in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Conclusion

The incredible survival of the B-17 Mispa is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. James Swanson’s decision to stay and fight, despite overwhelming odds, not only saved lives but also reshaped the course of aerial warfare during World War II. This story serves as a testament to the courage and camaraderie of those who served, reminding us that in the darkest of times, the strength of the human spirit can prevail. As we remember the legacy of Mispa, we honor the bravery of its crew and the sacrifices they made for each other. Their story is one of hope, determination, and the unwavering belief that even in the face of despair, survival is possible.