The most produced heavy bomber in history. 35 flew the Kassel Mission. Their positions in the sky would determine who lived and who died.
All 39 aircraft in formation — viewed from above. Each silhouette is colored by fate. Hover for crew details. Click for full profile.
25 of 35 aircraft were shot down in a span of minutes — the highest single-mission loss rate of any bomb group in the Eighth Air Force. Of 350 men who took off that morning, 236 did not come home.
Each squadron flew 9-12 aircraft in four elements: Lead, High Right, Low Left, and Slot. Tight formation maximized overlapping fields of defensive fire.
Staggered altitudes: High Right above, Low Left below. 3D stacking maximized coverage and minimized collision risk during evasive action.
Every aircraft carried a crew of ten men. Explore their individual stories, photos, and fates.
View the Master Crew Roster →