History World War II - Combat America DVD

The story of the success and resilience of this extraordinary bomber is typified by the history of The Shoo Shoo Baby - named by its crew after a popular wartime song, This B17 was a part of the 91st Bomb Group based at Bassingbourn, England. Between March 24, and May 29, 1944, Shoo Shoo Baby flew 24 combat missions in WW II, receiving flak damage seven times.

In 1968, Shoo Shoo Baby was found abandoned in France and was presented to the USAF. It took 10 years of tireless work for the 512th Antique Restoration Group to restore this bomber to flying condition. In October 1988, the Shoo Shoo Baby was finally flown to a museum.

With a maximum speed of 300 mph and an astounding range of 1,850 miles, the Flying Fortress struck terror in the hearts of Germans whenever it took to the skies.


This DVD follows a B17 squadron right into the heart of the action!

Combat America This film follows the Flying Fortress crews of the 351st Bombardment Group from the end of their training at a Colorado training field to their base in England and finally over enemy territory. You will witness the tense moments just before a bombing mission commences, and see how airmen entertain themselves during a break. Graphic images of the squadron as it takes off, meets with other bomber units and then raids Germany under intense anti-aircraft fire are truly breathtaking. You will see some spectacular shots of a dogfight as both sides fight desperately for supremacy. Aerial shots of the smoldering target area after the bombing speaks volumes about the matchless skill and bravery of the crew. Sponsor: U.S. Office of War Information Producer: U.S. Army Air Forces Year: 1945 Length: 01:00:00 Audio: Mono Color: COLOR

Running Time:
DVD One : 01:01:51

EDITORIAL REVIEW:

One major difference between the Royal Air Force and its U.S. counterpart during World War II was that while the Royal Air Force preferred raiding by night, the U.S. Army Air Force preferred to do it by day and that too without the benefit of fighter escorts. The U.S.A.A.F. could afford this luxury primarily because they had one huge advantage over the others - the unmatched B 17 Flying Fortress bomber, which could fly higher, faster and with a greater payload than any other bomber of its time. Endowed with a top speed of 300 mph, this four-engine marvel could out-maneuver, outgun and outdistances most fighters the enemy possessed.

This DVD presents a charming history of this amazing workhorse of the skies and of the men who had the honor of flying these super bombers in missions over Germany. Clips showing the initial training of aircrews and the uneventful flight over the Atlantic of the 351st bombardment Group acquaint you with the B 17's amazing power and with the brave crew as well. The continued training and briefings prepare you for the long-awaited action over Germany, and you will see plenty of that as well, in some amazing shots of B 17's as they brush aside futile German attempts to stop them with flak and fighters.

There is plenty of evidence in these films to substantiate the fact that the U.S.A.A.F strongly subscribed to the adage "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!" The shots of crew enjoying themselves during breaks make you wonder whether these were really shot during World War II. The films have done a marvelous job of capturing the camaraderie that develops between men who work together under constant pressure and strain. The producers have ensured that the success of the 351st is attributed equally to both the air and the ground crews.

A lively, humorous narration throughout the length of the DVD helps you to gloss over the heartbreaking moments when the squadron returns to base without some of its best men and machines. The amazing clarity of the colored footage is also something that you will not miss noticing.

What really makes this DVD worth your time though is the invaluable record it preserves - of the brave men and their fabulous flying fortresses! I understood why the B 17 was dubbed "The Queen of the Skies". I am certain you will too.

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