Wounded American airman, accompanied by uniformed nurses on the grounds of a rehabilitation center in England during World War 2. One airman picks a tulip for U.S. Army lieutenant (Nurse) accompanying him at the infirmary. Several recovering wounded are seen fishing from the bank of a stream on the grounds. One catches an eel. U.S. Air Force Captain Clark Gable, a Hollywood movie star, visits one of the recovering wounded 8th Air Force B-17 pilots to see how he is.They discuss the events surrounding his wounding. Captain Gable asks his opinion of the B-17 aircraft. The pilot responds that it is the "best in the world."
U.S. B-17s, of the 351st Bombardment Group, at RAF Station Polebrook, Northamptonshire, England during World War II. The Group's maintenance officer, a Major, is seen smoking a cigar as he checks on the status of repairs on the unit's bombers. Maintenance crews seen working on a B-17 named "Argonaut." They use a small crane to lift a propeller for one engine.US Airmen riding bicycles on English country road on a Sunday. They stop at a 900 year old church, remove their caps and walk toward the church. At the base hospital, a Catholic chaplain, Father O'Connell, celebrates mass outdoors. One of the flyers sings Ave Maria.Scene shifts to the next day showing missions scheduled for the 351st Bomb Group, and records of raids they have accomplished to date.
During World War 2, Group Adjutant reads 8th Bomber Command orders of the day, on July 7th, 1943. Members of the 351st Bomb Group stand in formation in front of B-17s during an award ceremony. The decorations, including Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross,and Soldiers Medal, are arranged on a table for presentation. The recipients are lined up at attention. Narrator points out Bombardier Stevens receiving the DFC and other airmen and their awards.
Seaside hotel converted to a Red Cross rest and recuperation center for U.S. servicemen stationed in England during World War 2. A sign reads: "Welcome to your American Red Cross Service Club." Uniformed man and woman Red Cross officials seen at the facility. U.S. Army airmen arriving at the resort in a jeep. Several airmen see Captain Clark Gable on the grounds and run over to see what's going on. He tells them photographers will follow them around for a day and they won't have to say a word. Airmen, accompanied by young women, riding on a coach pulled by team of horses. View of a huge seaside swimming pool filled with English patrons. Among them are seen several U.S. airmen using the slides and diving boards and having fun in the pool. The Allied rest and recreation center is the Palace Hotel, Birkdale, Lancashire and the pool appears to be Southport Lido.
Bob Hope on a USO tour, entertaining airmen of the U.S. 351st Bombardment Group at their base, RAF Station Polebrook, England, during World War 2. He and Jack Pepper are seen tap dancing and clowning for the audience of servicemen. Sweeping view of the audience.
Flare is fired from control tower and B-17s of the U.S. 351st Bomb Group begin taking off from their base at RAF Station Polebrook, England, on a mission to Germany during World War 2. The B-17 aircraft fly off in formation. View inside one B-17, as crew goes on oxygen, as they climb through 10 thousand feet. Sky filled with formations of B-17s. U.S. P-47 fighter escort aircraft of the U.S. 487th Fighter Squadron (352nd Fighter Group) at RAF Station Bodney, take off to accompany the B-17s part way. Gunners inside a B-17 are alerted to German fighters at 3 O'clock low. They are identified as the American P-47 escorts. Squadron of U.S. P-47s seen in flight. B-17s and escorts pass over the enemy coastline. They being to encounter flak which can be seen as Black clouds.
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