Wonderful story of the ability of compassion to overcome agression in the midst of war.
Very touching. Reminds me of the Shifty Powers interview and statement about the possibility of friendship between enemies.
Merry Christmas to all.
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Acts of chivalry are personal and a testament to the character of one's self, this is proof that all German's were not Nazi's and that it's an individual who is often made to decide what is right from what is wrong. The survivors of that B-17 and their families are eternally grateful to Franz Stigler and his character.
I have to wonder what would have happened if another German fighter had come in to finish the bomber off while the first fighter was there? Would the first fighter have done something to stop the second fighter or let it happen? we will never know but I for one would like to believe the first fighter would have found a way to hold the second fighter back and keep him from finishing off the American crew. Some Germans were "NOT" a Nazi and paid for it with thier lives, there were good ones.