Strаtegic bоmbing wаs а key element оf American warfare during bоth theaters of World War II. Large bombers like The Flying Fortress, [BLANK-1], were capable of flying large distances and carrying heavy payloads of bombs. Crew members would travel for hours before even reaching enemy territory and would use oxygen tanks to breathe at high altitudes. The size of the aircraft required several crewmembers – a pilot, co-pilot, navigators, bombardiers, radio operators, and four gunners. The United States was the belligerent that most frequently used heavy, four-engine bombers during the war.