Mission Success Ch 7

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Questions and Answers

What was the reporter inquiring about during the conversation?

Personal stories to highlight the soldiers' experiences (correct)

Security measures at the base

The flight duration of recent missions

Details about the weather conditions

What clue does Luke mention as an indication that the group has been put on alert for a mission?

Shifts in weather patterns

A message from intelligence officers

A call from Colonel Allen

The closing of the bar (correct)

What was the purpose of the landing made by the Allied Expeditionary Force on June 6, 1944?

To participate in a United Nations peacekeeping mission

To evacuate troops from France

To launch an offensive against Germany (correct)

To conduct reconnaissance in the region

What was the purpose of shaving before the mission, according to Luke?

To avoid skin rash from the oxygen mask Signup and view all the answers

How did Luke describe the food on the day of the mission?

It was good, with real eggs and ham served Signup and view all the answers

How many missions were bomber crews expected to fly during their tour of duty in the summer of '44?

Thirty-five Signup and view all the answers

What unfortunate event occurred during the crew's fifth mission?

They were attacked by enemy fighters after completing the operation Signup and view all the answers

What was the target of the mission described in the briefing?

Hamburg Signup and view all the answers

Who was Phil Peters and what was his purpose?

A journalist writing about Massachusetts men in combat Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state did the crew experience after flying their first missions?

Diminished cockiness and increased anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bombardier's role during a bombing run?

To follow the lead plane and drop bombs in formation. Signup and view all the answers

At what altitude is oxygen required to avoid serious health risks?

12,000 feet Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is mentioned about takeoffs from the airfield?

Short runways leading to potential crashes. Signup and view all the answers

What technique do pilots use to maintain formation in the dark?

Using visual cues from the silhouettes of other planes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens as the lead bomber approaches the target during the bomb run?

They open the bomb bay doors before flying straight to the target. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lieutenant Gardiner's Mission

Lieutenant Gardiner is a bombardier in the US Air Force, flying missions over Europe during World War II.
His current tour requires 35 missions, and he has completed 5 already.
He is interviewed by Phil Peters, a reporter for the Boston Daily Record, who is writing a series about Massachusetts men in combat.
Lieutenant Gardiner is still relatively young at 20 years old and is anxious about having to continue flying missions.
He talks about the pre-flight routine, including briefing, eating, and getting ready to fly.
He details the difficult conditions of flying in formation at night, the dangers of enemy fire, and the challenges of surviving and completing missions.
The bomber squadron encounters heavy flak and enemy fighters over Hamburg, during which one of their planes explodes and another crashes.
Lieutenant Gardiner's crew is fortunate to survive and return to base safely, despite some damage to their plane.
Despite the dangers and losses, Lieutenant Gardiner and his crew remain determined to complete their missions and survive the war.

Phil Peters' Interest

Phil Peters is interested in sharing the experiences of the war with the American public.
He views Lieutenant Gardiner as a representative of the young men fighting the war and wants their stories to be told.
He is impressed by Lieutenant Gardiner's calm and composed demeanor while recounting his harrowing experiences.

Lieutenant Gardiner's Personal Life

He is engaged to Priscilla, a woman he loves dearly.
He sends her letters frequently to reassure her of his safety.
He's not a man who enjoys casual affairs and is dedicated to his fiance.

The Importance of the Phone Call

Lieutenant Gardiner is referred to a special lodgings in London by the reporter, Winnie Marlow, which will become a key part of his life.
The phone call to Winnie Marlow will have great significance in Lieutenant Gardiner's life.

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Description

Explore the experiences of Lieutenant Gardiner, a young bombardier in the US Air Force during World War II. This quiz delves into his missions over Europe, the challenges he faced, and his reflections on flying in dangerous conditions. Join us as we uncover the stories of bravery and survival amidst the perils of combat.