My grandaddy was the engineer and top turret gunner on B-24 Liberator named Miss De Flak. He flew missions over the Ploesti Oil Fields. The missions were very dangerous and “Coming home is secondary” was the understood mission motto. I have a story of them almost shooting their own tail off and having to lighten the load on another mission to make it back. Grandaddy threw everything out but the tools he needed to unbolt the bomb doors. He let those go and then threw out the tools in his hands. He was stationed in Grotagglie, Italy and his tent mates and him had a monkey they made a pet out of. I miss my grandaddy so much. Sharing his story makes my heart so happy.
Shirlee Smith
Olive Branch, MS
