Twelve O'Clock High : S1E06 Pressure Point

Twelve O'Clock High is an American drama series set in World War II. This TV series originally broadcast on ABC-TV for two-and-one-half TV seasons from September 18, 1964, through January 13, 1967; was based on the motion picture Twelve O'Clock High (1949).

[@ralphquinteros7564]

You know you're in trouble when Savage says, "close the door."

[@benjerman4438]

I've been obsessed with B-17s since I was a kid in the 90s. I can't believe I just TODAY discovered this show. Easily hooked now.

[@rogerlynch5279]

Sp do you have the Video Game. B - 17 Flying Fortress? It is elder but still recommendable Now days you still can get it Second Hand.

[@errolfan]

It's even better to be obsessed when I first saw this original series as a kid, and can actually appreciate this drama as an adult. The beautiful theme score belies the death involved in war. Heaven help us. And I'm agnostic.

[@ashontahuddleston6663]

You would be surprised that, at 55, my husband builds plastic model aircraft as a hobby; to which. B-17s are his favorite. He's currently working on a 1/32 yb-40. He suggests making a trip to Oshkosh, wi, for their annual fly-ins, usually featuring WW2 aircraft up close and personal.

[@fredtogawa4908]

The background theme music is one of the big reasons, in addition to superb acting by Robert Lansing plus excellent scripts, as to why this series was such a big hit. It’s very unfortunate that this fine series went downhill after Lansing was fired by the producer.

[@soonermodels1173]

I've been obsessed since 1973 when I was in Germany as a military brat and watching this show made me that way.

[@DBEdwards]

This episode contains some of the most actual aerial combat footage of the entire series. Fantastic!

[@screechowl75]

One of my favorite episodes of this program. The 8th air force will live in my thoughts til I pass!!!!

[@irish89055]

Not many actors have more gravitas then Robert Lansing

[@charlesanatsui718]

What a wonderful television show. just recently found it on the H & I channel.

[@jameshughes455]

This was one FANTASTIC episode!!!

[@shermankelly9062]

@James Hughes Hey James, at the beginning did you see how that B17 bounced when it landed? I went DAMM!! Gives new meaning to Boeing.

[@sadisticmaster46]

I've only just discovered this magnificent series and so far this episode for me was the best yet. Real edge of the seat stuff that also moved me to tears. Truly the greatest generation that can never be thanked enough.

[@user-wp4zh6po3k]

I was in the 2nd grade. Before reruns. Excellent TV .. see, tv WAS worth watching back then.

[@donofon1014]

That is one socially redeeming screen name.? In my personal 10 Commandments torture and sadism are my First .. thou shalt not. But psychopathy is getting more popular we can agree. Moved to tears ... raises questions. Did this episode inflict pain?

[@sadisticmaster46]

Only emotional ones. @@donofon1014

[@johntydee6367]

What followed just pissed it away.

[@peeemm2032]

@@johntydee6367 not as bad as the completely useless cohort two later, that need a medal just for getting out of bed......

[@lewiseberhart2871]

One of the highest points in my ministry as a hospital chaplain, was to conduct a Christmas Funeral Mass for a patient who was a Lancaster Bomber Pilot in the RAF.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@mondonico2010]

Great series honoring those who served and sacrificed.

[@lynnemariehegland4432]

This show is a spin off on the movie starring Gregory Peck. Watch the movie to understand it better. What I love about the show is that each episode stands alone but when referenced back to the movie one can understand the Savage character n more depth !

[@stevensica89]

Any actor with any dramatic talent would know how to portray the Savage character after watching the Peck film. RL remains true to the Peck characterization and does an excellent job over the course of the first season. BTW, there is there is another movie, pretty much forgotten now but made during or right after WWII, Command Decision. It stars Clark Gable as an USAAF general wrestling with the concept of strategic bombing. It was a novel and I think was also adapted as a Broadway play.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

@@stevensica89 I'll be looking for that movie, thanks!

[@cw2gtc]

Thanx for keeping 12 O’H alive!

