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The Music Room
A Testimony
Note: Recently received an e-mail from a Mr. Tom Croley whose friend, Lt. Ray Stanford, a B-24 pilot in World War II, was saved by a Tuskegee Airman. Lt. Stanford wrote this testimony in the form of an open letter to the unknown Tuskgee pilot who saved his life. This is Lt. Stanford's story:A B-24 Bomber Pilot "A B-24 bomber pilot on a bombing raid at an oil refinery near Vienna, Austria was badly hit.With an engine shot out and set on fire he was sent peeling out of formation. The pilot shut off the fuel and by side slipping he extinguished the flames, but could not get the propeller feathered. The B-24 could hold altitude. Now all alone as a "wounded duck" with no formation for added protection, he called for fighter support. A single P-51 pilot at great risk to himself came and flew cover. Just one P-51 and one B-24 would be "easy pickers" for a few enemy fighters.
After they reached the Adriatic Sea, there was no further danger from enemy fighters. The fighter pilot running low on fuel himself radioed the B-24 pilot to see if he could make it back OK.
The answer was affirmative with a request to know his name and if they could meet. He wanted to thank him and buy him a drink. The P-51 now came in close formation and with a change in voice said, "You wouldn't want to do that "boss.". He was as black as the ace of spades. The B-24 pilot answered, "I will greet you with a bottle of the best in both hands."
The B-24 landed safely and taxied to its revetment. Later when the mechanics examined the B-24 they were amzed to discover all the fuel tanks were empty.
A true miracle of God, I know. I was the B-24 pilot.
If the pilots ever meet, the offer still stands and with a clear witness for Jesus Christ. John 3:16, Eph.2:8-10, and 2nd Cor.5:21."
1st Lieutenant A. Ray Stanford
15th Air Force, 48th Bomb Group, 824th Squadron
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