Air Crew: 25 Missions. The Story of the Memphis Belle - Foreword.

Foreword

THE "Memphis Belle," a Boeing B-17, has been retired from active service in the European theater after 25 successful bombing missions. With its distinguished crew, which has remained intact since its formation 10 months ago, the ship has been returned to the United States for another - and no less important- -mission.

At my direction, Captain Robert K. Morgan, the pilot, his crew and his ship are making a tour of Army Air Forces training establishments in all parts of the United States. There are three principal reasons for this tour:

First, that combat crews in those units now being trained for the European theater may be guided in their training to achieve combat skill, team-work, mutual confidence and fighting spirit.

Second, that student pilots, bombardiers, navigators and gunners may profit by the experience and knowledge of the men of the Memphis Belle.

Third, that battle conditions now existing in Europe and the magnificent achievements of the United States Eighth Air Force in mastering these conditions may be represented properly to AAF personnel and the public.

I consider it important that the messages of these men be given maximum circulation. Therefore, I have had each member of the crew interviewed by an officer of the Army Air Forces and their stories, told in their own words, published in this booklet.

I commend the contents of this booklet to the thoughtful reading of all AAF personnel and especially those officers and enlisted men being prepared for duty in the European theater.

Here are factual accounts of aerial warfare over Germany and the occupied countries. Here is an appraisal of the enemy we are fighting. Here is the advice of men who have taken the war to the enemy. We must not fail to make the most of the experience of men who have pioneered the American task in Europe.

       
Commanding General
Army Air Forces