Mission Success Ch 16

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the flight that the crew was preparing for?

Transport supplies to England

Bomb a power plant in Switzerland (correct)

Conduct a reconnaissance mission over Switzerland

Practice navigation and flying techniques

Why were records or notes prohibited on board the plane?

To prevent enemy forces from retrieving information (correct)

To avoid paperwork and streamline the mission

To comply with military regulations strictly

To ensure that the flight details were memorized

What was the recommended excuse for the crew if they dropped out of formation?

Fuel shortages

Communication issues

Mechanical failure

Oxygen problems (correct)

How did Bob feel about their time together as a crew?

He thought it would become a cherished memory Signup and view all the answers

What did Hank propose as a way to bid farewell to their home away from home?

To show some class in their farewell Signup and view all the answers

What action did Hank take when asked to raise his beer mug?

He threw his stein into the fireplace. Signup and view all the answers

What important information did Colonel Allen share with Winnie?

Luke and his crew were being considered for a top-secret assignment. Signup and view all the answers

How did Winnie react to Luke's plans for the upcoming mission?

She encouraged him to see it as the first step in his life mission. Signup and view all the answers

What special gift did Luke remember from Winnie before his mission?

A birthday present he couldn’t open until later. Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature was painted on the nose of Luke's bomber?

A phrase, 'FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES'. Signup and view all the answers

How did Luke feel about the upcoming mission just before takeoff?

He felt pressure as his success depended on him. Signup and view all the answers

What did Luke ask Winnie to do in preparation for the V-2's?

Move out into the country. Signup and view all the answers

What specific event was occurring the day after Luke's conversation with Winnie?

New Year’s Eve. Signup and view all the answers

What was the mood of the group as they prepared for the mission towards Freiburg?

They acted surprised and concerned. Signup and view all the answers

What was Luke doing while waiting for Bob and Hank before the flight?

He was quietly awaiting their arrival on his cot. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Mission

Four airmen are tasked with a top-secret mission to bomb a power plant in Switzerland.
The mission involves a deceptive plan to fool other crew members into believing the plane is experiencing oxygen problems, forcing them to drop out of formation.
The crew members have rehearsed code phrases to maintain the illusion.

The Farewell

The airmen share a final drink at the club, reflecting on their experiences and the impending mission.
Bob, a pilot, expresses gratitude for their camaraderie and the opportunity to finally fulfill their ambitions.
Luke, the bombardier, invokes a Longfellow quote: "If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."
The airmen express their love for the club, their home away from home.
Luke calls his girlfriend, Winnie, who knows about the mission due to a conversation with Colonel Allen.
Winnie encourages Luke, expressing her faith in his abilities.
The airmen plan their departure, with Luke promising to write to Winnie once he is back in the States.

The Departure

Luke reflects on Winnie's birthday present, a mysterious package he's not to open until after his tour is completed.
Despite strict orders, Luke retrieves the package and places it close to his chest.
The crew, including Luke, pretend to be surprised when Freiburg is announced as their target.
Luke prepares the Norden bombsight with memorized data from Major Anderson.
The crew experiences a delay due to the ground crew chief, who informs Luke about a hand drawn on the plane's nose.
The hand is labeled "FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES," signifying the support from higher-ups.

The Flight

The bomber group takes off without incident.
The four-man crew engages in the pre-planned "oxygen problems" ruse, simulating a malfunction to justify dropping out of formation.
Luke continues to approach the target, Colmar, which serves as a visual marker for them to deviate from the main mission.
Luke exits the nose turret to commence the bomb run.

The Bomb Run

Bob, the pilot, instructs Luke to prepare to jettison their bombs due to fuel constraints.
Luke opens the bomb-bay doors, engaging the bombsight lever with his target in sight.
Luke's bombsight is pre-programmed to release all the bombs at once, in a single cluster, unlike the usual timed releases.
This action is crucial for the illusion of a fuel-saving maneuver while achieving damage.

The Target

Luke faces difficulties locating a specific stand of pine trees shaped like a number "seven," as instructed by Major Anderson.
Luke uses Winnie's birthday present as a source of encouragement, reminding himself of her unwavering faith.
Luke eventually spots the distinctive pine tree formation and successfully aims the Norden bombsight at the power plant, located where the pine tree lines intersected.
Luke releases the payload, securing a successful hit on the target.

The Aftermath

Bob expresses his admiration for Luke, confirming that the power plant has been disabled.
The mission highlights Luke's extraordinary skill in piloting and bombsight operation.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the airmen's daring top-secret mission to bomb a power plant in Switzerland. This quiz covers their preparations, camaraderie, and the emotional farewells they share before taking flight. Explore the complexities of their deceptive strategies and personal connections.