On this episode of Our American Stories, it was never supposed to be their mission. But in March 1944, through a twist of circumstance, Lt. Bill Owen’s crew became the first to fly a B-17 Flying Fortress into Berlin during World War II. Against heavy defenses from the German Luftwaffe, they dropped bombs in the heart of the Third Reich and returned to tell the story. John O’Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, shares the account as his father—the tail and waist gunner on that historic plane—first told it.

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<p>On this episode of Our American Stories, it was never supposed to be their mission. But in March 1944, through a twist of circumstance, Lt. Bill Owen&rsquo;s crew became the first to fly a B-17 Flying Fortress into Berlin during World War II. Against heavy defenses from the German Luftwaffe, they dropped bombs in the heart of the Third Reich and returned to tell the story. John O&rsquo;Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, shares the account as his father&mdash;the tail and waist gunner on that historic plane&mdash;first told it.</p>
<p>Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a></p>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

The First B-17 to Bomb Berlin in World War II

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9932619a-4e9f-479b-a415-b3550150a841/transcript

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