In the sky, enormous B-17 heavy bombers formed flight group after flight group by squadron. One formation after another stretched without end, blotting out the sky and covering the earth, as though even the newly risen sun had been obscured, casting vast shadows across the ground.
After completing their formations, the B-17 heavy bombers began to climb, ascending to an altitude of ten thousand meters. At that height, the air was thin, and fighter performance would be significantly affected. The bombers, however, could rely on their defensive firepower to withstand any dangers that might arise.
P-51 fighter planes were scattered above and around the B-17 heavy bomber formations, escorting them.
Although the pilots all knew full well that they would be facing the German Navy's elite Carrier-based Aircraft Unit, and that clashing with it would likely cost them grievous casualties, they were utterly unafraid. Where there was war, casualties were inevitable. To defend their country, what did it matter if their blood was spilled upon the battlefield? As soldiers, this was their duty.
"God! Please bless these brave warriors and let them return safely!" General Henry Arnold stood at the airfield, watching the massive formations depart as he prayed devoutly to God.
They all knew exactly how powerful the enemy they faced was. There was no need to think about it—the US Army Air Corps would not suffer light losses in this operation. Even so, they had to press on. On one hand, the United States did not want Germany to successfully turn the Bermuda Islands into a massive military base. On the other, these US Army Air Corps pilots needed to be tempered by the fires of war. Only then could they fight even more powerful enemies in future wars.
The B-17 heavy bombers cruised at 273 kilometers per