Video - Ball Turret Gunners: The Unsung Heroes of WWII's Deadliest Missions

Serving on a bomber in World War Two was almost a guaranteed death sentence. Depending on the unit and time of the war, US bomber crews could experience anywhere from 50% to just over 70% of their personnel becoming killed, missing, or taken prisoner. With such appalling casualty counts, it is no wonder why those who stepped forward to volunteer did so to the shock and surprise of their compatriots. But even with such a dangerous calling, some airmen in the community, who served as ball turret gunners, drew gasped shocks even from battle-hardened veterans when they volunteered.