Slemp_180319_19813.jpg | Aerographs - Aviation Photography

On February 1, 1943, a mid-air collision between a B-17 Flying Fortress and a German ME-109 over Tunis, North Africa, became the subject of the 414th Squadron's insignia, and one of the most famous photographs of WWII. During the turmoil of an Allied bombing raid on Tunis, a German fighter dove through a formation of 414th B-17's, ripping the wing off the lead aircraft before slamming into the B-17F "All American III", piloted by Lt. K.R. Bragg. The impact tore away the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the Fortress, damaging the vertical stabilizer and rudder before slicing through the fuselage, severing the control cables and damaging the electrical and oxygen systems. In a testament to the reggedness of the B-17 design, and the courage of the "All American III" crew, the aircraft limped back to base, landing safely before snapping apart. The 414th Squadron insignia "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer" commemorates the incident. The painted squadron patch is a non-standard variation using Donald Duck in place of the "puppy" (Cole's own perjorative) displayed on the conventional 414th patch.

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Filename: Slemp_180319_19813.jpg
Copyright: ©2018 John Slemp
Image Size: 6182x6539 / 8.9MB; 15th AF 414th BS 97th BG A-2 B-17 California Italy March Field Museum Oliver Cole Riverside SR-71 United Sheeplined Clothing Company WWII bomber jackets cold war history military no artwork verso north Africa pilot
Contained in galleries: 15th Air Force

On February 1, 1943, a mid-air collision between a B-17 Flying Fortress and a German ME-109 over Tunis, North Africa, became the subject of the 414th Squadron's insignia, and one of the most famous photographs of WWII. During the turmoil of an Allied bombing raid on Tunis, a German fighter dove through a formation of 414th B-17's, ripping the wing off the lead aircraft before slamming into the B-17F "All American III", piloted by Lt. K.R. Bragg. The impact tore away the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the Fortress, damaging the vertical stabilizer and rudder before slicing through the fuselage, severing the control cables and damaging the electrical and oxygen systems. In a testament to the reggedness of the B-17 design, and the courage of the "All American III" crew, the aircraft limped back to base, landing safely before snapping apart. The 414th Squadron insignia "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer" commemorates the incident. The painted squadron patch is a non-standard variation using Donald Duck in place of the "puppy" (Cole's own perjorative) displayed on the conventional 414th patch.