The understanding that man lives in Mind and the application of this truth as taught in Christian Science were an unfailing source of inspiration and protection to me while flying in combat with the Army Air Forces in Europe in 1942, and I wish to express my profound gratitude. I read the Lesson-Sermon daily, and before each take-off realized that there is no conflict or warfare in the spiritual universe, where man perpetually dwells as the image and likeness of God.
One morning after a month in combat our bomber was attacked by enemy fighters and shot down over northern France. Throughout the entire experience there was such an absolute sense of God's control, of His all-power and ever-active presence every moment, and of the unreality of material circumstance, that I cannot refrain from recounting the experience, hoping that it will bless others.
We were attacked at twenty-two thousand feet. A large section of the nose where I was riding was immediately shot from the plane by 20 mm. cannon. Three engines were soon burning and out of control. We left formation and decided to abandon the plane.
