Description:
Here an old B-17, fondly called Old Thunderbird by its crew, heads for retirement. It took a rich history with it. First designated the XB-17 by the Air Corps, the plane began its test flights in July 1935. As war clouds developed over much of the world, the B-17 was the airman's chief hope for the immediate future--a vision of the Promised Land. Then came Pearl Harbor, and many went up in smoke after the attack on Hickam Field. During the early years of the war, the B-17 became the world's most outstanding bombardment plane. Remarks - From left to right: Might in Flight/Hells Angels, 359th Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group (Molesworth) Boeing B-17G, 42 - 38050 "Thunderbird" 22 March 1945, 1st Lt. Fredrick A. Stewart, Airplane Commander; 2nd Lt.. Charles T. Backer Co-Pilot; 1st Lt. George E. Knox, Navigator; SSgt. Lloyd R. Bodin, Engineer, Cpl. Peter F. Bilski, Radio Operator; Cpl. Frank Chornyri, Gunner, Sgt. William M. Callicott, Gunner; Cpl. John R. Beam, Gunner; Cpl. Earnest L. Cofrances, Jr., Gunner.
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