Book SummaryA Wing and a Prayer, by Harry H. Crosby

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of A Wing and a Prayer

The writer recounts his experiences during World War II, focusing on how he directed the operations of the aircraft belonging to the 100th Bomb Group.

This section of the manual explores Harry H. Crosby's personal accounts from his time as a navigator within the 100th Bomb Group. The narrative tracks his progression from the onset of his training and early missions, developing into a skilled navigator at the forefront, and concludes with his reflection on the moral consequences of air warfare and its impact on his psyche.

The formative experiences of the author, particularly the challenges encountered during navigation and his initial responsibilities, played a pivotal role in forging his journey.

This segment of the narrative explores Crosby's early experiences in the Air Corps, emphasizing his initial training and his first encounters with the dangers and challenges associated with becoming a member of the esteemed 100th Bombardment Group.

Harry H. Crosby embarked on his adventure by enlisting and finishing his navigator training, culminating in his placement with the unit known as the 100th Bomb Group.

Crosby enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1941, driven by the attack on Pearl Harbor and harboring a fervent wish to engage in military action within the Pacific region. His ambitions to pursue a career in aviation were suddenly halted when he was unable to finish his pilot training. He relentlessly followed his path to become a skilled navigator and was eventually promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, also earning his pilot's credentials. Upon receiving his orders, he became a member of the 418th Squadron, a unit within the distinguished 100th Bomb Group known for their operation of the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress. Crosby's foundational instruction led him through various military bases nationwide, prompting him to doubt his suitability for the role of a navigator.

Context

• December 1941 was a pivotal moment in American history, as the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th led to the United States' entry into World War II. This event spurred many Americans to enlist in the military.
• Following the attack, the U.S. rapidly expanded its military forces, transitioning from a peacetime to a wartime footing, which included the establishment of new training programs and the mobilization of resources.
• During World War II, the Pacific region was seen as a critical front due to Japan's aggressive expansion. Many servicemen were motivated by a sense of duty to stop further aggression and protect American interests and allies in the region.
• The U.S. military had strict criteria for pilot selection, including physical fitness, vision requirements, and aptitude tests. Failing to meet any of these standards could result in a trainee being reassigned to other roles.
• During World War II, aviation was a rapidly advancing field, with significant developments in aircraft technology and strategy. The role of air power became crucial in military operations, making aviation careers highly sought after.
• Navigators used tools like the sextant, maps, and the Norden bombsight, a highly advanced device for its time, to improve bombing accuracy.
• Achieving the rank of second lieutenant would have required Crosby to complete rigorous training, demonstrating proficiency in navigation, leadership, and military protocols.
• Having pilot's credentials, even if not serving as a pilot, could enhance a navigator's understanding of flight dynamics and improve communication with the pilot, contributing to more effective mission execution.
• The B-17 was a four-engine heavy bomber used primarily in the European Theater. It was renowned for its durability and ability to sustain heavy damage while still completing missions.
• The group was involved in several notable operations, including raids on Berlin, Hamburg, and other strategic locations, which were pivotal in disrupting German war production and logistics.
• The group earned the nickname "The Bloody Hundredth" due to its high casualty rates, particularly during the early years of its operations.
• The B-17 was a four-engine heavy bomber used primarily in the European Theater. It was renowned for its durability and ability to sustain heavy damage while still completing missions.
• Training for navigators often took place at specialized schools across the United States, such as those in Texas or California, where they learned both theoretical and practical aspects of navigation.
• Training alongside peers who might have been more adept or confident could exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.

Crosby's initial foray into navigation was marked by an unforeseen touchdown in Wyoming, followed by his first triumphant mission aimed at Trondheim.

In his early capacity, Crosby navigated through a series of challenges and triumphs in his responsibilities. On December 24, 1942, a training flight ended in disaster as the pilot, John Brady, suffered a crash in the snowy mountains of Wyoming because the aircraft ran out of fuel. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries, yet it underscored the intrinsic dangers associated with aviation. In May 1943, Crosby and his team faced a new obstacle on their way to the United Kingdom as they had to execute an emergency landing without the aircraft's wheels extended.

