The Legacy Of TheFlying Fortress

By Maria Morrison

Without the B-17 bomber, the world today would be very different. Many more lives and aircraft would have been lost, perhaps even World War II itself. Luckily, 12,731 of these amazing aircraft were manufactured, and some survive today.

Just 10 years before, aircraft were made of tubing, wood, and fabric. The B-17, however, was all metal, except the aileron, elevator, and rudder. Although it was only men who flew these planes in combat, 100% of the American population helped the war effort. Women helped build the airplanes, and some flew them as members of the WASPs. Kids dreamed of flying B-17's. George Daubner, EAA's B-17's Operating Manager, says that the B-17 is a "unique, important, and iconic representation of the technological advance during the war. If any airplane was going to take men home, it would be the B-17. They were able to return home with horrible damage to the airframe."

Sadly, despite the amazing ability to fly with maximum damage, almost 30% of bombers that went out didn't come back. There were 10 crew members on a B-17, and although many didn't make it back to their families, they were incredibly brave. They were the "generation that saved the world". Daubner says that "many men died in that plane to break the back of the Germans. They meant everything to the war effort. The pilots and planes are what is truly great about the USA.

To help preserve this legacy, EAA has a fully-restored B-17, Aluminum Overcast. But, just like the generation that flew these planes, they won't be around forever. We need to go out and experience the thrill of flying in a B-17 bomber. We need to listen to the stories of these brave veterans. The B-17 is yet another amazing part of aviation history available to the public at Oshkosh.

FMI: www.b17.org/