[@phmoffett]

I didn't remember seeing the newer model oxygen mask in the series. It's been awhile since I've seen the first season. Robert Lansing was definitely the parallel to Gregory Peck as Gen. Savage in the movie. This was great TV, no doubt about it. Nothing out there like it today.

[@DBEdwards]

You know it!

[@darkknight1340]

That's for sure,there's nothing that even comes close.

[@francisphillips53]

Love this.. and other shows. The actors and writers are first rate.. best episodes in black and white I've found.

[@cesarochoa5681]

connect me to Gary P P.

[@cesarochoa5681]

jerry P. thank for your time send me your number of Cesar

[@randyallen8673]

Jerry P, I agree with you, about the episodes being in B & W. It seems they had a more dramatic/ serious edge to it. I felt the same way about Combat!, and other movies at that time, that dealt with WW 2. The Twelve O’ Clock movie, The Longest Day.

[@panzerdeal8727]

Try COMBAT : Vic Morrow and Rick Jason.

[@panzerdeal8727]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavYYpuFmtZ2fsU

[@jimblue39]

Love Robert Lansing in this series. It was like that part of the General was made for him.

[@carolecarr5210]

All the shows I've seen this is first the "ball turret" has even been mentioned. About time !!!

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

Not just a mention. It and its occupant have pretty much a starring role!

[@donofon1014]

b 51. I do remember at least 3 school friends with English war brides for moms... all lovely, and the wife of one of my dad's colleagues, as gracious as women get, and the most important teacher of my pre-high school years, an English war widow keeping the impossible Polish married name of her pilot husband. History and real life are like a Venn diagram. The intersection zone is memorable.

[@theresadelicot5104]

Excellent episode....

[@matrox]

Wiley is the spitting image of Steve Canyon comic strip.

[@dindinprivate3477]

Yes, Well done indeed! A good episode from a great series. Thanks for uploading these jefke peremans.

[@CaptainNavman]

Late ref to Billy Mitchell, a great aviator, an inspirational leader and a visionary

[@watchgoose]

Absolutely a visionary!!!! Those in charge just didn't believe him.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

@@watchgoose The bomber named after Billy Mitchell was the B-25. Our first strike back at Japan -30 seconds over Tokyo.

[@josephsimmons6297]

​@@MaveRick-on2cm)

[@josephsimmons6297]

JUST ONE GREAT T.V SERIES . THE OLD SCHOOL SHOWS ARE STILL TOP QUALITY.

[@susanboylefanable]

My dad was Army Air Corps & actually had to "belly land" a B-17 like that. Thankfully, the bombs were long gone, but according to what Mom told me, the plane came to a stop within 100' of a building where bombs were being stored.

[@michaelnippert945]

When the series was on I was 8 years old and my dad was flying DC threes and I would get all excited about a belly landing and my dad told me that is very rough

[@billhuber2964]

@@michaelnippert945 c.f. cr

[@billhuber2964]

Talk about an angel on one's shoulder.

[@williamvasilakis9619]

Great series...i miss it. I miss those days too.

[@shirleysomerville9522]

Watched this with my Dad who served in WII, Vietnam and Korean wars. He told me some amazing stories and served with Jimmy Stewart who was a pilot in the war. Unfortunately, our military is no longer treated in the manner that these military were or respected in the same manner. If only people now would remember the sacrifice made by these men and women. I watch the show every day because I would prefer watching this than watching any of the garbage they have on now.

[@terryrussel523]

My Dad served in the ETO; 1st Army as an infantryman, his brothers were in the 8th AAF and a destroyer and amphibious assault ship in the Pacific. They didn't talk much about there experiences when we kids were around, but did occasionally watch Combat! and other WW2 offerings with us. I sure miss them. The sad and destructive attitudes of today are cyclical and very predictable. The last two generations haven't really benefited from the wisdom of those unique and precious aging elders who served back then. They are nearly all gone now and this generation, having never known the hungry, jobless, desperate hardships of the late 1920's and 30's are being subjected to something even worse ! Our government and our schools are full of Utopian Elitists with Godless attitudes who encourage warped personal and social behavior patterns, degrade the Founding principles and glorify self centered decadence. I call this the Spoiled American Syndrome era. I hope we survive it.

