Us Official Photographs

Wounded 8th Air Force flier over Berlin

Clenching his hands over his face in pain, this wounded flier of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force is not aware of the men around him, of their set expressions, nor of their concern for him. Flying over Berlin, he was slashed by flak fragments that hit deep into his leg and waist. During the long journey home, crew mates gave him first aid, administered morphine, tried to keep him warm and comfortable. As soon as the ship landed at its bomber station in England, Flight Surgeons, medical workers, ambulance rushed to the side of the big plane and gave emergency treatment to the wounded man. Then, strapped to a stretcher, the flier is transferred to this ambulance to be taken to the station hospital for more extensive surgery and treatment.