When the episode begins, one of the B-17s in formation is struck and is going down. Captain Ritchie breaks formation in his bomber and follows the men at they parachute out in order to provide covering fire. In the process, one of his men is shot badly by a passing German fighter.
When the planes arrive at the base, they learn that the crew of the downed bomber were rescued and will soon rejoin them. But instead of being happy, General Savage is furious at Ritchie and informs him he's being court martialed. Why? Because the pilots have all been trained NEVER to break formation, as this way they can provide cover for each other. At first Savage's men are angry at him, but soon they come to realize the wisdom of his orders.
This is a very good episode of a very good series. Well acted, well written and with an effective and judicious use of stock footage. Well worth seeing.
When the planes arrive at the base, they learn that the crew of the downed bomber were rescued and will soon rejoin them. But instead of being happy, General Savage is furious at Ritchie and informs him he's being court martialed. Why? Because the pilots have all been trained NEVER to break formation, as this way they can provide cover for each other. At first Savage's men are angry at him, but soon they come to realize the wisdom of his orders.
This is a very good episode of a very good series. Well acted, well written and with an effective and judicious use of stock footage. Well worth seeing.