[@joensab]

You aim to find the most negative, overly generalized perspective as interesting and salable. I do not agree at all. Not that I do not value the generation that I represent , but I have seen a great many valuable and positive folk in every generation. You would do well to crack the shell that is imprisoning you and look around with fresh eyes. Its only when you have a limited perspective that your view of others are "predictable".

[@jamesaritchie1]

Grow up and stop using BS language to make a point you aren't even intelligent enough to understand. There's nothing sadder than an idiot trying to sound intelligent.. t the very least, at a bare minimum, learn to use quotation marks at least as well as a third grader.

[@jayamerican7337]

I am not going to argue about your careless misuse of ellipsis, your poor parsing, your loss of a capital on your last sentence nor the pigeon droppings of commas that you express my immaturity and lack of intelligence with. Why should I? Whatever argument that you have with me are entirely imaginary. In my 92 plus years that I have had the blessings of a supported health, heart and hand I.ve had the further fortune to be a healthy white male American. If anyone who grew up in my era, or any era, they were half asleep if they didn't realize what advantages we had been blanketed by. As a younger man I had the opportunity to fully participate in three wars as a combatant and in a fourth long enough to realize that my service call had changed, as had I. For the next 22 years I served where I was called until I lost the ability to travel beyond the confines of my 'home'. During the boons and busts of all my years there has been one single constant: there were never the good old days...there were ALWAYS the good days that were made the best of along with the hardest days that one made the best of. There were days that it seemed no one had a brain or class any longer until one took a long hard look and saw that it was themselves that needed to get off the butt and give a hand to the guy who had it harder...and suddenly, people were once again just 'better in general'. In short, I know by experience that it is up to each of us to find the best in ourselves and each other and stop looking to blame the times or the other guy or gal. Cars, styles, fashions, presidents and even the shape of the earth changes, but people are what we make of ourselves with the gifts that do not change..only get spread around a bit differently.

[@iggyarctic5711]

This is NOT an English class. Get over yourself,JAY!

[@HonoredGeneral]

Interesting fact: Jason Wingreen,(who plays Maj. Rosen at the beginning of this episode) was the ORIGINAL voice of Bobba Fett, the bounty hunter in The Empire Strikes Back.

[@jerrygundecker743]

Lansing was great in this show. What the producers did to him was shameful. The man had a great "edge" and presence in everything he did.

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

May have been both ways. There is much talk of mutual antagonism between Robert Lansing and Quinn Martin....

[@DBEdwards]

Absolutely the shame

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

They might have lasted more seasons if Q.M. had left well enough alone!

[@michaelsullivan4213]

Watched this as a kid.

[@MrVasmikey]

I had a friend who was a door gunner on the B-17. He managed to go the 25 missions with several different crews. After the war he could not go near an airport.

[@DBEdwards]

My God. A lucky guy he

[@rogerlynch5279]

My Dad was in Arial Photography back in those days

[@gerrygrzywinskl6135]

Love this show

[@markfulcher6942]

I watched this as a child but watching it again it's superb scripts, character driven storylines only reinforce the great sacrifices and immense courage of all these men in what was a special generation

[@lckoolg622]

A tribute to the heroes who liberated the world of evil. ' Never did we the many owe so much to do few.'

[@wilsonyap2619]

I absolutely love this series especially with General Savage. But OMG, did they sacrifice a B17 for that scene??

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

Surplus was everywhere...besides that they had all that stock footage.

[@richardleonhardt8440]

I love this series 💓 I watch it all the time

[@johnmarlin7269]

The folks who wrote this really knew how to create suspense and hope and all of the things we want in drama. Well done (as the general said).

[@richardleonhardt8440]

I love all the characters and the whole show

[@barbecuecity138]

Thank you for sharing these, I really enjoy this series!

