During World War II, outstanding pilots demonstrated their extraordinary skills in aerial combat over Europe and the Pacific, earning the distinguished title of “flying ace.” Among these remarkable aviators, one individual stood out for his exceptional accomplishments.
Bruce W. Carr was celebrated for his remarkable achievement as one of just 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 faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved P-51D. While spearheading a strafing mission over a German airfield in Czechoslovakia, he faced the harsh reality of imminent aircraft failure and chose to eject deep within enemy territory.
Against the odds, he evaded capture for several days, demonstrating his resourcefulness and resolve in difficult circumstances.
Even with his successful evasion, Carr struggled with the hardships of starvation and dehydration, leading him to contemplate surrender. Knowing of a nearby airfield, he set out with the intent of surrendering himself.
Upon arrival, he observed a crew preparing a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 for takeoff. Altering his plan, Carr decided to wait until the crew left before secretly boarding the aircraft.
Traveling home
Carr dedicated himself to mastering the complexities of the Fw 190, undeterred by the challenge of deciphering the German labels and instructions. His hard work paid off. When the moment came, he took off without a hitch, avoiding any conflicts or unnecessary attention.
Leaving German airspace was relatively straightforward, thanks to the aircraft’s German insignia. However, re-entering Allied territory in France proved to be more difficult. Almost immediately after crossing into friendly airspace, he faced enemy fire. Determined to reach his base, Carr flew as low and fast as possible, a tactic that worked. However, by the time he arrived, his radio had stopped working.
In a somewhat unconventional move, Carr landed his plane on the base’s field without lowering the landing gear, bringing the aircraft to a stop in a controlled skid. Opinions differ; some believe it was a deliberate choice, while others think he may not have known the correct procedure.
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.