Some of the most dramatic and devastating battles of World War II took place high in the sky.

When remembering World War II, we conjure up images of soldiers on the ground, and high-speed dogfights in the air. But the bombing runs carried out by both the Allies and the Axis were probably the most destructive operations in the history of war.

The average bomber held about ten men, each with their own speciality and job. Working as a tight unit, they had to fly over enemy lines and meticulously calculate and skillfully execute their drops in an effort to destroy the enemy, all while taking heavy fire from the ground.

Here are the “Masters of the Air” dropping bombs, taking flak, and cruising over the most dangerous territories man has ever known.