Comin’ in on a Wing and a Prayer February 1, 1943 The U.S. Air Force bomber All American’s tail is nearly sheared off after being struck by German fighter plane. The bomber was able to make a safe landing despite the extensive damage and none of the crew were injured. This incident was one of several that popularized the phrase, “Comin’ in on a Wing and a Prayer,” and inspired its 414th Bombardment Squadron’s emblem, that of a puppy praying atop the rear fuselage. American bombers from the 414th Bombardment Squadron were returning from a bombing run on German-controlled seaports in Tunisia, when they were attacked by German fighters. One of the incoming fighters was either disabled or its pilot killed and was unable to pull away from the All American, crashing into it slicing through the bomber. The tail section, housing the rear gunner, was barely attached to the aircraft. The fighter broke apart, leaving some of its pieces in the bomber’s fuselage. The crew had donned their parachutes expecting to bail out, but despite the extensive damage, the All American was able to safely land and none of the crew were injured.
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