The True Story Behind Masters of the Air’s Bloody 100th
The true story of the Bloody 100th, a legendary US Air Force unit that earned its nickname for the extraordinary sacrifices it made during World War II, has recently been brought to life in the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air. Based on Donald L. Miller’s bestselling book of the same name, the show tells the gripping story of the 100th Bomb Group, also known as the Bloody 100th, and its heroic crew members who flew B-17 Flying Fortresses over enemy territory.
The Bloody 100th was a group of brave airmen who flew 30 missions without losing a single aircraft or crew member, a feat that earned them the nickname "The Bloody 100th." But their unbroken string of successes came at a great cost, as they suffered heavy casualties in their 31st mission, dubbed "Big Week," in February 1944.
The 100th Bomb Group was formed in February 1943 at RAF Thorpe Abbotts in England, where they received their first B-17 Flying Fortresses. Initially, the group struggled to live up to expectations, with inexperienced pilots and aircrews, as well as poor equipment and training. However, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel John P. Landers, the group began to gel, and by the end of 1943, they were one of the most feared and respected bomber groups in the Eighth Air Force.
The Bloody 100th’s success was due in large part to their remarkable teamwork and camaraderie. The group’s airmen were known for their esprit de corps, with many having enlisted together and developed strong bonds with their fellow crew members. This cohesion was critical to their survival, as they faced constant danger from enemy fighters, flak, and anti-aircraft fire.
But despite their remarkable record, the Bloody 100th’s 31st mission, known as "Big Week," would prove to be their most challenging and costly to date. The mission was designed to attack German airfields and disrupt the enemy’s ability to produce and maintain aircraft. The 100th Bomb Group was part of a massive force of over 1,000 bombers and fighter escorts that set out on February 20, 1944.
As the group approached the target, they encountered fierce resistance from German fighter pilots, who had been warned of the impending attack. The 100th Bomb Group’s aircraft, nicknamed "Pistol Packin’ Mama," came under intense attack, and despite the efforts of the group’s aircrew, the plane was badly damaged and began to lose altitude.
The situation was dire, with the plane’s fuel running low and the crew facing the very real possibility of capture or death. But the Bloody 100th’s crew members, including pilot Lieutenant Bob Johnson, navigator Lieutenant Jim Smith, and bombardier Sergeant Frank Groll, refused to give up. With remarkable skill and bravery, they managed to nurse the plane back to Allied territory, where it made a safe landing.
The cost of the Bloody 100th’s "Big Week" mission was high. Of the 1,000 aircraft that took off, 64 were shot down, and over 300 airmen were killed or missing in action. The Bloody 100th suffered heavy losses, with 13 aircraft failing to return to base and 24 crew members killed or missing. The mission would go down in history as one of the most significant and costly of the war.
The story of the Bloody 100th and their remarkable sacrifices during World War II is a testament to the bravery and camaraderie of the airmen who served in the US Air Force. Masters of the Air brings this gripping true story to life, honoring the memory of the airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrating the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood that existed among them.