Haha! I don't exactly know much about how B-17s were repaired, but with the damage we're taking I'm thinking about introducing another bomber that serves as a backup whenever the Dame is being patched up... which is probably requiring a ton more time these days
Or maybe not. I might just say this all happened in '43, which actually makes a lot more sense, since we wouldn't be bombing France in '45 anymore.
It seems like we are really unlucky in getting fighter cover, bomb drops, and the number of fighters attacking, but generally pretty lucky in what they hit and the damage they do. We've also been absurdly lucky in what happened to our serious wounds so far. Except.....
WANTED
The Detroit Dame, of 323rd Sqdr. fame, is looking for volunteers for its port and starboard waist gunner positions. They have opened up after two tough raids on Germany itself, to bomb the U-Boat pens at Wilhelmshaven. These missions were carried out with the utmost valor, and Cpt. Harris has been nominated for the Distinguished Flying Cross for his determination in completing the mission and bringing his crew home safe.
The Dame has flown 16 missions and has a reputation for coming back battered, but coming back nonetheless. Only the best of the best will be considered. The Dame will continue to take the fight to the enemy, and show them what the Mighty Eighth is capable of.
Lt. Col. Tim Sullivan, CO, 91st BG
Sgt. J. Euchre was heading towards the food line at the mess hall with a few other gunners when a new posting caught his eye.
"Well, shit. Looks like those boys in the 323rd need some help!", he says. The fellows around him quickly glance at the posting and roll their eyes. One of them puts his arm around jack and says knowingly, "Now Jack, don't you go getting into any more trouble! You wait until your Captain gets better and you'll get your action then. Wait it out! Who knows, the war might be over by the time that happens."
Jack pushes the friendly fellow off, looking more than a little annoyed, and jabs a finger at his chest. "Hell, Bobby, that's not why I'm here! I've only been on two missions and haven't even gotten a kill yet. I want to do my part, and you just see if I don't!"
With that, Jack heads off out of the mess hall. He returns thirty minutes later, a big grin on his face, and heads for his previous companions, now sitting and eating. "I got in, fellas! Old Sully liked the cut of my jib!". That got a few laughs and exasperated head shakes from the eating sergeants, and one of them quipped, "That's all fine and good, Jack, but now you missed meal time and you'll go on an empty stomach. Think you can shoot Jerry on an empty stomach?". Jack just grinned, then lunged forward, grabbed the man's bread, toppling over his drink, and ran out laughing, with half of the mess laughing right back, and the other half rankled by his gall.
So yeah, two missions to Wilhelmshaven, and boy, is that trip tough... Jack Euchre's going to be one of the waist gunners, but there's still one position open. Seamas, if you don't mind being a Sgt, and waist gunner, I'll give your guy a place in the Dame. Otherwise I'll do the writeup and if noone's volunteered by then, I'll just roll up a random name. Also... dammit. As if Steven losing his arm wasn't bad enough