The Story of Jerry Wolf Surviving a B-17 Bailout and Life as a Germany POW

Jerry Wolf’s remarkable experience during World War II stands as a powerful example of survival in one of the most dangerous roles of the war. At 18 years old, Wolf enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, eager to serve his country. He quickly rose to become a flight engineer and was chosen as the top turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. This position placed him in the upper gunner’s seat, responsible for defending the aircraft against enemy planes.

A Personal Battle and a Perilous Mission

Wolf’s service was deeply personal. As the only Jewish member of his crew, he felt an added weight in his missions. He understood the horrors happening to Jewish people in Europe, making his commitment to the war effort even stronger. The war wasn’t just about fighting for freedom, it was about standing up for his people and taking a stand against the ongoing atrocities.

In June 1944, ten days before the Allied invasion of Normandy (D-Day), Wolf and his crew were assigned their 25th bombing mission. This time, they were tasked with targeting an oil refinery near Berlin. The skies over Berlin were heavily defended, with anti-aircraft fire known as “flak” filling the air. German planes also patrolled, constantly looking for weaknesses in the bomber formations. Wolf’s crew faced serious danger on this mission.

As they neared their target, their B-17 was hit by flak, damaging the plane severely. Fires broke out on board, and the crew had no choice but to abandon the aircraft. In a tense moment, Wolf and his fellow airmen were forced to bail out. They parachuted into enemy territory below, knowing they were likely to be captured.

The Harrowing Bailout and Life as a POW

Wolf’s recollection of the bailout was a mix of awe and fear. He described the surreal experience of free-falling through the sky, seeing nothing but clouds and the vast openness around him. For a brief moment, it felt strangely beautiful. But that peace quickly turned into terror as the reality of his situation set in.

Upon landing, Wolf was captured by German forces and spent the next year as a prisoner of war. Life in the POW camp was harsh, with limited food, basic conditions, and constant uncertainty. As a Jewish airman, Wolf was particularly cautious, trying to avoid drawing any attention to himself. He knew that being identified could lead to worse treatment or even execution. Throughout his imprisonment, he relied on inner strength and hope, waiting for liberation.

After a year in captivity, Wolf was freed by advancing Allied forces in 1945. His experience as a POW, coupled with his earlier missions, left a lasting mark on his life. Though he survived, the war had a profound impact on him. Jerry Wolf’s story remains one of courage, survival, and the determination to live through unimaginable circumstances.

Watch the full interview below: