New tactics in WWII aerial combat replaced the popular concept of chivalrous one-on-one struggles as seen in WWI. The mission of high altitude bomber escort, for example, only came about during WWII. Getting large, more vulnerable four engine bombers to their target and home became a priority. This required coordinated flight of the entire squadron to bring defensive firepower onto opposing fighters.
The discipline required to fight while staying in close formation was a demanding skill that often had to be learned in actual combat. STUD, the element leader, and his low time wingman, LONESOME, were attempting to stay with the squadron as it corkscrewed through the air at high altitude, fending off Messerschmitt ME-109 attacks on a flight of B-17 bombers. Simultaneously maintaining visual contact with the bombers, the attacking squadron of enemy fighters and their own squadron proved to be too much for LONESOME. His momentary loss of concentration resulted in a mid-air collision with his own element leader, STUD.
With his tail booms cut off, STUD’s plane entered a violent spin. Even though he was uninjured by the initial collision, STUD could not escape from the cockpit as the plane plummeted out of control into the ground. The horrifying fall from 30,000 feet took almost five minutes.
STUD, with his hand on LONESOME’s shoulder, comforts his wingman, knowing the mistake that caused their deaths was a result of the overall chaos around them.
As part of the sculpting process, STUD’s right hand was made a part of LONESOME’s shoulder and is therefore not seen in these photos.
As a wife of a Service man – Col. Herbert R. Savage, USAR (Ret) WWII and Korean Conflict,
I was moved by this presentation. Few families know the trauma of War, and when we see
a moving story of a group of Servicemen who gave their lives for our freedom, it breaks
my heart. The needless loss of lives, especially the youngest who went into battle without
questions, makes me wonder how they could go ahead without questioning their duty.
I think America is indeed fortunate to have had in the past, and have now in the present-
the kind of serviceman/woman who perform without question for our Country. We can
only Pray that God will continue to Bless America and keep us safe in this world of hate.
I know that I will pray for peace between the countries of the World in which we live.
Amen.