“Actions speak louder than words.” – English proverb
So this is Christmas…the traditional time for families to come together, differences to be put aside and the annual free pass for wearing a hideous sweater or necktie. For me it’s also a time of gratitude and remembrance. In some ways, it’s Christmas for me all year round, and I am fortunate enough to receive the goodwill of others on a relatively constant basis. It’s a gift I wish I could put under everyone’s tree.
There’s a true story about a World War II aerial encounter that I’ve read on several different occasions and recently came across again. This time I read it an article by Marcus Brotherton. It is a great story of goodwill towards others, and accordingly, felt it worth sharing as a reminder of what the Christmas season is really about.
On December 20, 1943, in the skies above war-torn Europe, two bitter enemies—an American B-17 bomber pilot and a veteran German fighter ace—met in what is undoubtedly one of World War II’s most remarkable encounters.
The American bomber, piloted by 21-year-old West Virginian Charlie Brown, was severely damaged. Bullets from German fighters had chewed the bomber to pieces. Others bullets had shot straight through the fuselage, and several crew members had been hit and were near death. The German fighter plane, piloted by Franz Stigler, was poised to blast the bomber from the sky. It was Franz’s job to kill the enemy. His sworn duty was to triumph in blood.
In fact, encountering a wounded bomber was Franz’s lucky break. Other fighters had already done the initial damage, and when Franz flew up to the bomber, it was the most badly damaged airplane he’d ever seen still flying. That meant an easy target. And in the kill-or-be-killed quest to reach air superiority, the odds against the German’s survival were much worse than the American’s. Of the 40,000 German fighter pilots in WWII, only 2,000 survived.
But what happened in that tense moment when Franz and Charlie came to stare at one another across the frozen skies only can be described as other-worldly. The American 8th Air Force would, in fact, classify the incident as top secret for decades. The German military sealed the record as well. Franz was ordered never to speak of the act again, at risk of facing a firing squad.
What happened was, very simply…Mercy. Franz didn’t turn his machineguns on the Americans. Instead, Franz risked his own reputation, career, and even life, to fly for miles in close proximity to the bomber’s wingtip, providing a “shield” for the damaged enemy plane. Instead of killing his enemy, the German fighter pilot escorted the sputtering American bomber to safety.
Every time I come across this story, I can’t help but try to visualize the incident in my mind. And each time I am surprised by the restraint of the German pilot. In the heat of battle, adrenaline surging, with his own life on the line, at that particular moment the German was overcome with a profound sense of compassion. Who knows, had this exact same event played out again and again, perhaps the fate of the American would not have been spared. I have never read why Stigler did what he did, but I’m quite confident he was in a very, very small group of individuals who would have chosen to act this way in a time of war.
I found Brotherton’s insight worth repeating: “When German fighter Ace Franz Stigler was alone in the presence of his enemy, he was master of his own decisions. His enemies’ lives were in his hands. Yet Franz chose to remember his humanity. He flew by a higher call. Today, when we are in the presence of people we dislike, or people who may actually be our enemies, our invitation is to do the same.”
So after all the cards have been sent, the gifts have been opened and the last cookies have been eaten, let us hope that the eggnog hangover wears off much quicker than our compelling urge to spread goodwill. In fact, let’s not just hope… Let’s act.
Thank you for all of the prayers, support and goodwill you have shown me! Merry Christmas!
Stand Strong!
Scott
- Monday – 12/17/2012
- Monday – 12/31/2012
You are such an inspiration, Scott. I am so glad I came by the photo-essay of you in the Plain Dealer yesterday. Happy New Year handsome!
Scott,
I just wanted you to know that as a community, we care for you and appreciate your strength and willingness to spread the good news and fight the good fight.
May God bless and keep you always.
Wow,I am truly blown away by your amazing inner strength. My mother has always told me “what doesn’t kill you,will only make you stronger’….you seem to fit the bill. Your story so moved me today, maybe reading your story will make me a better person….which is on my bucket list! I have never met you….but would like to help in anyway that I can. So with that being said, I wish you the the best and most blessed New Year Scott.
Thank you for your courage, your brave risks, and for sharing your story as it Is. I have only just “met” you today, but I’m planning on following you on your journey . May we all be as adventurous…..
Scott,
I read your blog today after reading the Plain Dealer Special on your experience. I love the story of the Christmas Day meeting in the sky,and the song that one hears now and then. Thanks for referencing this story, which is so moving.
Thanks too for your personal witness to the strength and goodness that the human spirit is capable of by the grace of God. You are indeed an instrument of His power and love. Praying for you and yours and the work you do. MAQ
Thank you for sharing that amazing story & for spreading light.
A beautiful story worth repeating over and over. I wish you and your family a Happy, Holy, Healthy 2013.
God Bless You, Scott.
Mary
great read scott.. frantz was the better man at that moment for sure.. have a great rest of the year scott!! God Bless
Merry Christmas, Scott!
May God bless you with all great things thru life.
Many thanks for the World War II story, I am a bit of a history buff on WWII and had never heard that one. Have a Merry Christmas Scott!
Thank you for a wonderful Chistmas story, peace on earth, good will toward man. God bless you and keep you during this Holy season and tor the New Year.
Merry Christmas dear friend.
Merry Christmas Scott!
Another uplifting message and idea worth “acting on!”
Putting the Romans 8:18 bumper sticker your Mom and Dad mailed me on my car today. Wishing you a wonderful day, Love, Melanie Tim Charles Andrew Marielle
War can be men at their worst. Sometimes though, God brings out the best in us even in the worst of times. Thanks for sharing Scott.
Scott, Wishing you every blessing that Christmas has to offer. Your wise words have brought us ‘comfort and joy’.
That’s a great reminder. I had not heard that, I hesitate to say, story, real life account is better.
“He flew by a higher call.”
Thanks Scott !! Merry Christmas 🙂