The Pays de Loire region, including the wine-producing Loire Valley experienced numerous bombing raids in 1944. The region was home to several industrial facilities used by the Germans during the war including the Rennault factory in Le Mans, the largest armament production facility in France. The men of the United States Eight Air Force flew from their bases near Cambridge and Norwich, England. After long, often tedious flights, they would suddenly experience intense combat over the skies of Europe.
German fighters and flak were constant dangers to the bombers as they flew over the skies of Europe. Unable to break course without risking the safety of the entire formation, the bomber crews develop nerves of steel.
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