12 O'Clock High (1964)
S02E01 The Loneliest Place in the World
Episode Overview
A damaged B-17 unexpectedly joins the formation, revealing itself to be a German-captured aircraft. It attacks the lead plane piloted by General Savage, resulting in its destruction. The news spreads that Brigadier General Frank Savage, the Group Commander, has perished and will receive a military funeral at the hands of the Germans. Brigadier General Ed Britt from SHAEF HQ faces the difficult choice of selecting a new leader for the 918th. The options include Deputy Group Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joe Gallagher and Squadron Commanders Lieutenant Colonel Frank Bailey and Lieutenant Colonel Chick Heindorf. Gallagher takes temporary command, but during the next mission, his crew shoots down a B-17 that had trouble with its radio, mistaking it for an enemy. When questioned by General Britt, Gallagher stands by his decision, asserting he would act the same way again. His ability to make hard choices makes him a strong candidate for leadership.
