Incredibly narrow escape
The odds weren't looking good for them; they were outnumbered dramatically, and the night's poor flying conditions didn't help matters. An antiaircraft shell ripped a hole through the B-17's right wing as the desperate pursuit continued. It seemed like all hope was lost, but the American crew kept fighting, and they were eventually able to outrun their pursuers. The adage goes, “you never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”