Honor!

Yes, German ace Franz Stigler did not shoot down the badly damaged B-17 bomber "Ye Olde Pub," piloted by Charles "Charlie" Brown, on December 20, 1943; instead, Stigler escorted the crippled American plane to safety, an act of chivalry that led to a lifelong friendship after the two met decades later. Stigler chose mercy over completing his kill, seeing the crew was unable to fight, and guided them past German territory, saluting before leaving them to reach the English Channel.
Key Details of the Incident:
The Setting: After a bombing mission over Bremen, Charlie Brown's B-17 was heavily damaged by flak and fighters, with wounded crew and few functioning systems.
Stigler's Choice: Luftwaffe ace Franz Stigler intercepted the bomber but, seeing its condition and remembering his own commander's words on chivalry, decided against shooting it down.
The Escort: Stigler flew alongside the bomber, shielding it from anti-aircraft fire, and guided it to safety over the North Sea.
The Reunion: Both pilots kept the incident secret, fearing repercussions, but Brown searched for Stigler in the 1980s, leading to a reunion in 1990 and a deep friendship until their deaths in 2008.