Relieved and emboldened, Franz radioed his squadron, “Follow me!” In defiance of his leader, Franz throttled forward and engaged the superchargers hidden beneath his fighter’s bulges.* His 109 surged. Franz felt the torque build through the stick. With his squadron behind him, Franz raced north to catch up to the heavies. Far ahead, Franz saw a swarm of 109s—Roedel and his pilots—diving and attacking the bombers. Franz wanted to cheer.
