The crew checked in “all OK” except the navigator. He reported his airspeed was reading “0.” By that time mine was reading normal. That model B-24 had two pitot masts that stuck out about 3 feet on either side of the fuselage above the nose wheel. His mast had blown off. Mine was unharmed. That was the only damage to that wonderful B-24.

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We had been briefed that the Zero had problems at high speeds, but we didn’t know the specifics as reported in Jim’s article. Fortunately, our exit from the target area followed exactly the best possible scenario–a high-speed right turn. The design integrity and superiority of the B-24 saved our lives that night.

Lt. Col. John “Jack” Ralph
Enid, Okla.

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