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My interest in the B-17 started with the 1966 TV series
12 O'clock high. As a kid, I would stay awake just to watch
Col. Joe Gallagher (Paul Burke) pilot the Piccadilly Lily
through all of her perilous missions.
As an adult, I continue my intrigue with the Flying Fortress
by visiting museums and air shows to see first hand,
the beauty of the B-17 Flying Fortress.
I have been very lucky to see and tour several B-17s.
I have also had the enormous thrill of actually taking a ride
in one. On June 4, 2000, I was one of six passengers to
step back in time and fly aboard the Fuddy Duddy.
It was the ride of a life time and one I will never forget.
I thank my wife for her insistance and help : )
Today, I shook hands with history.
I met Col. Robert Morgan, pilot of the Memphis Belle
It was quite an honor.
The Memphis Belle, of course is the most famous B-17 of all.
Below you will find information on the Memphis Belle.
I hope you find this page both interesting and enjoyable.
The midi playing in the backround is Hero aptly chosen for all
the brave men of World War II.


The famous Memphis Belle, a B-17F-10-BO (41-24485)
of the 324th Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment
Group,was the first American bomber to complete 25 missions
over Europe and survive. This 25th mission was flown on
May 17, 1943. Following this mission, the plane returned
to the USA to take part in a war bond tour.
Upon completion of the tour, the Memphis Belle
was turned over to a training group at McDill Field
in Florida. In 1945, it was redesignated TB-17F.
In August of 1945, it was consigned to the Reconstruction
Finance Corporation for disposal.
It was about to be scrapped when a citizen of Memphis
happened to note that it was the famous Memphis Belle
and should be saved. The plane
was rescued from the scrap heap and was flown to
Memphis, Tennessee where it was put on display
outdoors on a pedestal. Over the succeeding years,
Memphis Belle began to show signs of wear
and tear as the inevitable effects of weather and
vandals took their toll. Public outcry at the sorry
state of Memphis Belle led to a major restoration
effort. Finally, in 1987, a fully-restored Memphis Belle,
now sporting a more-accurate paint
scheme, was put on permanent display underneath
a protective dome.