The Lone Hero Who Defeated 30 German Fighters To Save His Comrades

In the history of aerial warfare, few stories compare to the courage of the lone hero who defeated 30 German fighters to save his comrades over the skies of Europe. On January 11, 1944, Major James Howard, piloting his P-51 Mustang, found himself separated from his squadron and facing a swarm of lethal Luftwaffe aircraft. Instead of retreating, this lone hero engaged the enemy in a relentless 30-minute battle that defied belief. His mission was critical: he had to save his comrades in the vulnerable B-17 bomber formation from being massacred.

This documentary breaks down how James Howard used the superior speed of the P-51 Mustang and aggressive tactics to bluff the enemy even after his guns jammed. By acting as a One Man Air Force, he successfully defeated 30 German fighters psychologically, forcing them to scatter. The bravery displayed by this lone hero who defeated 30 German fighters effectively shielded the bombers and allowed them to return home. It is a masterclass in determination, showing how one pilot's will to save his comrades changed the course of the air war. Join us as we relive the moment James Howard pushed his P-51 Mustang to the limit to defeat the German fighters and become the only fighter pilot in the European theater to earn the Medal of Honor.

TIMELINE:
00:00 - The Suicide Scenario: 1 vs 30
01:14 - The Crisis of 1944: Bombers Under Siege
02:41 - The Weapon: P-51 Mustang & The "Guinea Pigs"
03:35 - The Mission: A Death Sentence to Oschersleben
04:27 - Into the Hornet's Nest: Alone Against 30 Fighters
06:33 - Flying Tiger Tactics: The Masterclass Attack
08:36 - The Nightmare: Fighting Without Ammo
09:38 - The Great Bluff: Playing Poker with Death
16:02 - The One Man Air Force: Medal of Honor Legacy

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