[@shimshonbendan8730]

A YB40 was tried to protect the bombers before the P-51 Mustang was introduced. It had 18 guns and weighed 4,000 pounds more than a regular B-17. Plus, it had greater drag from the guns. The plane proved to be a liability after the bombers had dropped their bombs as it could not keep up with them. Watching this particular episode reminds me of that.

[@mikhailiagacesa3406]

It's a great show, but you can see the USAF still justifying it's losses in '42-'43 w/o long range escourts in 1964. The only thing that saved US daylight missions was the 'round the clock' bombing concept proposed at Casablanca and approved by Churchill. It still takes nothing away from the bravery of the men from 8th Air Force.

[@Johnnyred51]

Fantastic! One of the best episodes in the entire series.

[@floridadave53]

What an incredible episode as part of an incredible series.

[@straitjacket8689]

Too bad more politicians arent like that senator to admit when they are wrong

[@earlwyss520]

The aircraft in this episode that they are referring to as the porcupine is the YB-40 gunship. It was a failure due to the weight of extra weapons, ammunition, and armor still on board after its wingmen had become lighter after dropping their bombs. The heavier YB-40s couldn't keep up with the lighter and thus faster empty B-17s that they were escorting.

[@DBEdwards]

I appreciate your explanation. I didn't know about the YB-40. I think few aircraft fans do

[@lewiseberhart2871]

I like how the scuttle butt "water fountain" was outside the General's office. It probably used prior to seeing the General and certainly after seeing the General.

[@errolfan]

a heck of a way to plough a field.

[@johnrettig1880]

Nice to see a New Generation of Viewers I Of Course saw this Series First Hand back in the 60's When I was a kid The Actual Combat Movies helped in History Class in part No Videos or DVD's back then just old movies and Gun Camera Footage from WW-2 Less the Love Story parts

[@stevemartin6144]

Those same 2 tents get it every time!

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

Almost like it was planned that way...

[@theresadelicot5104]

Outstanding episode....

[@DBEdwards]

Definitely

[@jeffsmith2022]

I always thought Lansing and Overton were pretty darn good in this series.

[@russphilly]

Jeff Smith + John Larkin....

[@Harry-qz1rw]

You’re right, they were damn good - along with Paul Burke and others

[@jamesbryan7890]

I always thought they were actors Portraying real men !

[@DBEdwards]

Tremendous chemistry. Seat riveting

[@errolfan]

The ambulance response to the B-17 on it's belly with bent props answers my question. There were still cowboys in 1964.

[@donlove3741]

One senator... doesn't decide strategy nor issue orders or have commanders removed. The US Congress isn't part of the chain of command The president is the CIC and the the military underneath.. Congress has influence via the purse strings and approval for officer commissions and advancement.

[@Ubique2927]

Rank and posting is in the hands of Congress.

[@r2gelfand]

Those same two tents sure take a beating...

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

stock footage...

[@paulpisano8538]

i hope this show makes it to dvd someday.

[@billhuber2964]

paul pisano so do l buddy , so do i .

[@wdochterman]

It’s been available for quite some time...the whole series for less than $35 - www.lovingtheclassics.com/12-oclock-high-complete-series-tv-series-dvd.html

[@vamps7099]

4 years ago pal, bit too late

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

In this day and age, should it be colorized? I'm curious how that would look. I know that it gets that treatment in later seasons Let me know!

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

​@@MaveRick-on2cm Season 3, it's last, was filmed in color. As for "colorizing" the rest, some will mope but that's not necessarily a bad thing as long as the monochromes are still available.

[@matrox]

Those guys had a tuff ass job.

[@DBEdwards]

Haha. Glad I wasn't born then

[@matrox]

@@DBEdwards And you missed the glory.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

@@DBEdwards On Deep Space 9 O'Brien and doctor Bashir go on holodeck adventures wearing the gear.

[@jackfrost3573]

They should move those tents....the ones hit by every belly landing that happens!! I have seen them hit many times.

