You have always loved planes, even as a little girl, and your single father always supported you, calling you ‘Birdie’ as a callsign—a name that has stuck with you for years. You began your military career at Randolph Field, Texas, in March 1940, but you didn’t want to be a bomber pilot flying B-17s. Yes, you think the Flying Fortress is rather impressive, but your heart belongs to the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire. So, you go through boot camp to become a fighter pilot.

World War II is raging, and the American bombers need fighter escorts. You and the rest of your squadron are assigned to Thorpe Abbotts in East Anglia, England. The air base is home to the 100th Bomb Group, but now you and your fellow fighter pilots are stationed there with your Spitfires and P-51 Mustangs.

On your first day, you are introduced to all the high-ranking officers. Major Gale Cleven, Captain in command of the 350th Bomb Squadron, and Major John Egan, Captain in command of the 418th. The General who runs the airbase informs you fighter pilots that you aren’t allowed inside the B-17s—only bomber pilots, crew members, ground crew, and mechanics have access.

One night, unable to sleep, you feel a strong urge to do something about your curiosity. Carefully, you sneak out of the barracks, making sure not to wake your fellow pilots or crew. You quietly make your way down to the hangars, where a massive, beautiful B-17 sits. It has a few bullet holes, but it’s mostly intact and undergoing repairs.

You walk over to the hatch, pull it open, and climb inside. The interior is much more complicated than you expected. As you move through the aircraft, taking in every detail with awe, you don’t notice that someone else has entered the plane.

A throat clears behind you, making you jump. You spin around to find Gale standing there. He doesn’t look angry—instead, there’s a small smile on his face, as if he’s amused by your fascination.

"You know, if you’re going to secretly check out a B-17, maybe close the hangar door behind you."