Attention Must Be Paid

On January 11, 1944, Major James Howard, alone, flew his P-51 Mustang into thirty six German fighters that were attacking a formation of American B-17 bombers. For more than a hour, Howard defended the heavy bombers against the swarm of fighters, repeatedly attacking the enemy airplanes and shooting down as many as six. The leader of the bombers reported that, “For sheer determination and guts, it was the greatest exhibition I’ve ever seen.” Howard received the Medal of Honor for his action that day.

“Where do we get such men?” R. Adm. George Tarrant, The Bridges of Toko Ri

HT, Peer Into the Past