[@Mikey300]

Larry Gates (the Senator) had a remarkable ability to play characters whom you'd like to see shot (Jameson the self-righteous missionary in "The Sand Pebbles") or at least slapped (Endicott the racist from "In the Heat of the Night"--too bad someone didn't slip Virgil Tibbs a blackjack).

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Yes. He did play that missionary! Good eye. .

[@Mikey300]

@@BobSmith-dk8nw Larry Gates was also in the film "Airport" playing the airport commissioner "Ackerman" opposite Burt Lancaster's airport manager "Mel Bakersfeld". Gates' character was that of an annoying bureaucrat.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

@@Mikey300 Yeah. He's one of those guys you know you've seen before some where. .

[@jamesbryan7890]

That was a survivable landing for all aboard !

[@shermankelly9062]

@James Bryan Hey James, at the beginning of Act 1, did you see how that B17 bounced when it landed? DAMM!!! Gave new meaning to the word Boeing.

[@jamesbryan7890]

@@shermankelly9062 That’s Just The Pilot Who isn’t quite use to landing .

[@axiomist1076]

The general is the best . Why was he on for only one season ? Hes perfect for his part .

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

They thought he looked to old. The actor they replaced him with was actually two years older - but he looked younger. Lansing did a great job but - having his character killed off - lent something to the series, especially to these early episodes when you know his character will die. .

[@DBEdwards]

Would you believe the producers wanted a younger version of Savage to increase ratings? Total baloney. Robert Lansing was born for his role. He got the shaft and his departure doomed the franchise. What a perfect actor Lansing was. I watched the show on account of him.

[@DBEdwards]

It was the Producers. Not very bright

[@pl33]

Id love to see Robert lansing and Patrick macgohan in a scene together

[@DBEdwards]

Hahaha! Never thought of it but Yeah!

[@cat-lw6kq]

My best friends dad flew on B-17's he told the planes would come back so shot up they looked like Swiss cheese.

[@DBEdwards]

Your Dad survived. Lucky you

[@MarkEspinola]

For those flying B-17's over Nazi Germany who were 20 in 1944, they were 40 when this fine TV show aired, and the hard fought memories, for those men who made it back alive, were like yesterday.

[@frederickwise5238]

Have a friend whose dad flew G's in 44, 45 in the 918th. Shot down twice, escorted to the channel once by a 109 (not Charlie Brown & Stigler but similar) escaped one of the shoot downs, 2nd time a POW for a few months. Died in the early 60's before his daughter could learn much from him. She said he didn't want to talk about it!!!. She has flown several times in 'Aluminum Overcast' when it is near Abilene Tx. once or twice even as "co-pilot"

[@shermankelly9062]

My dad took me to see the Memphis Belle when it was here in Memphis. I was about 9 and this show was in its heyday. I would just about kill to see the old girl again.

[@shermankelly9062]

@@frederickwise5238 Very few combat veterans are going to talk about their experiences. Probably best that they don't.

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

@@frederickwise5238 The 918th was not a real bomb group. The real group that the original movie was based on was the 306th (306 x 3 =?) There is a municipal cemetery in the city where I live that has two large sections given over to graves -- simple granite headstones -- of WW2 veterans who died mostly during the 1960s. I imagine they found it hard to talk about their wartime experiences and likely died alone in their 40s. An awful lot of them.

[@frederickwise5238]

@@lesliemacmillan9932 Who said anything about THIS movie? I spoke of WHAT HAPPENED to a friend's dad and his crew in 1944/45!! Her father came back resumed his pharmacy business in his hometown, lived to a ripe old age. Saw 2 grandsons become marines, both of whom served in Iraq. And then the older of the two served on Marine ONE for Bush. Not sure what your point was about the 918th or the 306th. He and his crew faced German flak and fighters like many other B17's, were shot down and survived. So what's your point???

[@videomaniac108]

9:27 - Captain Grey(Paul Newlan) of the "M Squad" TV series.

