Flak hit

The shrapnel from flak (FLiegerAbwehrKanone) was dangerous enough to planes and crew in a near miss. Direct hits were devastating as this photo shows. S/SGT Bill Stewart (834th BS) took this photo on Nov 2, 1944 from his waist window as the B17 flown by LT David Paris (834th BS) takes a direct hit in the bomb bay. Most likely before "bombs away." The bombardier had 31 missions; the rest of the crew had only 4 or 5 missions.

This photo appeared in most London newspapers and one New York paper.

(Bill Stewart)

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