In the gripping seventh episode of "Masters of the Air," the American prisoners of war find themselves confined within Stalags, under the watchful eye of the Luftwaffe. A unique twist arises as the Germans themselves are similarly imprisoned within these camps, fostering a sense of equilibrium in treatment for Egan and his comrades. While their plight may not warrant triumphant tales back home, the valiant hearts of the 100th and beyond persevere, their spirits unbroken as they meticulously monitor the shifting tides of war.
With Europe's invasion looming large and the Allied forces struggling to gain a foothold, Egan, Cleven, and a select few from the esteemed 100th unit are inadvertently discovered during a routine German sweep of their quarters, severing their fragile link to the outside world. In the face of adversity, Cleven conceives a daring plan: constructing a rudimentary crystal radio to reestablish their communication lifeline.
As the distant booms of Berlin's bombardment reverberate, shattering the silence and serving as a haunting reminder of the conflict raging outside, tragedy strikes. One of their own, Harry, falls victim to a German soldier's bullet, his offense merely stepping out of bounds during a mandatory lockdown. The official explanation rings hollow, and Egan's frustration boils over, acknowledging the Germans' relentless pursuit of any opportunity to silence them.
Divisions arise among the tight-knit group, with Egan advocating for a daring escape while Cleven counsels prudence and staying put. In a tender moment, amidst the chaos, Cleven shares with Egan the news of his engagement to Marge, a promise he made in uncertainty of Egan's fate. Now, with hope restored, he asks for Egan's solemn pledge to stand by him as best man.
Cleven's relentless dedication bears fruit as the crude radio crackles to life, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
On the fateful eve of March 24th, 1944, the Americans received shocking news: eighty British prisoners of war, concealed within the labyrinthine tunnels they'd toiled over for more than a year, had boldly escaped from the North Compound of Stalag. This daring feat prompted General Simoleit to summon a select few American PoWs to his office, where he solemnly warned that such escapes might lead to the Stalags' transfer under the unforgiving grip of the SS and Gestapo, the outcome of ongoing deliberations. He implored them to desist from such endeavors, subtly alluding to the imminent segregation of Jewish comrades among their ranks. Yet, the Americans stood firm, their spirits unbroken, resolutely rejecting the specter of division.
Crossby's haunting voiceover pierced through the air, revealing the devastating toll the 100th Bomb Squad had endured—casualties so profound that even the replacements had been replaced, fostering a sense of detachment among the men. Friendships were forged cautiously, for fear of the heartache that would ensue if one were to fall in this treacherous warscape.
Amidst this somber backdrop, a glimmer of hope emerged as Quinn and Bailey, having navigated the treacherous paths of Spain with the aid of French and Belgian allies, returned triumphantly. Bound by the strict code of conduct, their journey home seemed imminent, for their capture would undoubtedly unravel the intricate web of helpers and escape routes.
The episode's epicenter revolved around the audacious plan to bomb Berlin—a mission that, despite the grandeur of Munster and Bremen raids, stood as the most ambitious and perilous endeavor yet. It was a strike at the very heart of Germany, where the Americans would face their greatest challenge. Rosie's crew, poised at the brink of glory with 24 successful missions to their name, knew that one more would pave their way home.
But on the day destined to be etched in history as Black Monday, the Americans suffered a devastating blow. Crossby's somber narration echoed the tragedy, as the 100th Bomb Squad lost another fifteen planes and their crews, a loss that resonated deeply, marking a dark chapter in their relentless pursuit of victory.
The Germans mercilessly targeted even those airborne soldiers who dared to leap from their planes, clutching parachutes in a desperate bid for survival. Those who somehow managed to return found themselves in dire circumstances, amidst a chaos that seemed to have no end... Yet, even in the midst of such turmoil, the dust of war would inevitably settle. For the moment, the men yearned for a fleeting distraction from the relentless conflict. The war's aftermath on Crossby was starkly evident, as he embarked on an illicit affair with Sandra Westgate, the British Subaltern, seeking solace in forbidden pleasure.
Barely had the men's wounds from the Berlin mission begun to heal, when the Brass's unwelcome invitation arrived like a cold blade in the heart: a repeat of the treacherous mission. The blueprint remained identical, routes meticulously mapped out as before, yet the airmen's spirits plummeted. A palpable discontent simmered among them, fueled by the belief that those issuing the orders regarded their lives as expendable.
Colonel Bennet, temporarily assuming command of the 100th, recognized the need to bolster his troops' morale. He led the wing formation into battle himself, their target: the vital ball-bearing factory in Ernst. One notable difference from their previous endeavor was the formidable escort of P-51 Mustangs, these sleek fighters dominating the skies, their speed and agility surpassing even their German adversaries. The mission unfolded triumphantly, the Americans raining destruction upon the factory, with the loss of just a single bomber. Rosie and his crew emerged victorious, among the fortunate few to return.
The prospect of finally returning home filled the hearts of the ground crew with immeasurable joy for their comrades. Yet, at the celebration, the revelry was tempered by grim news: the Brass had arbitrarily raised the threshold for successful missions to an unattainable 30. While this change did not directly affect Rosie and his men, it nonetheless left a bitter taste in their mouths. Major Shoens and others were visibly demoralized, and the air of discontent thickened.
Amidst this bleak turn of events, Rosie made a decisive choice to remain. In a heartfelt and candid exchange with Bennett, he voiced his conviction: rather than replenishing the ranks with new faces, it was prudent for the seasoned crew to stay and see the war through to its bitter end. Bennett concurred, further announcing that Rosie would be entrusted with the leadership of the 350th squadron within the 100th, a testament to his unwavering dedication and bravery.