[@garshdarnitibelieve8260]

In the opening scene it seems the B-17F that belly landed was actually wrecked on purpose for that scene...what a shame...I'm one of those that wishes a lot of the old 'warbirds' would still be around and flying..."sigh".

[@shermankelly9062]

This actually was the opening scene of the 12 o'clock high movie. Note the ambulance rushing up.

[@juliangerardcascio1111]

It was in the movie !!

[@juanmonge8]

It seems like they used that footage in several of the episodes. I always say why don’t they move that tent and put a net, or a taut rope in its place.

[@billhuber2964]

My mom loved this show. That and "combat" w/vic morrow.

[@ArronRatliff]

I'm claustrophobic so just watching the scenes of the inside of that ball turret is enough to cause me to have panic attacks. There is no way you could have ever gotten me into one of those things

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

A submarine might have been your first choice. TV makes them look roomy.

[@jameshughes455]

Being 6' 9" tall, I wouldn't fit very well into a ball turret either!! That must have been a terrible job for any size person!!

[@ArronRatliff]

@@jameshughes455 Yeah especially if the plane took damage to the hydraulics. Which they did often you were just trapped in there until the ground crew could cut you out. So you couldn't bail out with the rest of the crew if they had to ditch. And if the landing gear failed on landing well you were paste on the run way.

[@LarryWhite-kw5mj]

I wouldnt got in there,no way!

[@michaelburke5907]

Actually , it was statistically the safest position on the aircraft, losing a much lower percentage of crew than any other. I know what you mean, though. But head on tactics by the Germans killed and wounded more pilots and co pilots than all other positions. Brutal.

[@Absaalookemensch]

Even back then, politicians were the south end of a north bound mule.

[@michaelburke5907]

Well, please remember that there was a sizable pro-Nazi element not only in Congress, but throughout the Republican Party in the country at large. They accused FDR of being a communist and resisted every effort made by his administration. Just sayin

[@irish89055]

A little bit of the original 12 O'clock High movie in the 12 O'clock High show...

[@blairrighton6270]

loving the series but there are some technical inaccuracies concerning how the 918th bomber squadron appears to have any input or decision on what targets to bomb and their tactical disposition on the approach of targets. All strike decisions are decided by the 8th bomber command which are based on the chiefs of staff and the bombing priorities committee recommendations which bomber command (based on weather and intelligence reports etc) notify the squadrons on where, when and how through field orders. The only liberty that strike wings were offered was diversion to secondary targets or scrubbing the mission entirely (assuming bomber command hadn't recalled the strike) which is undertaken by the strike commander. The recommendation by Savage to use gunships was in the end an ineffective solution to enemy fighter losses as it was found for example that the gunships were slower than the bomber aircraft particularly after the strike aircraft had dropped their loads and RTB. Recommend if viewers are interested to watch the 1944 training film 'Target for Today' as it gives the viewer an in depth operational/tactical insight as to how the 8th bomber group went about their operations over Europe.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

I tend to think that Savage had the secret sauce as a 1-Star, doing a colonel's job.

[@b3j8]

Larry Gates who plays the role of Congressman Clay Johnson went on to play the wealthy Southern racist Endicot in the outstanding "In the Heat of the Night."

[@tss77]

Two rotten characters and he played them to perfection.

[@DBEdwards]

OK!

[@drkjk]

Lansing does a credible job replacing Peck, too bad there wasn't a way to get Dean Jagger to reprise his role as Major Stovall.

[@shermankelly9062]

@drkjk you're talking a 15 year span between the movie and the tv show.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

@@shermankelly9062 We can dream, can't we?

[@Brucev7]

*"Nero, how many porcupines can you have ready....."Maybe 3, maybe 4, sir." "Maybe 8." "Well I...."Thank you Sargent!" LOL *The Vicar seeing Sgt. Pryor says, Sometimes when I dash off a little prayer like that it absolutely frightens me." LOL

[@Brucev7]

***** Opening Theme 00:00

[@rankedpsiguy1]

The series was filmed in California. The weather at the field is always sunny. I doubt there were more than a handful of days throughout the entire war that was true in England!

