It’s always appreciated when you highlight the lesser-known heroes not only of the Greatest Generation, but of all generations. Interesting what a difference how high a plane could fly made in the outcome. The threat to the American crew was minimal, but they didn’t know that going into the mission. Thankful for brave pilots and their crews.
I've not heard this story before and it gives me even more respect for the men and women who supported, fought and died during that conflict. Kudos to that flight and the information it provided.
Captain Steakley and his crew were justly rewarded for their valuable non combat surveillance flight over Tokyo during WW2. The information yielded by this flight provided much information that would be used during the following raids by American bombers.
Not all heroes are in actual combat. A military force has more men and women in support roles than those at the point of the spear. I consider all who serve(d) to be heroes, regardless of their part. This story actually proves that. Thank you Tara.
Thank you Tara I remember seeing pictures of the Tokyo Rose when I was a kid but never knew exactly what was involved. Their mission proved to be extremely important 👏.
Invaluable intelligence collected on that day. Surprised to learn of the equipment that could capture such revealing detail from such a high altitude. Remarkable technology for its time. Great job Tokyo Rose!
A great lesson this morning, Tara! I knew that reconnaissance mission(s) had been flown before the bombing of Japan began in earnest, but I had actually never read about any of them.
The high-altitude capabilities of the F-13 recon plane, built on the B-29 aircrame, was a game changer. It was the first (and I think only) airplane used in World War 2 with a pressurized cabin, so the crew was able to fly in relative comfort without oxygen masks and heavy woolen flight suits to keep warm. As you pointed out here, they were higher than Japanese defenses and sircraft could reach.
Seeing the inability of the Japanese fighters and antiaircraft fire to reach the crew had to bring satisfaction and instill confidence in them. It certainly would have in me.
Thanks for sharing this little known story! I have not seen anything that I can recall about this. You are certainly very wide in your historical reading and I appreciate it! Thanks again, Tara Ross!
It’s always appreciated when you highlight the lesser-known heroes not only of the Greatest Generation, but of all generations. Interesting what a difference how high a plane could fly made in the outcome. The threat to the American crew was minimal, but they didn’t know that going into the mission. Thankful for brave pilots and their crews.
I've not heard this story before and it gives me even more respect for the men and women who supported, fought and died during that conflict. Kudos to that flight and the information it provided.
Captain Steakley and his crew were justly rewarded for their valuable non combat surveillance flight over Tokyo during WW2. The information yielded by this flight provided much information that would be used during the following raids by American bombers.
Not all heroes are in actual combat. A military force has more men and women in support roles than those at the point of the spear. I consider all who serve(d) to be heroes, regardless of their part. This story actually proves that. Thank you Tara.
Thank you Tara I remember seeing pictures of the Tokyo Rose when I was a kid but never knew exactly what was involved. Their mission proved to be extremely important 👏.
Invaluable intelligence collected on that day. Surprised to learn of the equipment that could capture such revealing detail from such a high altitude. Remarkable technology for its time. Great job Tokyo Rose!
A great lesson this morning, Tara! I knew that reconnaissance mission(s) had been flown before the bombing of Japan began in earnest, but I had actually never read about any of them.
The high-altitude capabilities of the F-13 recon plane, built on the B-29 aircrame, was a game changer. It was the first (and I think only) airplane used in World War 2 with a pressurized cabin, so the crew was able to fly in relative comfort without oxygen masks and heavy woolen flight suits to keep warm. As you pointed out here, they were higher than Japanese defenses and sircraft could reach.
Thanks for this lesson today, Tara!
Here’s an interesting article explaining the aircraft’s pressurization system.
https://airpages.ru/eng/mn/b29_18.shtml
A new moment in history for me. Makes sense to send recon aircraft before the bombers. Thanks Tara.
Seeing the inability of the Japanese fighters and antiaircraft fire to reach the crew had to bring satisfaction and instill confidence in them. It certainly would have in me.
Thanks for sharing this little known story! I have not seen anything that I can recall about this. You are certainly very wide in your historical reading and I appreciate it! Thanks again, Tara Ross!
Thank you, Tara, for this little known of story of the beginning of the end to Japan’s war against freedom in the Pacific!
We need to remember what prior generations did for us and pass them along to our children and grandchildren so that they can pass them along!
Hadn't heard this story before,brave men flying into the unknown
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Excellent report.
Thanks for the info on a lesser known mission.
This story is amazing! Thanks Tara Ross! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The "Tokyo Rose" flying at over 6 miles of altitude did an awesome job; should be remembered.
Reconnaissance flights were flown unarmed and often did not return, but they brought back essential intelligence.