B-24 Flight: Mission and Challenges

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Questions and Answers

What was Stalmacher's experience before becoming the commander of the flight?

He was a seasoned pilot with decades of experience.
He had successfully commanded multiple flights.
He had trained as a flight engineer.
He had always served as a copilot. (correct)

What characteristic do both pilots and surgeons share according to the content?

They have a love for risk and danger. (correct)
They prefer to work in teams at all times.
They are known for being overly cautious.
They act timidly under pressure.

What precaution did Charles take before takeoff?

He checked all the fuel levels.
He performed a takeoff prayer. (correct)
He conducted a safety drill with the crew.
He ensured all crew members wore their helmets.

Why was takeoff considered to diminish the mission's life-or-death danger?

The checklist made the process seem routine. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What weight and fuel capacity did the B-24 require for takeoff?

28,000 gallons of fuel weighing 65,000 pounds. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What speed did the B-24 need to reach to become airborne?

120 miles an hour. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Charles prepare for better dexterity and vision during takeoff?

He removed his gloves and helmet. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What factors were considered about Stalmacher's personality as a pilot?

He was overly methodical and inclined to overthink. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What caused the fuel tank to explode?

Gasoline spewed out and a spark ignited it (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Charles escape from the burning plane?

He jumped out of the cockpit and rolled onto the ground (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Charles' immediate action upon realizing the plane was on fire?

He closed his eyes and held his breath (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles do after escaping the plane?

He sat on a mound of dirt to wait for his crew (C) Signup and view all the answers

What obstacle prevented Franny from joining the military?

Bronchial asthma (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Franny doing on the Saturday after Thanksgiving?

On call as a surgical resident (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles initially ask for after escaping the flames?

An ambulance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Charles after the incident?

He was the only member of his crew to escape (B) Signup and view all the answers

What trait drove Dr. Moore to pursue excellence beyond his privilege?

An innate sense of responsibility (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event impacted Peter Medawar's career focus?

A plane crash near his home (D) Signup and view all the answers

What innovative field did Peter Medawar contribute to through his research?

Immunogenetics (C) Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Peter Medawar win the Nobel Prize in Medicine?

Forty-five (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Edward Gibbon suggest is crucial for coping with life's imperfections?

Hope (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is the struggle against death characterized in the narrative?

As a universal human experience (B) Signup and view all the answers

What parallels are made between war and medical advancements?

War leads to innovations that save lives. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Dr. Moore's role at Harvard?

He was the Moseley Professor of Surgery. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What inspired the development of the first dialysis machine?

The crush syndrome observed in bombing victims (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who constructed the first dialysis machine?

Willem Kolff (A) Signup and view all the answers

What components did Kolff use to build the first dialysis machine?

Sausage casing and tomato cans (A) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the London bombings have on kidney health in victims?

They frequently caused renal recovery (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Kolff's dialysis machine?

To keep patients alive until their kidneys healed (B) Signup and view all the answers

What solution was passed alongside the blood in Kolff's dialysis method?

Salt water (B) Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Kolff to seek a solution for his dying patient?

A conversation with the boy's mother (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characterization was used to describe kidneys in the narrative?

Fist-sized and bean-shaped (A) Signup and view all the answers

What profession did Franny eventually decide to pursue?

Surgical resident (C) Signup and view all the answers

What influenced Franny's admiration for surgery?

His experiences with medical care as a child (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial financial situation of Franny as a surgical resident?

He made a modest amount of $25 per month (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Laurie's character as seen by Franny?

Playful and steadfast (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the major health issue Franny faced at age twelve?

Appendicitis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Franny's father's business venture that led to the family's wealth?

Buying a patent for a rail anchor (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Franny's upbringing influence his view on money and success?

He became indifferent to wealth due to his family's abundance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What quality did Franny attribute to his feelings for Laurie?

An uncontrollable force (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Charles doing in Alabama prior to enlisting in the US Army Air Corps?

On a blind date (B) Signup and view all the answers

What trait of Miriam attracted Charles to her during their initial meeting?

Her playfulness and sass (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Charles feel strongly about re-enlisting in the military?

To combat the threat posed by Hitler (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the song 'White Christmas' during Charles's time in the military?

It reminded soldiers of their homes and families. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What activity did Charles engage in during his childhood at the orphanage?

He orchestrated adventurous rooftop escapades. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Charles's military assignment after he switched to the Army Air Corps?

Flying the Hump in India (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Fly the Hump' refer to in the context of Charles's service?

Transporting goods over the Himalayas (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles perceive as the main threat posed by Hitler?

His ambitions for world domination (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dr. Moore's drive

Dr. Moore, a surgeon, was motivated by a strong desire for excellence, regardless of his privilege.

Moseley Professor of Surgery

A prestigious surgical position at Harvard.

Peter Brian Medawar's focus

Medawar investigated the body's immune system, particularly skin grafts, inspired by witnessing war injuries.