[@Jiyukan]

Lol. May June July August can be pretty sunny, too in England/UK.

[@rollosnook]

@@Jiyukan August is the wettest month of Britain.

[@DBEdwards]

Hahaha! Probably

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

I love the way they simulate the rain in this show, on the windows, and outside too!

[@roccobollotta2277]

Love this show, I have the whole series on DVD and never tire of it. My only complaint is it was a huge mistake removing Lansing from the show, he made the show. The rest of the series after he left was not near as good.

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

The show was beset, as many were, with enormous financial, ratings and viewer (that is, mass audience) acceptance issues. Back then, every show was being asked to please millions of viewers who may have had no lasting interest in the fortunes of any series. It had a tough path to tread, did the best it could to stay aloft as long as it did.

[@bstafford112]

I like that movie.

[@HobbitHomes263]

If I ever win the PowerBall, I am gonna pay Boeing to build me a brand new B 17

[@nickyl9040]

The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner Randall Jarrell - 1914-1965 "From my mother's sleep I fell into the State, And I hunched in its belly till my wet fur froze. Six miles from earth, loosed from its dream of life, I woke to black flak and the nightmare fighters. When I died they washed me out of the turret with a hose."

[@videomaniac108]

I remember having read this in our high-school English class back in the mid-60s, very sobering.

[@axiomist1076]

This same thing happened to a side gunner on a 17 . My English teacher in 11th grade had been ground crew for 17s . One came back after one of the side gunners received a direct hit from a cannon shell . My teacher and a couple of other guys had to go in with mops and buckets and sponges and clean what was left of the guy off the walls and floors .

[@RichardCook-on3gf]

The B-17 was a great airplane. It was very valuable in winning the war.

[@iggyarctic5711]

Col. Gallagher was adequate,BUT Brigadier Gen. Savage was GREAT! When Gallagher took over,you could see 'office politics" taking over.

[@dindinprivate3477]

True. Gallagher was 3rd (or 4th?) generation army and that always effects their outlook on life.

[@susanboylefanable]

Since my earliest memories of this show were with "Gallagher," I'm still getting used to Lansing as "Savage." I'm still seeing "Savage" as colder & more "mechanical" than I'd like to see, but still, these are like finding buried treasure.

[@DBEdwards]

Down the tubes

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

@@susanboylefanable think of him as trying to channel Gregory Peck.

[@ricardoleyton4913]

Cuando era niño ..la veia en castellano .y hoy no se donde esta lastraducidas.....los aviones son magníficos..

[@davidhulkower7779]

no casualties i don't remember that from the war. without escorts, losses were too heavy

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

they get some escorts later p-47's, p-38's and then mustangs.

[@DBEdwards]

Robert Lansing made this show great. I watched every episode of his as a kid. When Lansing left I turned it off.

[@weedme4932]

WOW THIS PROGRAM IS FROM WAY BACK WHEN AN IT'S APRIL 4th 2020

[@DBEdwards]

i WATCHED EVERY EPiSODE WHEN IT AIRED FRIDAY NIGHTS AT 10.00 PM ON THE ABC NETWORK. i MUST HAVE BEEN 10 YEARS OLD THEN

[@shermankelly9062]

The touch and go landing was a B17G (chin turret).

[@paulgerald5808]

Correct ,I saw and remember that episode .It was photographed from the nose and also shot as she arrived

[@shermankelly9062]

@@paulgerald5808 My dad took me to see the Memphis Belle when it was here in Memphis. I was about 9 and the show was in its heyday. I would just about kill to see the old girl again.

[@shermankelly9062]

@@paulgerald5808 To me if you put a B17 next to a 747 they would look like distant cousins.

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

@@shermankelly9062 If you're still alive and following KZbin you'll be thrilled to know that Memphis Belle is now fully restored and on display at the Museum of the USAF at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.

