During World War II, expert aviators showed off their extraordinary skills in the skies over Europe and the Pacific, earning the prestigious title of “flying ace” for their superior aerial combat abilities. Among this distinguished group of pilots, one man was particularly notable for his outstanding feats.
Bruce W. Carr stands out for his remarkable achievement as one of only two pilots in the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) to complete a combat mission in an American aircraft and return safely in one 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 success against enemy aircraft came after a determined chase and firefight, resulting in the downing of a Messerschmitt Bf 109. However, he did not receive credit for this achievement, as it did not meet the technical criteria for a confirmed takedown.
This bold and assertive approach distinguished him as a unique kind of pilot, a reputation that led his superiors to label his actions as “overaggressive.” Consequently, he was reassigned to the 353rd Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, based at RAF Lashenden.
A trip to Germany
On November 2, 1944, Bruce Carr experienced the tragic loss of his beloved P-51D. While leading a strafing mission at a German airfield in Czechoslovakia, he faced the harsh truth of his aircraft’s impending failure and decided to eject deep in enemy territory.
Amazingly, he managed to avoid capture for several days, demonstrating his skill and determination in difficult circumstances.
Despite his success in avoiding capture, Carr endured the harsh realities of having no food or water, forcing him to contemplate surrender. Knowing of a nearby airfield, he headed there with the intent to turn himself in.
Upon arrival, he discovered a crew preparing a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 for takeoff. Changing his original plan, Carr chose to wait until the crew departed before quietly sneaking onto the aircraft.
Traveling home
Carr dedicated himself wholeheartedly to mastering the complexities of the Fw 190, even though the German labels and instructions were a barrier. His effort was rewarded. When the chance arose, he took off without any resistance or drawing much attention.
Leaving German airspace was relatively easy, thanks to the German markings on Carr’s aircraft. However, returning to Allied airspace in France was more daunting. As he reentered, he immediately encountered enemy fire. Determined to reach his base, Carr flew at the lowest possible altitude and fastest speed, a tactic that worked. However, when he arrived, his radio was no longer functioning.
In a rather odd fashion, Carr landed on the base’s field without extending the landing gear, bringing the plane to a stop through a slide. Opinions differ, with some suggesting a deliberate choice not to use the landing gear, while others speculate he might 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.