What are some of the most fascinating, lesser known stories from WW2?
This is Owen Baggett.
He was the co-pilot of an American B-24 Bomber during World War 2.
One day, his squadron was dispatched to blow up a bridge near a Japanese base.
Before arriving at their target, they encountered heavy resistance from Japanese fighter planes. His bomber was badly damaged, and him, and the entire crew had to put on parachutes and bail.
As he and his crew were floating to the ground, the Japanese planes came back for another pass, and began strafing the helpless men.
This enraged Baggett, who quickly formed a plan.
He hung completely limp in his parachute harness, acting like he was dead.
One of the Japanese pilots slowed down, and did a flyby, to get a look at the “dead” American co-pilot.
As the plane approached its closest point, Bagget sprung to life. He reached into his leg holster, producing his M1911 Pistol.
He proceeded to fire 4 shots, directly into the plane's canopy, where the pilot was seated.
To his, and everyone else’s surprise, the plane went out of control, and crashed into the ground.
He had shot the pilot directly in the head.
It is believed that Owen Baggett is the only person in history to shoot down an airplane using only a pistol.
And the fact that it was done while falling towards the ground in mid-parachute, is nothing short of incredible.
Have you ever heard about Owen Baggett?
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