Survival at Altitude for Heavy and Very Heavy Bomber Crews

This short, factual guide was issued to U.S. airmen in the latter part of World II to keep bomber crews alive and effective while soaring above fifteen thousand feet. It explains why oxygen becomes a matter of survival at altitude, lists the exact heights where supplemental air is required, and outlines the physical symptoms of hypoxia that can cripple a mission. The tone is plain‑spoken, reflecting the urgency of lessons learned from combat sorties.

The manual walks the reader through the specific systems installed in the B‑17 Flying Fortress, B‑24 Liberator and the newer B‑29 Superfortress, describing demand regulators, mask types, cylinder inspections and emergency procedures. Practical checklists teach crew members how to detect leaks, adjust flow rates, and revive a comrade who has passed out from oxygen loss. By the end of the first part, listeners will have a clear picture of the routine drills that turned a dangerous environment into a manageable battlefield.