They Targeted His B-17 — His 50-Caliber Guns Wiped Out 12 Fighters
The Defiant Will of Trouble Bell: A Story of Courage in the Skies
Introduction
On November 5, 1943, a pivotal moment unfolded in the skies over Germany as the B-17 bomber, Trouble Bell, faced an overwhelming assault from German fighters. Staff Sergeant William “Sandy” Sanford and Staff Sergeant Frank Boston found themselves at the heart of this harrowing battle, where courage, instinct, and sheer defiance would rewrite the rules of aerial combat. This is the story of their remarkable stand against the odds, a testament to the power of will in the face of imminent danger.
The Calm Before the Storm
At 10:17 a.m., Sandy Sanford manned the twin .50 caliber guns in the top turret of Trouble Bell, scanning the sky as over 70 German fighters, including the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and the Messerschmitt Bf 109, ascended to meet the formation of 21 B-17 bombers. The crew of Trouble Bell was just 27 minutes away from their target: the Focke-Wulf factory in Marienburg. At 21 years old and with only 11 missions under his belt, Sanford was determined to protect his comrades, even as he grappled with the fear that came from being outnumbered and outgunned.
Meanwhile, in the waist of the aircraft, Frank Boston, a Chicago machinist, felt the chill of the high altitude. He had survived nine missions, but the memory of a previous attack haunted him. On his fourth mission, an enemy shell had exploded in the waist, killing his fellow gunner, Charlie, and embedding shrapnel in Boston’s side. The anger and pain from that experience fueled his resolve as he prepared for the battle ahead.
The German Assault
As the formations of German fighters approached, their tactic was clear: a two-part kill. The first wave would execute a head-on attack, while a second group, lurking below, would target the bombers’ vulnerable underbellies. Sandy had witnessed this brutal strategy before, and he knew that the survival of Trouble Bell depended on their ability to adapt.
The first wave of German fighters struck at 10:23 a.m., diving towards the bombers with a closing speed of 600 mph. The air was filled with the cacophony of cannon fire as Sanford let loose with his twin .50 caliber guns, watching as pieces flew off the engine of one Fw 190. The initial assault ended quickly, with the remaining German fighters diving beneath the formation, but Sandy and Frank understood that the real danger was just beginning.
A Change in Tactics
As the second wave of fighters began their ascent, Sandy’s instincts kicked in. He communicated with Frank, alerting him to the looming threat. Boston, fueled by the rage of losing his friend, made a decision that would change the course of the battle. Instead of waiting for the enemy to strike, he opened fire with a sustained barrage, unleashing a torrent of bullets into the sky.
The volume of fire was unprecedented. Rather than adhering to the doctrine of short bursts and conserving ammunition, both gunners chose to attack aggressively. Frank’s relentless fire disrupted the German pilots’ coordinated assault, causing chaos among their ranks. Sandy observed the impact of their newfound aggression, realizing that the Germans were not accustomed to such a fierce response.
The Turning Point
As the battle raged on, Sandy and Frank’s tactics began to shift the momentum. They were no longer merely defending; they were attacking. Sandy fired long, sweeping bursts that scattered the incoming fighters, while Frank filled the air with lead, forcing the enemy to jink and evade. Their actions transformed Trouble Bell from a target into a formidable opponent.
The coordinated German attacks began to falter as the American gunners worked together, communicating effectively to cover each other’s weaknesses. The Luftwaffe pilots, who had once relied on their superior numbers and tactics, found themselves facing a wall of fire. Sandy’s realization that aggression could disrupt the enemy’s plans became a pivotal moment in the fight.
A New Doctrine Emerges
As the battle progressed, the gunners’ rate of fire slowed due to dwindling ammunition. The crew’s earlier aggression had bought them time, but now they faced the harsh reality of their situation. With no ammunition left, they had to rely on their wits and the solidarity of their fellow crews.
A message from another bomber in the formation signaled a shift in tactics. Instead of defending only their own sectors, gunners began to fire protectively, covering their comrades. This spontaneous cooperation transformed the battle, allowing the bombers to function as a cohesive unit rather than isolated targets. The German fighters, sensing the shift, struggled to maintain their coordinated attacks.
The Aftermath of the Battle
By the time the formation returned from their bombing run, they had achieved a staggering feat: 15 enemy aircraft destroyed, with Sandy claiming three kills and Frank two. The intelligence officers were skeptical, noting the excessive ammunition expenditure, but the results spoke for themselves. Lower losses and a palpable shift in morale marked the day as a significant victory for the 91st Bomb Group.
Both Sandy and Frank were awarded Silver Stars for their bravery, but the real reward was the legacy of their actions. The term “pull a Sandy” emerged within the ranks, symbolizing the shift toward aggressive defense in the face of overwhelming odds. Their defiance had rewritten the unwritten rules of survival in the skies over Europe.
Life After the War
After the war, Sandy returned to Nebraska, taking over the family farm and never discussing his wartime experiences. Frank went back to Chicago, where the sounds of machinery served as a reminder of his time in the air. Both men carried the weight of their experiences, but they also bore the knowledge that they had changed the course of aerial combat.
Years later, the legend of Trouble Bell would live on, inspiring future generations of gunners. The lessons learned that day were not confined to the battlefield; they became part of the ethos of the Air Force. The principle that sometimes the best defense is a fierce offense would guide gunners in their future missions.
Conclusion
The story of Sandy Sanford and Frank Boston is a powerful reminder of the courage and adaptability of those who served in World War II. In the face of overwhelming odds, they chose to fight back with everything they had, rewriting the rules of engagement in the process. Their legacy lives on, not just in the medals they received, but in the spirit of defiance and cooperation that continues to inspire those who serve in the skies today. The lesson they imparted—that the will to fight can often be the most potent weapon of all—remains a timeless truth in the annals of military history.
