Sgt Robert Thomas Ritter, mechanic of the B-17 42-97385 “Shady Lady”, took off from station 131 in Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, UK on a bombing mission over the oil infrastructure of Ludwigshafen. Before they were able to drop, their No.1 engine failed, drifting them out of their “tail-end charlie” position in formation. Then No.2 and 3 engines failed, prompting the crew to drop their payload in the vicinity of the target before turning for Nancy, the nearest front lines, all the while pleading for fighter support. Flying in heavy cloud with failing instruments, unexpected downdrafts, and the constant threat of fighter attack and further engine failure, both Ritter and the bombardier decided to bail out through the nose hatch. Upon landing, they made contact with the Resistance, led by Mr. Bodot, and hid in a salt mine with two Allied fighter pilots until rejoining the 4th Armored Division on September 18th.