Crockett,the B-26 had the lowest loss rate of any US bomber aircraft,you can give give credit to the crews and a tough machine.In general,US warplanes were more rugged than any Allied or Axis aircraft,the US philosophy was to protect the airman, even if that meant sacrificing performance.
The P-47 fighter was able to absorb massive amounts of battle damage and still fly on.One P-47 pilot on ground support mission,most dangerous,described how his ship would shudder as Axis ground troops sprayed small arms fire as he passed over head at low altitude,he just flew on,riddled with bullet holes.The photos of B-17's missing all sorts of parts and still landed safely are famous.The Germans figured it took at least 20 rounds of 20mm cannon concentrated in one area to bring one down.The Grummen aircraft works who supplied planes to the US Navy was nicknamed "Iron Works" cause of their ruggedness.When the Japanese bacame fustrated by not being able to bring down B-29's,they resorted to ramming the bombers with fighters.One B-29,nicknamed "Lassie come home",was rammed in an engine by a Jap fighter,the giant engine fell off,leaving part of the fighter still attched to the bombers wing.The B-29 still continued on it's mission.A second fighter rammed into the main body,the bomber flew on,it's crew still manning the guns.Finally the B-29 fell apart in mid air.In a book written by a Japanese war pilot,who's name I forget,described how early in the war,B-25's came over Japanese islands at low level,virtual suicide missions,he was impressed at their bravery and skill.No American air mission at any time during WW2 ever turned back no matter how severe their loses.
The US had 55,000 airmen killed over Germany,the British about the same number,it was far more danger than faced by ground troops.
Remembering these planes and their engines,one must never forget the men who flew in them.