[@tony3313]

I know I get a bit antsy when flying in turbulence, I can't imagine those brave airmen flying thru heavy flak and fighters time and time again.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

There were some who got air sick and threw up every mission but then they went on and did their jobs. .

[@alanstein9713]

Oh Frank , did I say , well done ? Sounds like a request for a ribeye !

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

I concur on the ribeye...well done.

[@9johnpaul]

Liked watching these shows.The 3 star general talks pleadingly when talking strategy and stuff with a politician, but forcefully when talking to arm forces personnell.

[@lonestone55]

It's gonna be ok General. Have another cigarette.

[@matrox]

Everybody smoked back then. When I was a kid in the 60s everybody over 16 was smoking. Didn't subside until the 80s.

[@lsmart]

Larry Gates (Senator Clay Johnson) looks like Dick Cheney (esp. his tilted jaw while speaking) with a tinge of DD Eisenhower.

[@rogerlynch5279]

Theis episode remids a lot the the movie(s) MEMPHIS BELLE, there were two in fact. I know the second one came out much later but it was much a copy of the classsical one

[@JoseFernandez-qt8hm]

opening shot of the movie.....

[@jimx3345]

I cannot understand how they made this film possible ?it was 50 years ago …are those planes real?

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

I don't have all my notes present but there may have been at least ONE borrowed studio plane available for basic usage mostly on the ground. Most of what you see must be stock footage from the movie. Going to color for season 3 did pose some incredible problems as you might imagine.

[@heinzguderian3267]

In the 80s I was a company commander in Germany. A congressman from Nebraska came over on an official trip and visited my company. He was interested in nothing except getting to the officer’s club for lunch.

[@DBEdwards]

Hahaha! OF COURSE!

[@rodfirefighter8341]

The English girls do make wonderful wives and mothers. I know, I've seen it too many times myself. They are wonderful people!

[@kathrynrobertson7923]

Yes, but they take our sons away...and still do!

[@DBEdwards]

I believe you. It's the American women who are tricky and unfaithful and disloyal. They take a vow of marriage with the Pastor and they lie to God. Tried and died twice.

[@DBEdwards]

@@kathrynrobertson7923 How? I don't get it.

[@DBEdwards]

@Marc V. Ridenour How? Explain yerself

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

They loved us, We knew how to kiss the girls, the Brits didn't...so I've heard.

[@1225Media]

Steven Spielberg ripped off this story for his Amazing Stories Show in the 80s. The episode is called "The Mission" Same intent and basic premise as this episode with some Spielbergian touches thrown in! "A courageous young World War II gunner and aspiring cartoonist, trapped in the belly gun of a B-17 aircraft with the landing gear destroyed, has only his imagination as a force that might be able to save him." -IMDB www.imdb.com/title/tt0511124/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

I do remember that. A bit of a stretch with drawing in cartoon tires.

[@DBEdwards]

Yea. Typical

[@marcelsimard1555]

Has anyone noticed the filter on franks smoke ?

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

no.

[@panzerdeal8727]

Their take on the YB-40.

[@HankC9174]

a single group would not schedule their own mission

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

...without authorization, of course

[@DBEdwards]

Did you know the producers of this show had only one B-17? It was painted often and action motion pictures and stock footage provided the numbers in the sky and for landings

[@doug9990]

Why do they keep letting girl friends on the base! :-) Great show.

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

Quinn Martin's shows liked this kind of romance angle.

[@DBEdwards]

Because having a good woman is better than flying a bomber plane

[@Ubique2927]

Being an armchair general I don't understand why the Anti aircraft sights, German airfields etc were not targeted during or before the raids on strategic targets.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

they were at times, but it's a dangerous game bombing 88mm AA.

[@accousticdecay]

It is obvious that the ladies in this series are wearing 1964-era hairstyles and clothing, and speak with that notorious "mid-Atlantic" accent.

[@MaveRick-on2cm]

Amelia Erhardt's hair comes to mind. Not all the girls had long hair.

[@anihtgenga4096]

H.B. Lewis From Guiding Light! (Larry Gates)