The Insane Dogfight Under The Eiffel Tower

Flying a fighter plane through the Eiffel Tower sounds like something out of a movie, but it really happened. This is the daring story of William “Bill” Overstreet Jr., an American pilot who flew his P-51B Mustang through the tower in pursuit of a German Bf-109.

A Daredevil at Heart

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Overstreet enlisted in the U.S. Army and was selected for pilot training. He logged hours in planes like the BT-13, T-6, and P-40 before joining the 357th Fighter Group of the 363rd Squadron. His squadron mates included legends like Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to break the sound barrier.

Known for his daring spirit, Overstreet would surprise farmers and sunbathers by looping his plane around the Golden Gate Bridge during training. His fearless nature foreshadowed the legendary stunt he would later pull off over Paris.

Fighting in WWII

After becoming combat-ready, Overstreet was assigned to the Ninth Air Force, where his group began flying the newly introduced P-51 Mustangs. Their efforts were highly successful, including escort missions that led to the destruction of 20 German fighters and the strafing of German airfields.

Overstreet’s P-51, named the “Berlin Express,” became well-known for its role in these missions. The Mustang, known for its speed and agility, was perfect for chasing enemy fighters.

Flying Through the Eiffel Tower

The most famous incident of Overstreet’s career occurred while escorting bombers over France. Engaged in a dogfight with a German Bf-109 near Paris, the two planes spiraled in a heated pursuit. The German pilot, desperate to escape, headed toward the Eiffel Tower, attempting to lose Overstreet by flying underneath it. Unfazed, Overstreet followed him, flying his P-51 through the tower’s arches.

Despite anti-aircraft fire from the ground, Overstreet managed to land several hits on the Bf-109, forcing it to crash. Afterward, he escaped by flying low along a nearby river. His daring feat boosted the morale of French citizens and Resistance fighters, symbolizing Allied resolve.

Rest of the War

Overstreet’s close calls didn’t end with Paris. During a bomber escort mission, he was hit by anti-aircraft fire, lost his oxygen supply, and flew semi-conscious for over an hour. Remarkably, he still managed to return to base in Leiston.

He continued flying escort missions for the rest of the war, including eight sorties during D-Day to support the Normandy invasion.

Life After the War

Following the war, Overstreet taught military students in Florida before moving to Roanoke, Virginia, where he worked for a CPA firm. On June 6, 2009, he was awarded France’s highest military honor, the Legion of Honour, at the National D-Day Memorial.

Captain William Overstreet Jr. passed away on December 29, 2013, at the age of 92 in Roanoke. His legendary flight through the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most incredible feats of WWII aviation.