My Dear Rishi,
I recently came across an interesting article about two World War II pilots one an American and another a German. I was so fascinated by the article to read about compassion in action, I ended up buying the book, " A Higher Call" By Adam Makos with Larry Alexander and read it. Here is my version of the original story for you Rishi.
In 1953, Franz Stigler moved to Vancouver, Canada after the war. In 1985, he was invited to attend 50th Anniversary party for the Boeing B-17 bomber at Paine Field. During the course of party he realized he was the only German pilot. A camera crew who was filming and interviewing veterans for a TV special spoke to Franz. During the interview he mentioned about damaged B-17. He did not remember the date but remembered the plane, the incident and pondered about the crew. He returned to Vancouver.
Charlie Brown who settled in Miami, Florida was similarly curious to find out about the German pilot who spared his and his crew's life. He wrote to a German Fighter Pilots association news letter(Jaggerblatt-Fighter Journal) to publish his story describing his story of December 20th, 1943 incident. Initially, his letter was rejected but eventually it was published in January 1990 edition. Franz saw Charlie's letter in the news letter and wrote to Charlie. Charlie finally spoke to Franz over the phone. Once sworn enemies, who never exchanged words 47 years later were talking to each other because of Franz's act of compassion and kindness. On June 21st, 1990 both men finally met face to face in Seattle with hugs and tears of gratitude and love. Franz told Charlie that his brother had died in 1940 as a night fighter pilot. Franz became a fighter pilot to honor his brother. In addition, Charlie learned Franz had not been out of ammunition to shoot down his plane and also learned Franz was one of the top fighter pilots in Germany during the war.
Franz Stiegler wrote following letter to Charlie brown:
Rishi, a single of act of compassion, kindness and courage, amidst destruction, pain, fear and loss transformed many lives. My prayer for you is that let compassion, love, kindness be the core of who you are Rishi.
Remember always, I love you till the moon and back. We both are always in each other's heart no amount of physical distance can separate us... I love you and miss you very much love.
With lots of Love, Hugs and Kisses
Daddy
P.S: The following quote is from one of Franz Stigler's officer. This demonstrates compassion in action.
"You follow the rules of war for you, not for your enemy. You fight by rules to keep your humanity....Lt. Gustav Roedel
I recently came across an interesting article about two World War II pilots one an American and another a German. I was so fascinated by the article to read about compassion in action, I ended up buying the book, " A Higher Call" By Adam Makos with Larry Alexander and read it. Here is my version of the original story for you Rishi.
 |
| Charlie Brown & Franz Stigler |
This is a true incident which happened on December 20th, 1943, in the midst of World War II. Rishi, this was a time where there was lot of pain, suffering, death and sorrow. A sorrow which day by day grew darker than night and cruelty was its zenith. Amidst all this misery, an act of compassion unfolded over the skies of Northern Germany. An American B-17 bomber, flown by Charlie Brown was on bombing mission was badly damaged when a German fighter pilot Franz Stigler in his Bf-109 intercepted them. It is expected to shoot the enemies plane at the first sight. However, on that day Franz Stigler, when he flew towards the B-17 bomber as he reached close to hundred yards realized all the men in the plane were badly wounded. He flew close to the B-17 looked right into the Charlie Brown and his co-pilot's eyes and saluted them. He escorted the plane safely across Germany so that no ground fire would shoot B17 down. This was a very risky for Franz Stigler, yet he led his humanity, kindness and compassion dictate his actions.
In 1953, Franz Stigler moved to Vancouver, Canada after the war. In 1985, he was invited to attend 50th Anniversary party for the Boeing B-17 bomber at Paine Field. During the course of party he realized he was the only German pilot. A camera crew who was filming and interviewing veterans for a TV special spoke to Franz. During the interview he mentioned about damaged B-17. He did not remember the date but remembered the plane, the incident and pondered about the crew. He returned to Vancouver.
Charlie Brown who settled in Miami, Florida was similarly curious to find out about the German pilot who spared his and his crew's life. He wrote to a German Fighter Pilots association news letter(Jaggerblatt-Fighter Journal) to publish his story describing his story of December 20th, 1943 incident. Initially, his letter was rejected but eventually it was published in January 1990 edition. Franz saw Charlie's letter in the news letter and wrote to Charlie. Charlie finally spoke to Franz over the phone. Once sworn enemies, who never exchanged words 47 years later were talking to each other because of Franz's act of compassion and kindness. On June 21st, 1990 both men finally met face to face in Seattle with hugs and tears of gratitude and love. Franz told Charlie that his brother had died in 1940 as a night fighter pilot. Franz became a fighter pilot to honor his brother. In addition, Charlie learned Franz had not been out of ammunition to shoot down his plane and also learned Franz was one of the top fighter pilots in Germany during the war.
Franz Stiegler wrote following letter to Charlie brown:
In 1940, I lost my only brother as a night fighter. On the 20th of December, 4 days before Christmas, I had the chance to save a B-17 from her destruction, a plane so badly damaged it was a wonder that she was still flying. The pilot, Charlie Brown, is for me, as precious as my brother was.
Thanks Charlie,
Thanks Charlie,
Your Brother,
Franz
Franz Stigler passed away in March 2008 and Charlie Brown died in November 2008.
Remember always, I love you till the moon and back. We both are always in each other's heart no amount of physical distance can separate us... I love you and miss you very much love.
With lots of Love, Hugs and Kisses
Daddy
P.S: The following quote is from one of Franz Stigler's officer. This demonstrates compassion in action.
"You follow the rules of war for you, not for your enemy. You fight by rules to keep your humanity....Lt. Gustav Roedel
