Mae West and the 445th Bombardment Group

The self inflated life preserver called the "Mae West" saved countless lives during the Second World War, and continues in service today. A vest sent by a viewer illustrates both the history of the life saving equipment, and the experience of the pilot who owned it.

Special thanks to James Powell.

Dedicated to Robert Powell Jr.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by THG

#history #thehistoryguy #WWII