Bf-109 "Yellow 2" of Franz Stigler High Top Canvas Shoes
Did you know that on 20 December 1943 a Luftwaffe Fighter pilot chose NOT to shoot down a crippled B-17 bomber? This incident was subsequently known as the "The Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler incident"
The Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler incident occurred on 20 December 1943, when, after a successful bomb run on Bremen, 2nd Lt Charles "Charlie" Brown's B-17 Flying Fortress (named "Ye Olde Pub") was severely damaged by German fighters. Luftwaffe pilot Franz Stigler flying a Messerschmitt Bf-109 had the opportunity to shoot down the crippled bomber, however once close enough he could see through the damaged bomber's airframe injured and incapacitated crew. To the American pilot's surprise, Stigler did not open fire on the crippled bomber. Stigler recalled the words of one of his commanding officers from Jagdgeschwader 27, “If I ever see or hear of you shooting at a man in a parachute, I will shoot you myself." Stigler later commented, "To me, it was just like they were in a parachute. I saw them and I couldn't shoot them down."
Twice Stigler tried to get Brown to land his plane at a German airfield and surrender, or divert to nearby neutral Sweden, where he and his crew would receive medical treatment and be interned the remainder of the war. Brown and the crew of the B-17 didn't understand what Stigler was trying to mouth and gesture to them and so flew on. He then flew near Brown's plane in a formation on the bomber's port side wing, so German antiaircraft units would not target it; he then escorted the damaged B-17 over the coast until they reached open water. Brown, unsure of Stigler's intentions at the time, ordered his dorsal turret gunner to point at Stigler but not open fire in order to warn him off. Understanding the message and certain that the bomber was out of German airspace, Stigler departed with a salute.
Years later in 1986 the then-retired Lt. Col. Brown decided he should try to find the unknown German pilot. Over 4 years later after an extensive search by Brown, the two pilots finally met each other and developed a friendship that lasted until Stigler's death in March 2008.
I Love A Hangar offers product designs based on historic militaria from World War 1 to present. I Love A Hangar is not affiliated with, and does not condone or embrace the past, present or future philosophies of any radical political, religious or racist organizations.
Step into history with our warbird themed canvas shoes! Each pair of shoes are made to order, featuring designs inspired by history’s most remarkable military aircraft and aviators. So, whether you are a warbird buff, air show fanatic or simply a lover of aviation, you can be certain our designs will bring a touch of style and history to your everyday wardrobe.
✈ Made to order.
✈ Classic lace-up closure to achieve the perfect fit.
✈ Brushed metal eyelets for that timeless style.
✈ Soft inner lining and insole for absolute comfort.
✈ Iconic rounded rubber toe cap.
We understand that shoe sizing can be tricky, even when measuring carefully. If your shoes don’t fit as expected, we want to make sure you’re not left with something you can’t wear.
That’s why all footwear orders are covered by our Shoe Size Guarantee.
What we offer:
- One free size replacement per order, subject to the customer-level limits outlined above
- No need to return the shoes you have received
- The replacement is produced and shipped at no cost to you
Important conditions:
- Size replacements are limited to two sizes up or down from the original size ordered
- This applies to size changes only, not product, style, colour or design changes
- If an order includes multiple pairs of shoes, only one pair is eligible
- Refunds will not be issued for sizing disputes; only exchanges are available. If the correct size cannot be achieved because the largest or smallest size we offer is not suitable, we may, at our discretion, review the order for a possible refund. Any such review does not convert a sizing issue into a manufacturing fault.
If you’re unsure of your size, we recommend ordering one pair first to ensure the right fit before placing a larger order.
To keep this policy fair for everyone, we reserve the right to decline additional size replacement requests where multiple orders are placed in close succession or as part of a pattern that reasonably appears designed to bypass the above limits.
To request a size replacement, please contact our Customer Support Team with:
- Your 5-digit order number
- The size received and whether it is too big or too small
- The new size requested (please refer to our size guides for available sizes and shoe dimensions)
What happens next:
- We’ll arrange the correct size for you and have it sent as soon as possible
- There is no need to return the original item; if you’re able to, we kindly ask that it is donated to someone in need or to a suitable local charity. If it isn’t suitable to donate, please dispose of it responsibly
Please note that requests must be received within 30 days of the original item being delivered. This entitlement does not override the customer-level limits set out in Section 3 of our Refund Policy
Production & Shipping times can be found here.
This product is made to order, with production beginning once your order has been received. We are, therefore, not able to cancel or amend an order once it has been placed. This includes changes to the shipping address, size, design, or any other specifications. Please review your order details carefully before finalising your purchase. By producing items on demand rather than in large quantities, we actively contribute to minimising overproduction and waste. We genuinely appreciate your mindful purchasing choices, which support this more sustainable approach. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Please note there can be subtle variations in colour and minor movement of the product during production that may cause a design element not to be the exact same colour or in the exact position as it appears onscreen. More details can be found on our FAQ page.
This product is manufactured in, and shipped from China.
Our Refund policy including details on Replacements and Size Guanratees can be found here.
Many thanks for my wonderful sneakers! I shall wear them with pride to remember my 25th mission with Bill DeSanders.
I was a bit dubious in ordering these, but I was very pleasantly surprised. They are excellent and well thought out. You just need to be patient regarding delivery. Well worth the wait. I'll be getting more.
Wonderful customer service. My error in 1st order they were good to their word and replaced at no charge. New order fits perfectly. Love the shoes.
Great quality nice comfortable and look so cool.
Brilliant shoes, comfortable and good soles. Customer service was excellent as well as my delivery went somewhere else but they helped me locate it.
I ordered a pair of the Avro Arrow shoes, and was totally impressed. What great quality, and super comfortable. I will be getting more for sure, thanks for a great shoe and supporting all of these great institutions, great job folks.