326: Shot Down: A Son's Journey Through His Father's WWII Legacy

Guest

Following 4 ½ years of dedicated research about the World War II experiences of his father, pilot Howard Snyder, and the crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth, Steve published his book SHOT DOWN. Steve is president of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association and on the board of directors of the 8th Air Force Historical Society.

Summary

This podcast episode explores the air war over Europe during World War II, focusing on the experiences of B-17 bomber crews in the 8th Air Force. The discussion covers the dangerous missions aircrews face, including enemy attacks, harsh weather, and mechanical failures. A key turning point in the air war was the introduction of long-range fighters, such as the P-51, which helped secure Allied air superiority on D-Day.

Central to the discussion, Steve shares insights about his father's harrowing experiences as the bomber pilot of the “Susan Ruth, which was shot down over Belgium. Steve's father's story of evasion, joining the French Resistance, and eventual return to American forces is recounted. The episode also touches on Steve's extensive research, including interviewing the German pilot who shot down his father's plane.

Three takeaways:

1. The 8th Air Force faced extreme dangers and suffered heavy losses in their bombing campaign.

2. Long-range fighter escorts were crucial in gaining air superiority.

3. Preserving and sharing WWII veterans' stories is vital for educating future generations.

Social Media
Website - http://SteveSnyderAuthor.com

Amazon - http://bit.ly/ShotDownBook

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SteveSnyderShotDown/videos

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snyder-61570625/

Referenced

Documentary of Howard Snyder and the “Susan Ruth”

The “Toby Mug” from the movie, “Twelve O’Clock High”

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.