A Tour of Duty with the 100th Bomb Group

This is the story of LT Anthony Pecyk’s tour of duty with the 8th Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group, located in Thorpe Abbotts, England during World War II. Arriving to the European Theater of Operations in November 1944 as the Copilot on the David E. Wood Crew, LT Pecyk is first oriented to the Standard Operating Procedures of his new base. Flying the first of their required thirty-five combat missions on December 12, LT Pecyk and the Wood Crew survive the winter's horrendous weather conditions, B-17 engine and equipment problems, exploding German flak and aggressive Luftwaffe fighters to complete their required missions in April 1945.

Step back in time to the World War II era and enter the combat world of a new B-17 Replacement Bomber Crew. Read what it was like for LT Pecyk, his Crew and the other Crews of the Hundredth who flew during those days. The author uses her father’s own words and those of the other 100th Airmen to weave together the mission details. Sit along with the men through the morning briefings as each mission's objective is revealed. Climb into a B-17 and feel the palpable increase in stress as the Crews and their aircraft form up in the horrendous weather, flying in zero visibility over the North Sea, finally turning on to the bomb run towards their target. Feel the emotional roller coaster of relief when the Crews return home from a "milk run" or the emotional devastation when some of the Crews are attacked and blown out of the sky.

The author has included a number of photos and audio selections to aid the reader in immersing themself into the World War II era and that of the 100th Bomb Group.

In lieu of a book purchase price, the author asks you to consider donating to the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, a Foundation focused on preserving the 100th’s historical documents, photos and stories.