The Communist Party officials in the hall were taken aback and sat silently at the tables, their faces clearly showing upset. For them it was unthinkable that a musical performance could be dedicated to anyone besides Comrade Stalin, the Great Teacher and Leader. The officers were at a loss and glanced around at each other – some were imagining what terrible fate awaited them for permitting such an oversight.
Now, however, the military wind band suddenly struck up “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”, and the Americans leaped up from their tables and sang along in a thunderous chorus. All the crews sang with great enthusiasm. Ahead of them waited only more flights, sleepless nights, a barrage of anti-aircraft fire, vicious attacks by German fighters, death or capture – whatever each man’s destiny m
