tail gunner

Aft aircraft shooter

A tail gunner is the crew member who operates the rear-facing gun position on a military aircraft, defending against attacks from behind.

The role was prominent in World War II bombers like the B-17.

Figuratively, someone who watches your back or guards against threats from behind: He served as tail gunner on the project, catching problems before they reached the boss.

WWII

B-17

Heavy American bomber

LancasterEnglish dynasty, fifteenth century
Flying FortressArmed heavy bomber aircraft
bomberExplosive-delivery aircraft or saboteur

squadron · flak · sortie · Luftwaffe · Messerschmitt · formation · raid · ball turret · oxygen mask · intercom

aircrew

turret

Protruding fortified structure

crewmanMember of ship's staff
airmanOne who pilots aircraft
bombardierPlane's payload releaser

navigator · pilot · copilot · flight engineer · radio operator · intercom · parachute · flight suit · oxygen mask · headset

vulnerability

exposed

Out in open

isolatedSeparated from others
targetObject of pursuit
unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield

dangerous · lonely · cold · cramped · separated · attack angle · blind spot · sitting duck · mortality rate · hazardous

armament

ammunition

Weapon projectiles and charges

tracerPath-marking projectile
roundsAmmunition or bout divisions
belt-fedAmmunition via flexible chain

turret · gunsight · trigger · recoil · muzzle · burst · stoppage · jam · reload

slang

last place

Lowest rank achieved

trailingFollowing behind something
stragglerOne who lags behind
backmarkerLast-place racer

bringing up the rear · final position · end of the line · behind

tail gunner

B-17

turret

exposed

ammunition

last place

tail gunner

Opposites

Categories

Family