During World War II, highly skilled pilots showcased their remarkable abilities in aerial combat over Europe and the Pacific, achieving the distinguished status of “flying ace.” Among these exceptional aviators, one pilot distinguished himself through extraordinary accomplishments.
Bruce W. Carr earned recognition for a rare feat, becoming one of just two US Army Air Forces (USAAF) pilots to complete a combat mission in an American aircraft and return flying 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 devastating loss of his beloved P-51D. While leading a strafing mission over a German airfield in Czechoslovakia, he encountered the grim reality of imminent aircraft failure and made the agonizing choice to eject deep within enemy territory.
Despite overwhelming odds, Carr managed to evade capture for several days, showcasing extraordinary resourcefulness and determination in the face of peril.
However, his successful evasion was brought to an end by intense hunger and dehydration, forcing him to consider surrender. Aware of a nearby airfield, he set out with the intent to turn himself in.
When he arrived, he noticed a crew preparing a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 for flight. Seizing the opportunity, Carr altered his plan, deciding to wait until the crew left before stealthily climbing aboard the aircraft.
Traveling home
Carr dedicated himself to mastering the complexities of the Fw 190, unfazed by the challenge of interpreting German labels and instructions. His commitment paid off. When the time came, he lifted off smoothly, avoiding any conflicts or unwanted attention.
Leaving German airspace was fairly straightforward, helped by the aircraft’s German markings. However, 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 strategy that ultimately worked. Yet by the time he arrived, his radio had failed.
In an unconventional move, Carr landed his plane on the base’s runway without deploying the landing gear, bringing the aircraft to a stop in a controlled skid. Opinions differ; some suggest it was intentional, while others think he may not have known the proper landing procedure for 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.