Famed B-17 bomber celebrates 75th anniversary
It's called the "Flying Fortress" and there's good reason for the nickname.
The rock solid B-17 bomber — an airplane that in many cases could take a hit and keep on going — played an integral role in World War II in helping defeat Nazi Germany and its Axis partners. The famed bomber is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Retired Col. Harold "Hal" Weekley, who flew the B-17 as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces, said its durability helped make the renowned bomber plane special.
"It's a fine plane and could sustain a lot of damage. At the time, it was the biggest airplane in the world. It played a big part in us winning the war," said Weekley, 89, who lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Ga.
The B-17, although a ruggedly built plane, did take its losses in World War II. Weekley said about 4,560 B-17s were lost in the war. More than 12,000 of the bombers were built....
Read entire article at The Northwestern (WI)
The rock solid B-17 bomber — an airplane that in many cases could take a hit and keep on going — played an integral role in World War II in helping defeat Nazi Germany and its Axis partners. The famed bomber is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Retired Col. Harold "Hal" Weekley, who flew the B-17 as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces, said its durability helped make the renowned bomber plane special.
"It's a fine plane and could sustain a lot of damage. At the time, it was the biggest airplane in the world. It played a big part in us winning the war," said Weekley, 89, who lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Ga.
The B-17, although a ruggedly built plane, did take its losses in World War II. Weekley said about 4,560 B-17s were lost in the war. More than 12,000 of the bombers were built....