Northbrook resident Bill Wagner was a radio operator and gunner on B-17 Flying Fortresses during World War II.   From 1942 to July 1945, the “Mighty Eighth” carried out a daylight bombing campaign against Nazi-occupied Europe, and in doing so suffered about half of the U.S. Army Air Force’s casualties.  His harrowing eyewitness account describes the raids over Europe including missions deep into Germany.  On his 24th combat mission his plane was shot down and he was captured and held as a POW.

Recorded Thursday, August 09, 2007 at Northbrook Public Library.