WWII Miracle: How an Enemy Saved B-17 Pilot Charlie Brown's Life. #shorts

In the heart of WWII, amidst the chaos of dogfights and bombings, an extraordinary tale of humanity unfolded high above the battlegrounds. B-17 pilot Charlie Brown's plane was severely damaged, rendering them an easy target for enemies. Yet, as they limped back, Bf 109 pilot Franz Stigler chose compassion over combat. Instead of finishing them off, he escorted the wounded crew to safety, an act that epitomized the essence of humanity during times of war. Join us as we delve into this incredible story of wartime mercy and discover the emotional reunion decades later between these two pilots. A testament to the bonds that can form even amidst the harshest of circumstances.

#history #ww2 #wwii #usa #germany #CharlieBrown #FranzStigler #b17 #bf109 #warstories

[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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