The mighty Eighth U.S. Army Air Force will again take to the skies over German-occupied Europe for three more historical-based missions, to battle the Luftwaffe and attack key wartime industries in the summer of 1943. And if last year was any indication, the Germans are in for a tough time because the raids are getting bigger. Our squadron flew in record numbers again last year.

Players who participate in all three missions will be eligible for many consolation prizes, booby prizes and (thanks to assistant GM Mike Lam) air medals for various achievements or misfortunes.

August 1943. 17 years ... 51 missions ... Ball Bearings. Need I say more? One of the most significant events of the air war in the European Theatre of Operations will be recreated as our rag tag group of B-17 veterans and rookie replacements once again take to the skies over Germany. Come join us on Thursday morning at 0900 hours as the engines are revved up, and flak and Luftwaffe fighters are dodged. The day is filled with fun and misfortune. On Friday evening at 2300 hours, we will have our annual B-17 After Action Meeting where Uber Assistant GM Mike Lam awards medals for various good and bad things. We will also have our optional third annual B-17 Prize Table in which our air crews can drop off a prize (B-17 related book, movie, game, etc.). Everyone gets a prize and no one goes home empty-handed. B-17: a game of fun, a historical simulation, and a one of a kind experience. Just ask anyone who has joined us in previous years. Again, this will be one of the signature events in B-17 history. See you

An example of past missions flown follows:

Mission#1 (Rennes):
Two DFC's (one B-17 fell out of formation and made it home without two engines, the other one stayed in formation but was badly shot up with half the crew SER or KIA).

Two Silver Stars (for Pilots staying in formation after losing pilot's compartment heat - one of these was the badly shot up B-17 above who stayed in formation for about seven zones without Frostbite!).

One Air medal (for highest bomb % for that run)                     

One Purple Heart (one B-17 with all KIA)

Mission#2 (Paris):
Two Air Medals (two bombardiers got 97% each!)

Three Purple Hearts (three B-17 crews all KIA - this was surprising since they were in the middle formation)

Mission#3 (Lorient):
One DFC (He was one of the last to finish - fell out of formation & returned alone)

Two Purple Hearts (two B-17 crews all KIA)

Two Air Medals* (A poor bomb run with two highest tied at 40%)

* One of the winners of this medal, John Poniske (3rd place), also was awarded the Silver Star & DFC from mission #1. He won a total of four medals in all; the Silver Star, the DFC, this Air Medal and a Purple Heart from mission 2.

Other Medal Winners for combined results for the 3 missions:
CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR (2): To John Ellman II (second year in a row for him with this "honor") and Mark Yoshikawa.

LEGION OF MERIT (1): Awarded to the bombardier with the highest combined bombing total with 122 (he was the player with a 20, 97 & a 5 in his three missions - barely beating out a player with 120 by getting that 5% on mission 3).

AIR MEDAL (1): Best Top Gunner, who shot down seven German fighters. Mike Lam also had seven kills by his Flight Engineer (who was one of three who survived the bailout over the Channel coming home from mission 3 after the fuel tank
caught fire). Might have won the tourney if it wasn't for that fire.

BRONZE STAR (1): Awarded to the player with three evaders (Henry Richardson )

POW MEDAL (1): Awarded to player with 16 POWs (he was one of the sons of a father/son entry)

As you can see, the inclusion of these medals has added a lot of flavor to the tourney and made it a much better event over the past three years. Mike Lam does this at his own cost and his efforts are greatly appreciated by all participants including, of course, the GM. Our hats are all off to Mike for another great year.

Optional prize table conducted by the participants. Bring a book, game or other WWII related item to donate, get one back at the After Action Briefing / Prize Table on Friday night.