Men, Machines, and Mental Health: The Complex American Air War Over Europe in World War II

Abstract

During World War II in the air war over Europe, young men from America in the Eighth Air Force flew heavy bombers during daylight bombing missions sometimes deep into the heart of Germany. What they encountered was a formidable foe in the German Luftwaffe, using destructive aircraft and devastating anti-aircraft ground fire. When the airmen weren’t flying, they were comfortable and safe at their bases in England, complete with bars, dances, hot food, showers, and women. The stark contrast between the two was confusing to many, causing American airmen to question which scenario was reality.

During this destruction and mental turmoil, the United States Army Air Force was ill-equipped to handle the deluge of mental health-related casualties the air war would create. Why were services so inadequate? How did airmen cope? How would they recover after the last bombs were dropped? Utilizing the words of flight surgeons, mental health professionals, historians, and the airmen themselves, we can get a peek into just how terrible the air war over Europe was, and how unproductive the available mental health services were.