But Franz wondered if the Count knew of the 262’s reputation for burning. He doubted the Count knew that the jet’s fuel was made from kerosene derived from coal, fuel housed in tanks in front of, behind, and below the pilot’s seat. Franz had heard Galland bragging to the men who had not flown the 262, “It’s as if angels are pushing you!” Franz knew that he and the pilots around him had outlived their nine lives. On the eve of battle, a new question troubled Franz. What happens when the angels stop pushing?
