RCPC Greatest Hit from Mac McFadden in 2007
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and he delivers them.
Never Give Up
It was the afternoon of February 8, 1945. The place was east of the city of Manila in the Philippine Islands. The Japanese were destroying the city and killing everyone in it. My squadron was providing close-air support for the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Infantry Division and the 37th Division; both divisions taking heavy casualties from the Japanese field artillery.
While providing this air support, my plane at about 5000’ altitude was hit by a Japanese 3” anti-aircraft shell that exploded on the contact. The plane was instantly out of control, and personnel shrapnel injuries occurred. Somehow, I regained control of the plane and changed direction to get back over friendly territory. I was able to continue to control the plane while slowly losing altitude until we were on the ground. My gunner and I walked away.
A representative from the Douglas Aircraft Co. who was assigned to the Air Wing talked to me about how I was able to regain control of the plane and keep it airborne. According to him, the plane was unflyable after the damage occurred. I have never been able to satisfy my own interest in this question from an aerodynamic point of view, and am therefore left with the very real possibility of delivery by one of God’s Angels.
Our Heavenly Father, teach us to persevere. Amen.