Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Super Man
After the attack on Nauru the B24 bomber Louie was in struggled to make it back to Funafuti. At one point they were being attacked and circled by three Japanese Zero planes. Incredibly, they fended off and shot down all three before returning to base. When they got back they examined the plane and determined how successful their mission was. The author writes, "There were 594 holes. All of the Naura bombers has made it back, every one of them shot up, but none as badly as this" (Hillenbrand 102). I think it is amazing that there were 594 holes in the plane and countless other issues, yet the plane continued to fly and land safely. I find it even more amazing, however, that every plane survived the trip and made it back to Funafuti. Considering the number of Zeros there were in the air and the bullets comming at the planes during the bombing, I cannot believe that none of them were shot down.
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I agree with Claire. It is amazing that all the planes were able to make it back safely despite all the Zeros that were targeting them. Superman managed to withstand 594 holes. The plane succeeded in keeping the majority of the crew alive and safe. Following the attack, Louie "ran his fingers along the tears in Super Man's skin. The plane had saved him and all but one of his crew. He would think of it as a dear friend" (Hillenbrand 115). Super Man has accompanied Louie throughout his war experience. The plane spared his life and nearly all of the other crew members and Louie is eternally grateful. In Louie's eyes, the plane is seen as more of a friend who has gotten him through all the difficult battles that have compromised his safety.
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