Saved by the Enemy: The Incredible True Story of Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown - #amazinghistory

Discover the incredible and heartwarming story of Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown, an act of compassion amid the brutality of World War II. On December 20, 1943, Lieutenant Charles "Charlie" Brown piloted an American B-17 bomber, nicknamed "Ye Olde Pub," returning to England after a mission over Bremen, Germany. Severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter attacks, the plane was in critical condition, with its crew injured and on the brink of disaster.

In the midst of their desperate struggle to return to base, the B-17 was intercepted by a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter, piloted by Lieutenant Franz Stigler. Instead of opening fire, Stigler, seeing the state of the bomber and its crew, decided to escort it out of German airspace, guiding it towards the North Sea. This act of mercy put Stigler's life at risk, as he could have been executed for treason if his superiors discovered his actions.

Thanks to Stigler's nobility, Brown and his crew managed to land safely in England. This gesture of humanity between enemies remained a secret until many years after the war. In the 1980s, Charlie Brown searched for the German pilot who had saved them, and in 1990, the two met, forming a deep friendship that lasted until their deaths.

This story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity and compassion can prevail. The extraordinary connection between Stigler and Brown stands as a testament to the chivalry and mutual respect that can exist even between enemies.

Tags:

#FranzStigler #CharlieBrownPilot #WWIIPilots #HumanityInWar #AerialCombat #WarHeroes #IncredibleWWIIStories #AviationHistory #WarCompassion #TrueWarStories #HistoricEncounters #PilotsFriendship #ActsOfMercy #UnbelievableWarTales #WWIIHistory #WarLegends #EnemyCompassion #AviationHeroes #WarTimeFriendship #HeroicActs

[bellatourigny]

We never hate each other our leaders do

[defconbois]

stigler had a mentor that told him if you ever shot at a man in a parachute he himself would be shot so when he saw the damaged bomber he saw no difference between it and a parachute

[nightingaleayushi]

This wonderful incident touched my heart❤😊

[Hesgoneandwrittenitdown]

The Germans are our ancestral brothers

[TheRedBaron]

It was December the 20th 1943. A pilot by the name of Charles "Charlie" Brown was in his B17F, Ye Old Pub. Their mission is to bomb the Focke Wulf plant in Bremen. After being shot at by flak, Ye Old Pub's tail gunner was killed. With only one engine running, and a tail missing, Ye Old Pub went in a steep dive. Thankfully, after being passed out, Charlie managed to bring the Flying Fortress back up. But, unfortunately, Charlie accidentally flew over a Luftwaffe airfield. A German pilot by the name of Lieutenant Franz Stigler, saw the B17, and got in his 109. He was just one kill away from earning Germany's Knight's Cross. After catching up to the plane, he was about to pull the trigger when he realized the tail gunner was dead. 'This was no threat. If I shoot this plane down, it will be on my conscience gor the rest of my life.' He flew over to the side and witnessed the injured crews in the fuselage. Charlie turned for a quick gaze and looked again as he saw a German BF 109 flying in formation with the damaged warbird. Franz gestured that they land in Germany, he refused. Franz then told them to land in neutral Sweden, the same response was given. No. German AA crews saw the Flying Fortress, but refused to fire. It would risk the life of one of their own men, Stigler. After a while of flying escort for Ye Old Pub, Franz gave Charlie a respectful salute, and headed home. P-47s would soon intercept Ye Old Pub and guide them home. Charlie and his crew were surprised at the encounter with the sympathetic German. The story remained top secret until 1989 when Charlie began his search for the pilot who had spared his bomber. In 1990, he got a letter that read that they were the pilot who had escorted Ye Old Pub. They finally met in person and were interviewed for about 20 minutes. Franz gifted Charlie a book that read, "In 1940, I lost my only brother as a night fighter. In 1943, four days before Christmas, I managed to save a B 17 from her destruction. Charlie, to me, is as precious as my brother was. Thanks, Charlie. Your brother, Franz." He said that he never got the Knight's Cross, but he always said, he got something better. (Charlie Brown October 24, 1922-November 24, 2008) (Franz Stigler August 21, 1915-March 22, 2008)

"No man hath greater love than he who layeth his life for his enemy."

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[PiasaRS]

0:12 brother than plane is cooked 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[Shire]

So he saved the ones who were bombing his people ?

[awanardha]

Soldier not make war, but politian did