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It's high noon on February 9th, 1944, near the harbor of Nice in southern France. The air is charged with tension as four Supermarine Spitfires from the 4th squadron of the 52nd Fighter Group circle their targets with the precision of eagles stalking their prey. Among these skilled pilots is Robert Anderson Hoover.
Descending upon his target, Hoover releases his ordnance, the bombs whistling as they plummet and explode around the enemy vessel. A missed
drop doesn't leave him time to dwell on the mistake, as his aircraft suddenly loses power. High above the clouds, a squadron of FW 190s seizes the opportunity to engage the vulnerable Spitfires.
Hoover, grappling with his misbehaving aircraft, spots four enemies closing in on him. Urgently radioing for assistance, he steers his crippled plane towards the threat. A dogfight ensues, with Hoover skillfully evading enemy fire as his fellow Spitfires race to his rescue. The iconic aircraft they operate, however, is outclassed by the FW 190s in almost every respect.
Despite their efforts, the Spitfires struggle against the more advanced German fighters. In a desperate turn, Hoover's aircraft is struck by a 20mm shell, causing the wing to shear off. Miraculously, Hoover ejects from the doomed machine, deploying his parachute over the Mediterranean waters, with the battle raging above.
Fished out of the sea by a German freighter, Hoover's resilience is tested through months of detention, interrogation, torture, and threats of execution. Despite the hardships, he maintains his resolve, divulging only his name, rank, and Service Number.
Fast forward to April 20th, 1945, and Hoover wakes up in Stalag Luft I, a prison camp outside Barth, Germany. Sounds of battle can be heard from their camp With the Soviets advancing and the front line encroaching on the camp, German guards are scarce as some of them have been sent to the front leaving only a skeleton crew behind. Sensing an opportunity, Hoover, along with fellow pilot Jerome Ennis and a Canadian known only as George, plans a daring escape.
Using a wooden plank found days earlier, they create a distraction within the camp, by staging a fake fight allowing them to slip away unnoticed. The trio makes a run for the fence, places the plank over the barbed wire, and successfully crosses to freedom varnishing into the moonlit s.
Their escape proceeds remarkably smoothly, and as they reach a nearby town, George chooses to go his own way. Hoover and Ennis find refuge in a farmhouse, where they are unexpectedly met by a Frenchwoman who offers assistance.
Provided with a small handgun and magazines, Hoover and Ennis express gratitude and set out on bicycles toward allied territory. Along the way, they encounter a seemingly abandoned German airfield. Hoover, eager to find a way home, persuades Ennis to investigate.
Surprising a German mechanic, the pair holds him at gunpoint, preparing an FW 190 for takeoff. With functional weapons and a full tank of fuel, Hoover decides to pilot the aircraft, despite Ennis's reluctance. Taking off from the deserted airfield, Hoover navigates by the northern coast of Germany, aiming for the iconic windmills of the Netherlands.
Flying low to avoid detection, Hoover faces the constant threat of interception or anti-aircraft fire. Miraculously passing the front undisturbed, he spots a windmill on the horizon. Opting for a grass field landing, Hoover safely touches down, only to be captured by angry Dutch civilians who mistake him for a German.
Fortunately, a passing British army supply truck intervenes, and Hoover explains his situation. Liberated by the British soldiers, he finally regains his freedom. Hoover's post-war years see him achieve fame as a stunt flier, test pilot, and instructor.
Though he never viewed the escape flight with pride, labeling it "the dumbest thing" he had ever done, Hoover's daring act earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. Living a long life, he passed away in 2016 at the age of 94. His legacy endures as one of the very few to have stolen a Luftwaffe warplane, a remarkable tale of courage, resilience, and an audacious bid for freedom.
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