The 100th Bomb Group commenced their airborne missions at Thorpe Abbotts. Crosby first achieved success on a raid aimed at distant German U-boat facilities in Trondheim, Norway. Harry H. Crosby received the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross for his exceptional navigation skills and leadership while under enemy assault, successfully leading his unit to their target. This operation served as a pivotal moment for Crosby, enhancing his self-assurance and propelling him towards roles of increased significance.

Context

• The unexpected landing in Wyoming highlights the...

A Wing and a Prayer Summary The air campaign witnessed changes in responsibilities, obstacles, and command roles within the squadron known as the 100th Bomb Group.

This section of the manual explores the common challenges and hardships faced by the members of the 100th Bombardment Group, highlighting their triumphs over adversity, the evolution of their leadership hierarchy, and the changes in their mission duties during the air battles across Europe.

The early missions and losses experienced by the 100th Bomb Group.

The story delves into the early challenges faced by the members of the 100th Bombardment Group, highlighting their struggle with high losses, a damaged reputation, and the hurdles they overcame to establish a reliable and skilled leadership hierarchy.

The squadron of planes initially endured a sequence of unfortunate events and tarnished esteem, including an episode where a landing was executed with the landing apparatus withdrawn.

When the 100th Bomb Group first reached England, they struggled to overcome a tarnished reputation stemming from early training incidents and combat losses during the initial phase of their operations. The story of the "wheels-down" incident, which gained notoriety because of a misunderstood maneuver during a critical low-altitude withdrawal, solidified the reputation of the 100th as a...

A Wing and a Prayer Summary The author's analysis of the differences in society and culture between the United States and Britain was a significant aspect of his time spent living in the United Kingdom.

The narrative explores the deep-seated differences in culture and society between Britain and the United States, highlighting Crosby's own experiences and adjustments during his military service in England during World War II.

Initially, Harry H. Crosby experienced difficulty adapting to the prevailing customs and way of life in Britain.

The story highlights the author's initial struggles to adapt to British ways of life, illustrating his discomfort with aspects of UK culture and his determination to forge bonds with the people of Britain.

Harry H. Crosby was disconcerted by the rigid class structure and traditional practices prevalent among the British.

Raised in a Midwestern community that deeply valued equality, Crosby initially found the rigid class structure prevalent in Britain to be unsettling. He instinctively resisted the deference and formalities inherent in British social interactions, struggling to reconcile his American sensibilities with the complexities of navigating British social etiquette.

Context

• American society, particularly in the Midwest, often emphasized egalitarian values, where social mobility and meritocracy were more pronounced...

A Wing and a Prayer Summary The author reflects on the moral ramifications and the far-reaching historical impact of the air war while also sharing insights into his life and career after the end of the conflict.

This section of the narrative explores Crosby's reflections post-war, including his moral considerations, his endeavors in both personal and professional spheres after the war, and his final assessment of the importance placed on the unit known as the 100th Bomb Group.

Harry H. Crosby grappled with a multifaceted array of emotions concerning the moral aspects of aerial bombardment tactics.

This subsection explores Crosby's inner turmoil as he grapples with the ethical implications of the aerial bombardment campaign against Germany, reflecting his increased awareness of the authentic cost in human lives.

Crosby felt deep regret for the destruction he contributed to through his involvement in air raids.

Crosby reflects on the widespread destruction caused by the air raids, acknowledging his role in the destruction as he served as a navigator with the distinguished 100th Bomb Group. He grapples with his responsibilities and feelings of remorse as he contemplates the moral consequences of the aerial bombardments and the factors that led to non-combatant deaths. The profound impact of the conflict on human life deeply shaped his outlook following the hostilities,...