The Story of Hewitt Dunn, the Greatest B-17 Gunner Erased from History

In 1944, the skies over German-occupied Europe were a deadly theater of war, filled with anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters. Amid this chaos, a B-17 bomber known as “Buckshot Annie” soared through the sky, part of a massive Allied attack targeting Germany’s industrial hubs. Onboard, tail gunner Hewitt Dunn was about to begin his first combat mission, unaware that he would soon become one of the most decorated and mysterious figures in the Eighth Air Force during World War II.

The Early Combat Days of Hewitt Tomlinson Dunn

Born on December 15, 1919, Hewitt Tomlinson Dunn enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, just days after his 23rd birthday. He quickly excelled in his training as a heavy bomber gunner and was soon assigned to the 390th Bomb Group stationed at Framlingham, England. After a brief period of training sorties, Dunn was declared combat-ready and began flying missions over Europe. His role was initially as a tail gunner, positioned in the cold, exposed rear of the B-17’s unpressurized fuselage.

Dunn’s first mission, on January 29, 1944, was part of the largest attack by the Eighth Air Force on a single target up to that point in the war. The objective was Frankfurt, Germany—a key industrial center heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns and enemy fighters. Although Dunn’s bomber encountered minimal resistance, this mission was a stark introduction to the dangers of aerial warfare. From his tail position, Dunn watched the contrails of enemy fighters weaving through the bomber formations behind him, realizing how close he came to being among those under attack.

Over the next few weeks, Dunn participated in more missions, gaining valuable experience. His ninth combat mission, on February 25, 1944, coincided with the birth of his first daughter, Donal Lee. On that day, Dunn was flying over Regensburg, Germany, serving as the tail gunner on a B-17 named “Gung Ho.” As he continued to fly, it became apparent that the most significant threat to the bomber formations came from head-on attacks by German fighters. Recognizing this, Dunn was eventually moved to the nose of the aircraft, where he served as a bombardier, protecting the front of the bomber from diving enemy fighters.

Dunn the “Iron Man” of the 390th Bomb Group

Dunn’s reputation grew among the men of the 390th Bomb Group. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his experience in combat made him a symbol of strength. His fellow airmen even began to watch his posture during mission briefings. If Dunn leaned back in his chair, it was a sign that the mission would be relatively easy. However, if he leaned forward, it meant the mission ahead was going to be difficult.

By April 1944, Dunn had completed his first tour of duty—30 missions in three months. While most men would have returned home for rest and recuperation, Dunn chose to stay. He wanted to be a part of the upcoming D-Day invasion, which he saw as one of the most significant events in history. His second tour saw him fly numerous missions, including a critical one on May 29, 1944, targeting aircraft manufacturing plants in Leipzig, Germany. During this mission, the 390th Bomb Group faced intense enemy resistance, but Dunn’s experience helped the group to return safely, albeit with losses.

As 1945 approached, Dunn had flown more heavy bomber missions than any other person in England or even the world. His invincibility earned him the nickname “The Iron Man.” However, even the Iron Man was not immune to danger. On January 28, 1945, Dunn was part of a mission targeting Uerdingen, Germany. During the mission, the bomber he was aboard was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing significant damage. Despite this, Dunn remained calm and continued to assist his crew, ensuring that the bomber completed its mission and returned safely to England.

Near-Fatal Close Call and Historic Milestone

In another close call on March 21, 1945, Dunn experienced a near-fatal incident when his oxygen mask became disconnected during a mission. He collapsed in the top turret of the bomber, and the pilot, Lt. Mel Myers, risked his own life to administer oxygen to Dunn. The co-pilot, William McVicker, ultimately saved both men by diving the plane to a lower altitude, allowing them to recover.

By April 6, 1945, Dunn had reached a historic milestone—his 100th combat mission. The target that day was Leipzig, Germany, a city Dunn was familiar with from previous missions. Despite the tense atmosphere during the briefing, the mission went smoothly, and the formation returned to England without any losses. At just 24 years old, Sgt. Hewitt Dunn had survived 100 combat missions over Europe, an achievement few could match.

After the war, Dunn remained in active service, continuing his career with various bomb groups into the early 1960s. However, his story took a tragic turn in 1961 when, at the age of 41, Dunn’s life abruptly ended under mysterious circumstances. The details of his death were obscured, and his name gradually faded from the pages of history. Veterans of the 390th Bomb Group and local journalists attempted to uncover the truth, but answers remained elusive.