After being forced to eject behind enemy lines, USAAF pilot Bruce Carr escaped capture in a stolen Luftwaffe aircraft

During World War II, outstanding pilots demonstrated their exceptional skills in aerial battles across Europe and the Pacific, earning the prestigious title of "flying ace." Among these remarkable aviators, one pilot stood out for his extraordinary achievements.

Bruce W. Carr gained recognition for his remarkable feat as one of only two US Army Air Forces (USAAF) pilots to complete a combat mission in an American aircraft and return in a plane operated by the Luftwaffe .

Joining the US Army Air Forces (USAAF)

Born in New York, Bruce Carr was just 15 years old when the Second World War broke out in 1939. Motivated by the events of that year, the teenager made a firm commitment to master the art of flying.

Jump ahead three years to September 3, 1942, and Carr, now 18, enthusiastically enlisted in the US Army Air Forces . Using his prior aviation experience, he joined the service's accelerated training program, ascending into the skies aboard the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk .

On August 30, 1943, Carr attained the rank of flight officer, amassing an impressive 240 flight hours. His expertise extended to specialized training, enabling him to pilot both the North American P-51 Mustang and A-36 Apache . The former, in particular, held a special place in his heart, earning the endearing nickname, Angels' Playmate .

He didn't get credit for his first aerial victory

In 1944, Carr was stationed in England with the 380th Fighter Squadron, 363rd Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force at RAF Rivenhall. His first major combat achievement came after a fierce pursuit and exchange of gunfire, resulting in the downing of a Messerschmitt Bf 109. However, he did not receive official acknowledgment since it did not meet the specific criteria for a confirmed kill.

His bold and assertive approach distinguished him as a unique pilot, although his superiors frequently criticized him for being "overaggressive." As a result, he was reassigned to the 353rd Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, stationed at RAF Lashenden.

A trip to Germany

On November 2, 1944, Bruce Carr endured the devastating loss of his beloved P-51D . While leading a strafing mission over a German airfield in Czechoslovakia, he faced the grim reality of impending aircraft failure and made the decision to eject deep within enemy lines.

Against all odds, he managed to avoid capture for several days, showcasing his ingenuity and determination in the face of adversity.

Despite his successful evasion, Carr grappled with the challenges of starvation and dehydration, which led him to consider surrendering. Aware of a nearby airfield, he set off with the intention of turning himself in.

Upon reaching the airfield, he noticed a crew preparing a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 for flight. Changing his plan, Carr decided to wait until the crew left before stealthily boarding the aircraft.

Traveling home

Carr committed himself to mastering the intricacies of the Fw 190, undaunted by the challenge of understanding the German labels and instructions. His efforts paid off. When the time came, he took off smoothly, avoiding any conflicts or unwanted attention.

Exiting German airspace was relatively easy, aided by the aircraft's German markings. However, re-entering Allied territory in France turned out to be more challenging. Almost immediately after crossing into friendly airspace, he came under enemy fire. Determined to reach his base, Carr flew as low and fast as he could, a tactic that proved effective. However, by the time he arrived, his radio had stopped functioning.

In a somewhat unconventional maneuver, Carr landed his plane on the base's runway without lowering the landing gear, bringing the aircraft to a stop in a controlled skid. Opinions vary; some argue it was a deliberate choice, while others believe he might not have known the proper procedure for landing the aircraft.

Bruce Carr sticks the landing

It didn't take long for individuals to attempt to forcibly remove Carr, mistaking him for a hostile German pilot, from the cockpit. However, he remained securely strapped into his seat. As he later recounted :

"I started throwing some good Anglo-Saxon swear words at them, and they let loose while I tried to get the seat belt undone. But my hands wouldn't work and I couldn't do it. Then they started pulling on me again because they still weren't convinced I was an American. I was yelling and hollering. Then, suddenly, they let go, and a face drops down into the cockpit in front of mine. It was my Group Commander: George R. Bickel."

Bickel had just one question for the pilot: "Carr, where in the hell have you been, and what have you been doing now?"

Despite this daring escape, Carr continued to fly and served throughout the remainder of World War II. By the conflict's conclusion, he'd become a triple ace, credited with 15 aerial victories over 172 combat missions.

Bruce Carr's service in Vietnam and Korea

Following World War II, Bruce Carr continued his service with the US Army Air Forces as it became the US Air Force. Initially, he was tasked with piloting the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star as a member of the Acrojets, America's inaugural jet-powered aerobatic demonstration team. Their base of operations was at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona.

During the Korean War , now-Maj. Carr flew an impressive 57 missions with the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, before assuming command of the squadron from January 1955 to August '56.

Carr flew 286 combat missions in Vietnam

Subsequently promoted to colonel, Carr went on to serve in Vietnam , where he flew with the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing stationed at Tuy Hoa Air Base. Specializing in close air support missions, he accumulated a remarkable total of 286 combat missions flying the North American F-100 Super Sabre during his deployment.

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In 1973, Carr retired from the Air Force. For his service in three wars, he received an impressive number of medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, 31 Air Medals and four Distinguished Flying Crosses.

In 1998, the skilled aviator passed away from prostate cancer and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.