A Wing and a Prayer: The "Bloody 100th" Bomb Group of the US Eighth Air Force in Action Over Europe in World War II

Harry H. Crosby's account follows the 100th Bomb Group of the US Eighth Air Force during World War II. Beginning operations from England in spring 1943, the group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses on nearly daily missions against strategic targets in Europe. Their heavy casualties and sustained courage earned them the nickname "Bloody Hundredth," becoming legendary in aerial warfare history. Crosby arrived with the first crews and departed with the last, serving as Group Navigator on thirty-seven missions after overcoming initial fear. He led operations involving formations of up to two thousand aircraft while navigating narrow escapes and survival. His memoir combines breathtaking narrative with humor, offering insight into the experiences of the airmen—both the triumphs and the intense fear of combat in European skies. The account addresses the moral complexities of the campaign while documenting the valor and camaraderie among the crews.