There were good moments, though, too

Some memories, even of war, are happy ones. B-17 crews were young men who turned into grizzled veterans in a hurry as they learned that youth's invincibility is often an illusion. Frank Girman survived his 35 missions -- there were a few close calls, such as the time his top turret got smashed by flak -- and went on to be an electrician in Brunswick, Ohio.