The Most Unexpected Moment Of WW2 That Will Never Be Repeated

German fighter ace Franz Stigler was on the verge of achieving his 30th aerial victory when he spotted a heavily damaged American B-17 bomber approaching his base. It seemed like his next target had delivered itself to him. But by the end of the day, Stigler would be risking treason for doing everything in his power to save the B-17’s crew.

A Desperate Mission

Lt. Charlie Brown commanded the B-17, “Ye Olde Pub,” on a mission over Germany. Despite the risks, the crew pressed on, but their formation was quickly met with intense flak. The bomber was hit, losing engine power, yet the crew managed to release their bombs and struggled to keep the plane airborne amidst relentless enemy fire.

As they limped toward the North Sea, they unknowingly veered over the Jever German Air Base.

An Unexpected Decision

Stigler was shocked to see the bomber heading directly toward the base. As he prepared to shoot it down, he noticed the B-17’s severe damage and the injured crew tending to each other.

Despite his initial intentions, Stigler’s conscience took over. He decided to spare the bomber, unable to take advantage of the dire situation.

Stigler knew the bomber would face lethal flak once it reached the coast, so he positioned his Messerschmitt Bf-109 alongside the B-17, hoping German gunners would recognize his plane and hold their fire. Remarkably, the flak gunners did just that, allowing the damaged bomber to reach the North Sea unscathed.

An Act of Mercy

Stigler then urged the American crew to head for neutral Sweden, just 30 minutes away, as it was their best chance for survival. However, Lt. Brown, suspicious of the German pilot’s intentions, chose to continue flying toward England. Against all odds, he successfully navigated the 250 miles across the North Sea and landed the crippled B-17 at RAF Seething.

Stigler, knowing the risks of sparing an enemy, kept the encounter a secret. Years later, Brown, determined to find the German pilot who spared his crew, launched a search that eventually led him to Stigler, now living in Canada. From 1990 until their deaths in 2008, the two men developed a deep friendship, a lasting bond forged by their extraordinary wartime encounter.