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Re: Aircrew sidearms
Many but not all fighter pilots were armed - usually with .45's. It was personal choice for crews and I am unaware of any regulations prohibiting American pilots or crews from arming themselves... but believe percentage wise that bomber crews were more prone to not carry weapons in ETO.
Sometimes the choice was fatal or near fatal. In the 355th FG, Jack Beckman was shot and killed with his own .45 when he surrendered to German citizens in March 1945 and Bill Cullerton was shot in the stomach by an SS officer when he surrendered on 8 April 1945. German priest rescued him and took him to hospital where he recovered.
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