SNAFU
It's March 1944, and the world remains engulfed in war. The United States is locked in a fierce battle to establish air superiority over Europe. Over the past year and a half, the Eighth Air Force has conducted bombing missions primarily targeting coastal cities. However, the focus is now shifting deeper into Nazi-occupied Europe.
The death toll among the Eighth Air Force continues to rise, with most bomber crews failing to complete even half of their 25-mission tour. Flak fields have become denser and more accurate, posing a grave threat to any plane that dares to fly through them. Nazi fighter pilots, growing in skill, relentlessly pursue American bombers, despite the defensive measures onboard.
Unknown to the American bomber crews, a significant change has occurred in their mission objectives. Under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, the Eighth Air Force now employs a risky strategy. Bombers are used as bait to lure Nazi fighters into combat, allowing escort fighters to pick them off one by one. This shift means the lives of bomber crews are no longer considered sacrosanct but rather as expendable casualties in the pursuit of victory.
By this time next year, the death toll of the Eighth Air Force will reach a staggering 26,000, surpassing the losses of Marines throughout the entirety of World War II. This podcast chronicles the experiences of one such bomber crew during the early months of 1944.
Lieutenant Bakas, a 24-year-old pilot from Youngstown, Ohio, leads a B-17G named "Load of Bull" and commands a 10-man crew with a singular goal: survival. With daunting odds stacked against them, Lieutenant Miller, a 23-year-old co-pilot, must navigate the challenges of leadership, perseverance, and duty.
Tasked with motivating a crew comprised mostly of young men fresh out of high school, Bakas and Miller grapple with the weight of their responsibilities. As they confront the harsh realities of their suicidal missions and the uncertain impact on the war effort, they must find the strength to inspire their men to keep fighting.
Starting in July 2021, SNAFU, a historical fiction podcast, will begin to tell the story of a group of men, as their families never knew them.
SNAFU
S1, E17: The Cost
Skimpy deals with the horrors of being blind inside the base hospital, Pally, Tommy and the others pay Mills a visit and go looking for Skimpy. The 530th Squadron is assigned a new commander, The Boss, Jack, Andy and Rosie all receive good news. The Boss and Jack discover something horrifying, and Leslie informs the men on some soul crushing news that effects every airmen.
If you are a veteran who is struggling with returning home, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Etc, we love you! Please seek help! You're not alone!
https://www.hfotusa.org/top-ptsd-resources-for-military-veterans/
1. VA Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Press 1
2. National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(800)273-8255 Combat Call Center (877)WAR-VETS
3. VA Vet Center Program Vet Centers offer a wide range of services to Veterans and their families at 300 community-based Vet Center locations.
4. PTSD Foundation of America Veteran Line: (877)717-PTSD (7873) Office: (832)912-4429
5. Home Base Program-Clinical Intensive Care Program (National/Regional) 617-724-5202
6. Lone Survivor Foundation: (832)581-3592
7. Operation Mend-Intensive Treatment Program:
8. USA Cares: Combat Injured Program (800) 773-0387
9. Military One Source: Military OneSource is a 24/7 connection to information, answers, and support to help Veterans reach their goals, overcome challenges, and thrive.
10. Real Warriors: The Real Warriors Campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological healthy by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stressors of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder.
11. Boulder Crest Foundation’s Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes) is delivered once a month at Boulder Crest’s locations in Arizona (Boulder Crest Arizona), Virginia (Boulder Crest Virginia), and the Boulder Crest Mobile Training Team, and monthly by Boulder Crest’s partners in Florida, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!
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If you'd like to donate to the Podcast and help support us, please visit https://www.patreon.com/snafupod and you'll get bonus content every week.
