Aces In Action Journal

Dottie G: The First B-17G to Reach Switzerland

Dottie G: The First B-17G to Reach Switzerland

Dottie G: The First B-17G to Reach SwitzerlandBy Craig Tinder | Aces In Action Historical Blog 25 February 1944 - the crew of Dottie G, a B-17G-10-DL Flying Fortress from the 92nd Bomb Group, 325th Squadron, faced a critical choice:...

Read more

First Claws Forward: The F-14A Tomcat’s Debut with VF-1 “Wolfpack”

First Claws Forward: The F-14A Tomcat’s Debut with VF-1 “Wolfpack”

First Claws Forward: The F-14A Tomcat’s Debut with VF-1 “Wolfpack”By Craig Tinder | Aces In Action Historical Blog When the F-14 Tomcat made its fleet debut in the early 1970s, it represented a generational leap in naval aviation. Armed with...

Read more

Silent Strike: Behind the B-2's Midnight Hammer Mission

Silent Strike: Behind the B-2's Midnight Hammer Mission

In the early hours of June 22, 2025, over 125 U.S. military aircraft took part in a coordinated operation codenamed Midnight Hammer. The mission focused on three high-priority nuclear facilities in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. At the center of the...

Read more

Super Skater - Blackbird Breakaway

Super Skater - Blackbird Breakaway

Super Skater - Blackbird BreakawayBy Craig Tinder | Aces In Action 17 June 1970 - Maj Buddy Brown and Maj Mort Jarvis were flying a test mission in SR-71A “Super Skater,” tail number 61-7970. Their goal was to evaluate newly...

Read more

Memphis Awaits the Belle: The Moment That United a Country

Memphis Awaits the Belle: The Moment That United a Country

On June 19, 1943, the Memphis Belle lifted off from Washington, D.C.—not headed into combat this time, but toward something entirely different: home. After completing 25 dangerous bombing missions over Europe with her crew intact, the Belle had earned her place in history. Now, she was beginning a new mission: a War Bond Tour across the U.S., aimed at boosting morale and raising funds.

Read more

The Legendary King Tiger Tank, The Story Behind "Panzer Ace"

The Legendary King Tiger Tank, The Story Behind "Panzer Ace"

November 1944 - Kurt Knispel, commanding a King Tiger Tank (Black 334) of the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion, entered Budapest, Hungary, as part of Germany’s desperate effort to hold the city against the encircling Red Army. Armed with the powerful 88mm cannon, the King Tiger was crucial in countering Soviet forces aiming to seize control of the Danube River. Knispel, credited with nearly 200 tank kills, was renowned for his tactical brilliance and long-range precision. Despite his unmatched achievements, his independent nature and rejection of political ideology kept him from receiving Germany’s highest military honor. Though the battle ended in retreat, Knispel’s skill and courage left a lasting mark in armored warfare.

Read more

Ira Kepford and the Story of the Jolly Rogers - "Fighting 17"

Ira Kepford and the Story of the Jolly Rogers - "Fighting 17"

On February 19, 1944, Ira "Ike" Kepford of VF-17 downed a Japanese Rufe fighter near Cape Siar, marking the start of a harrowing solo battle against 20 enemy Zekes that tested his skill and resolve. Despite overwhelming odds, Kepford returned victorious, adding three kills to his tally and cementing his place as one of the Pacific's most daring aces.

Read more

TADLUR and the Story behind "Through Danger Let Us Ride"

TADLUR and the Story behind "Through Danger Let Us Ride"

19 August 1943 - B-17F 41-29595 TADLUR (Through Danger Let Us Ride), piloted by Lt. A.L. Nelson with Bombardier Lt. Thomas F. Morris, flew with the 20th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Group, on Mission 57 to Foggia, Italy. The crew carried out a precise and highly effective bombing run on the transformer station and marshalling yards, a critical target for disrupting enemy logistics. On the return flight, the 20th Bomb Squadron, endured a ferocious attack from Luftwaffe fighters, with TADLUR shooting down two aircraft and likely destroying a third. Despite sustaining damage and heavy losses within the formation, TADLUR successfully navigated the onslaught and returned safely to base.

Read more

The Return to Pearl Harbor

The Return to Pearl Harbor

This fine art print by artist Craig Tinder depicts a flight of three B-17E Flying Fortresses rounding the landing pattern to deliver much needed supplies and equipment - one of the first landings after the attack on Pearl Harbor. This limited edition canvas series includes an actual fragment of B-17E 41-2443. 

Read more