[drgondog]

I am with MP. The same line infuriated me also. I have never talked to a fighter pilot that flew in the 8th or 15th that did not feel a compelling urgency to protect the bombers at all costs. To imply that the 332nd was somehow 'above the rest' is a pitiful joke.

Having said this I honor their service and recognize that the survivors may not have written the script.

Ira Eaker was forced out by Eisenhower and replaced by Doolitle at the 8th and went on to command the 12th, 15th RAF Desert and Balkan forces. he was keenly aware that he was criticized for the enormous losses incurred by the 8th in summer/fall 1943 - largely due to lack of escort fighters over Germany. Unlike Doolittle, he didn't get Mustangs until May 1944 although he had P-38s in-theatre (4 groups total).

Eaker also did not have the same imperative that Doolittle had - namely destroy the LW capability to resist the upcoming invasion. Nobody in 8th AF FC leadership was aware that bombers were 'bait' - they were to be protected, but turning them loose gave the 8th AF fighter pilots and edge that LW pilots never had in BoB - namely freedom to be aggressive in pursuit of enemy fighters.

The LW encouraged such experience and attitude by largely obeying Goering's stupid orders to 'avoid US escorts' and it cost them dearly.

On the other hand, the all black 332nd probably did not feel so empowered because of the uniqueness of their constituency - and controlled the pursuit instincts of their pilots. I suspect they were slightly more successful in preventing bomber losses by staying with their charges - and did not have any air aces as a result.