35 Harrowing Combat Missions Over Nazi Germany | 8th Air Force | Vincent 'Bill' Purple

Vincent "Bill" Purple joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Although Purple wanted to be a fighter pilot, he was assigned to multi-engine planes and trained on the B-17 and B-24 bombers.

At only 19-years-old Purple was sent overseas and was assigned to the Eighth Air Force, 379th Bomb Group based in Kimbolton, England. Purple would go on to Pilot his B-17 Flying Fortress in 35 combat missions, mostly over Germany.

For his actions Purple would be awarded the French Legion of Honor, the Distinguised Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

Interview recorded on May 26, 2024

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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas