Historic B-17 Will Go To Wright-Patterson AFB

Supporters of keeping the historic Memphis Belle in Tennessee have faltered and finally failed. The B-17 Flying Fortress will be kept at the Museum of the Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH.

"To the community, it's like the loss of a landmark," Memphis Belle Memorial Association President Andy Pouncey told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal. "This plane is a landmark in time for folks. It won't be forgotten, but now, it's gone."

The Belle was made famous when it became the first B-17 to complete a full 25-mission tour of duty in Europe during WWII -- and coming home with its entire crew. It was briefly stored in a boneyard at Altus, OK, before being rescued and brought to Memphis, TN.

"This historical treasure meant a lot to Memphis," US Representative Harold Ford (D-TN) told the Commercial-Appeal, "and I trust that it will continue to be preserved and revered by the United States Air Force."

Piloted by Col. Robert Morgan (below, right), the Belle was glamorized in the 1990 movie bearing its name. But beyond the fiction, the story of Morgan, his crew and their plane was an inspiration throughout the AAF during the Second World War.

There was no immediate word from the Museum of the Air Force on plans to display the aircraft in Dayton.

Statement From Memphis Belle Memorial Association

The Air Force earlier this year, in consultation with the Tennessee Congressional delegation, agreed to offer the Memphis Belle Memorial Association (MBMA) an opportunity to demonstrate that it can provide for the aircraft's long-term care, display and restoration.

Last March our association working within the Air Force's schedule engaged an independent consultant to determine the feasibility of raising sufficient money from private sources to build a permanent facility to house the “Belle.” His work determined that at the current time, there was no way to fulfill the requirements of the Air Force, notwithstanding the extension allowed by the Air Force. Therefore, the MBMA is conveying possession of the “Memphis Belle” back to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, for completion of restoration and permanent exhibition.

The City of Memphis, under the leadership of Mayor Walter Chandler, rescued this airplane from the “bone yard” in Altus, Oklahoma in 1946. The volunteer spirit of West Tennessee's citizens offered their care for 59 years, and in March 2003 the MBMA placed it in a climate-controlled environment in order that it be restored. The opportunity now exists for it to become the “B-17” of record at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. While it will still be accessible to the citizens of Memphis, the Air Force will now be able to share its story with millions of people from all over the world.

The schedule for the move of the aircraft, which is now disassembled, is being developed. In the interim, it will be available for public viewing at The Jim Webb Restoration Center (8101 Hornet, Millington, TN) on Fridays and Saturdays (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) through October 2, 2005.

FMI: www.memphisbelle.com