Just amazing how that team and so many like hers kept the Memphis Belle and other big bombers flying. And, while 25 missions is just a number, it was a terrific accomplishment. The B17 was a formidable bomber but so vulnerable to enemy attack.
Bravo to the Memphis Belle Team. How about the $350 the mayor of Memphis spent to save her from the crusher. Thank you Tara. May God bless the Greatest Generation and all others who have served this great nation.
They were indeed blessed by God, to go that many missions with no casualties is amazing! That last mission must have been tense with so much riding on it! Thanks Tara!!
The Memphis Belle sat neglected for years in Memphis TN on Mud Island, as a tourist attraction. She sat out in the elements, and close to the Mississippi River, and never received periodic maintenance. The Air Force Museum offered the city of Memphis the opportunity to keep their name sake, but they would have to do extensive corrosion control maintenance and repair to do so. The city fathers of Memphis ignored the request from the USAF Museum, so the Memphis Belle was removed from Mud Island and returned to her true home at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in 2005, and after 55,000 hours of restoration she went on display in 2015.
I wish I could post a picture of one of my two copies of the Avalon Hill Game Company game B-17 (one copy I play, the other I’d like to show you). I was able to get a copy signed by the pilot and copilot of the Memphis Bell when I met them in the 80s…
We have visited the Belle several times. She holds a place of honor at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. What a great story of the need for teamwork. Thanks, Tara!
The Captain must have played sports prior to WWII. The team is to operate as one unit not just as a bunch of individuals. Yes part of the unit may get hurt, but the unit collectively contributes to finish the game. The Captain was great team leader by keeping the team members calm enough to do their jobs and bring them home safely. Congratulations to the crew of the Memphis Belle.
If you have never been to Dayton to see that museum, I highly recommend it. A fascinating place with so much history it takes more than 1 day to see it all!
I echo Barb’s thoughts . . . teamwork is vital and these boys knew it and showed it. However, for whatever reason this plane was blessed and there was “another in the fire” and God was not through with these fellows. I cannot begin to imagine what these crews went through being fired on. Thank you to all of the WWII soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, factory workers, and spouses left at home that fought, suffered, and died to ensure our freedom.
Great story. The book I just finished had quite a few stories of what these crews faced in the air. To say the least it' was astonishing. Then you realize a lot of the guys on the crews were just 18 to 20 years old.
Memphis Belle was amazing and the crew more so. The lessons learn have been shared in aviation circles for years.
Thanks Tara for highlights of this journey.
Teamwork - absolutely!
I would add God’s protection too!
I saw the Memphis Belle in Dayton. But I didn’t know the rest of the story. Thank you Tara!
Just amazing how that team and so many like hers kept the Memphis Belle and other big bombers flying. And, while 25 missions is just a number, it was a terrific accomplishment. The B17 was a formidable bomber but so vulnerable to enemy attack.
Bravo to the Memphis Belle Team. How about the $350 the mayor of Memphis spent to save her from the crusher. Thank you Tara. May God bless the Greatest Generation and all others who have served this great nation.
Exactly Right ✅️ 👏 👌 💯 👍
They were indeed blessed by God, to go that many missions with no casualties is amazing! That last mission must have been tense with so much riding on it! Thanks Tara!!
The Memphis Belle sat neglected for years in Memphis TN on Mud Island, as a tourist attraction. She sat out in the elements, and close to the Mississippi River, and never received periodic maintenance. The Air Force Museum offered the city of Memphis the opportunity to keep their name sake, but they would have to do extensive corrosion control maintenance and repair to do so. The city fathers of Memphis ignored the request from the USAF Museum, so the Memphis Belle was removed from Mud Island and returned to her true home at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in 2005, and after 55,000 hours of restoration she went on display in 2015.
I wish I could post a picture of one of my two copies of the Avalon Hill Game Company game B-17 (one copy I play, the other I’d like to show you). I was able to get a copy signed by the pilot and copilot of the Memphis Bell when I met them in the 80s…
We have visited the Belle several times. She holds a place of honor at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. What a great story of the need for teamwork. Thanks, Tara!
I’ve seen the Memphis Bell, used to live in Memphis, great plane!
Amazing story of a crew of ten. Heros all!.
Great story, Tara.
I loved B17s as a child and read everything I could about them. Tremendous lessons learned for every organization.
The Captain must have played sports prior to WWII. The team is to operate as one unit not just as a bunch of individuals. Yes part of the unit may get hurt, but the unit collectively contributes to finish the game. The Captain was great team leader by keeping the team members calm enough to do their jobs and bring them home safely. Congratulations to the crew of the Memphis Belle.
Another great story Tara! Thank you.
❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
If you have never been to Dayton to see that museum, I highly recommend it. A fascinating place with so much history it takes more than 1 day to see it all!
I echo Barb’s thoughts . . . teamwork is vital and these boys knew it and showed it. However, for whatever reason this plane was blessed and there was “another in the fire” and God was not through with these fellows. I cannot begin to imagine what these crews went through being fired on. Thank you to all of the WWII soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, factory workers, and spouses left at home that fought, suffered, and died to ensure our freedom.
Great story. The book I just finished had quite a few stories of what these crews faced in the air. To say the least it' was astonishing. Then you realize a lot of the guys on the crews were just 18 to 20 years old.
🇺🇲 Another amazing story that gives me new details. 🇺🇸 Thanks, TR 🇺🇸
Teamwork makes the dream work!