December 20, 1943 Franz Stigler – a German flying ace with 27
victories – pursued a heavily damaged B-17 Flying Fortress limping back from a bombing
run on Bremen. At first, Franz intended to destroy the bomber. But through
holes literally blown through the plane by flak and machine gun fire, he could see the badly wounded and incapacitated crew. Franz tried to convince the
American pilot to land so they could receive medical care. But 2nd Lt. Charles “Charlie”
Brown didn’t understand Franz’ gestures. So, Franz escorted the bomber past
German-occupied territory. He flew in close formation with the B-17, so anti-aircraft
units wouldn’t target it. He then saluted and turned his Messerschmitt for
home. In 1986, Charlie decided to look up the pilot who’d spared his
life. He found Franz living in Canada. Franz and Charlie became close friends,
maintaining their relationship until 2008, when both men passed away.
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