Air power from the United States first thundered into European skies during the summer of 1942. Departing Egypt for the first of many daring long-distance raids, thirteen B-24 Liberators carried their bombs to wreak havoc on oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania. The 1000-mile aerial surprise awakened the Nazi command to America’s presence. In this scene, a troubled Liberator limps toward the safety of its English base that is heralded from miles away by a white-striped horizon, the chalk cliffs of England. Did this embattled bomber escape the fire and fury of enemy skies only to fail to make it over those cliffs? Is the crew scrambling to brace for ditching? But hopes rise with the appearance of the beautiful elliptical-winged Supermarine Spitfire circling overhead. The Spit pilot takes a protected position, his radio on and ready to place the call for Air-Sea rescue, if need be. In the meantime, he radios, Welcome home, Yank. - WP