The Piggyback Flight Pilot's Journey

The airfield is quiet now! A warm breeze bends the grass that was once moved by the engine of the flying fortresses. Seventy-four years earlier, Glenn H. Rojohn would take off from Thorpe Abbotts and be involved in an event that raises questions to this day!!!

The Piggyback Flight is the story of courage, heroism, and legend.

-Michael Faley, 100th Bomb Group Historian


In early December 1944, flight engineer T/Sgt Conley Culpepper flew aboard "The Little Skipper" for the fourth and final time. His 100th Bomb Group was headed to Berlin, again.

Seventy years later, in a college aviation-science classroom, his namesake grandson discussed the remarkable airmanship that kept two conjoined B-17s, "The Little Skipper" and "Nine Lives," in the air on the final day of December 1944.

The skills, discipline, and selfless actions of Glenn H Rojohn and William Leek saved many lives. Their example for young pilots is not lost to history.

- Chip Culpepper, 100th Bomb Group Foundation Board Director

Events of survival like the Piggyback occurred during WWII. The bravery and sacrifice that the 100th Bomb Group endured needs to be told so future generations can learn from these men.

- Dan Rosenthal, President of 100th Bomb Group Foundation and son of "Rosie" Rosenthal.