"Mighty Fortress" is a gripping personal account of the captain and crew of a lead bomber in the massive formation raids conducted by the 8th Air Force during the final months of World War II.
This extraordinary tale unfolds with heroism and bravery exhibited by the entire crew of one B17 bomber among many, but it held special significance for them. Throughout the book, the author, Charles B. Alling, details the experiences of his crew as they embarked on 27 missions before the war's conclusion in May 1945. The narrative provides insight into their missions over enemy territory, the constant threat of German fighters, the immense scale of some of the raids they participated in, and the profound impact on those on the ground.
As they witnessed planes falling from the sky due to enemy attacks, the crew confronted the horrors of war with unwavering determination to achieve their objectives. "Mighty Fortress" offers a unique perspective on the lives of a single crew during a pivotal time in history as the war drew to a close.
Charles B. Alling, the author, was a decorated World War II veteran who received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He later pursued further education and founded the Alling Institute for Ethics. His book provides readers with a deeply personal and heartfelt account of his experiences during the war.