Thank you to those who worked long hard hours to restore this iconic one of a kind piece of American history. Welcome home girl....we've missed you. Long Live the Belle!
These beautiful ladies brought her crews home time after time under the worst circumstances imaginable. Kudos to the aircraft and the almost unimaginably brave crews who operated them.
I am crying. This is too awesome for words. My uncle was a navigator on a B-17 He died doing his job. How beautiful do these two birds look? The Belle and the Baby. Awesome!!!
Both aircraft COMBAT VETERANS of the greatest conflict of mankind. Icons of the "Greatest Generation" as a "baby boomer", Vietnam era veteran and, son of a soldier who fought on Gaudalcanal my heart is warmed and my chest swells with pride when I SEE THESE AIRCRAFT!
Turned into a very solemn moment watching these planes. Hope that the brave men who flew these, know that they are still held in our hearts and are not forgotten. Carry On....👍
The Memphis Belle is so beautiful! I saw the 1990 movie when I was a little kid and I have been in love with plane ever since. She is a testament to all of the airmen who fought during World War II and to the B-17s that flew to defeat the enemy. You guys did an amazing job in getting the Memphis Belle to Dayton and restoring her to every little detail that tells a story about plane's life. I am planning on going to the unveiling event in May and this will be the first time to see the Belle since I first saw it under restoration. Thank you and God bless!
As someone who used to wash the 'Belle in Memphis in the late 90s, and who has flown twice on the Nine-O-Nine, I'm very happy to see this old girl in good hands.
What can I say. I have loved this airplane since I was a little boy. I'm now on the cusp of 73 and I hope I live long enough to visit the museum and see her. Thank you for preserving this wonderful national treasure. Blue Sky's to all who brought her back to life. Bill
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force no problem,keep history alive,keep remembering the boys and the USAAF and thank you for all the service you have given to the UK past and presant. god bless you all. Much love josh
I got to see the Belle in July 2019. I have been a military aircraft buff since I was a kid. The SR 71 Blackbird was my bucket list aircraft and when I got to see one, I was awestruck. Seeing the Belle brought tears and a reverence I'd never felt before. Not even when I was able to up close to the Enola Gay, did I feel such a feeling, and I'll never forget it.
The best day of my life was back in 2010 at "Thunder over Michigan" when they had eight B-17s and B-24 Witch Craft all in the air at one time circling the field. I haven't been to the Dayton Museum in 20 years. I think I have a new reason to visit again.
I can't wait until Thursday to see her unveiled to the public. I am fortunate enough to live about an hour drive from this Museum. If you ever get the chance to visit, it is an amazing place and 100% free to visit. It will take you about 2 solid days to see the entire Museum. A true treasure to aviation history.
That shot of her looking at Shoo Shoo Baby nose to nose with the old Army Air Corps roundel in the background sent a chill right up my spine. I live here in Southern California so unfortunately won’t make the big day, but hope to come during the summer. You folks did an outstanding job. I know I said this in a previous video’s comment section, but it really IS a damn shame Bob Morgan (or any of her other crew members) is no longer with us to see the ol’ girl on her big day. You folks did a hell of a great job. Congratulations to you all! Cheers
Proud to be an American, I've studied the Belle since I was a youngster. Built several models of her.Thank you dad for sharing you love of history that set me on this path,and a big THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WORKED ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT RESTORATION. I'll see her later this year.God bless the young men who flew her when it counted.
The B-17 is my all time favourite WW2 Plane...and one of the beautifulest Planes ever made in my opinion..I really like the story behind it and the Memphis Belle!
I live in Huntington WV (about 3 hours away) and I have visited this museum multiple times, and I have never been so excited to revisit in May. Makes me want to cry. Great job!!!
I visited the AF museum yesterday (May 17). I am very impressed with the restoration of the Memphis Belle and the display in the museum. Outstanding work and kudos to all involved. This is, by far the best display in the museum. The display really stands out because the aircraft is elevated on supports and in a flying configuration with the gear retracted. The bomb bay is open and lit for viewing. You can also get a great view of the ball turret.
Good to see her restored instead of being left out in elements prior (never seen it but knew she was in poor condition). I remember having conversation with co-worker the other day about planes and mentioned that 25 missions and a wake up, before heading home. He asked why only 25? I then told him about flak that could blow apart their planes and friends alike, enemy fighters shooting big ass bullets, freezing temperatures, survival rate, etc, think he walked away with little bit more understanding after that talk.
It's only a pity that she'll never fly again. Yes I can understand why she is to valuable to risk loosing in an accident but, still a pity that she'll never do that which she was made for..... to fly.
Sometimes, there simply are no words big enough, wise enough, thoughtful enough, or worthy enough to describe events like this! 10,000 Thanks to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, it's leadership, public affairs office, research division, sponsors, and especially to the dedicated restoration artists who made this day, and the upcoming ceremonies of the Memphis Belle's return to duty, possible. I salute you all!
Glad to finally see her finally restored to her former glory. I grew up with this plane in Memphis. She went from a pedestal exposed to the elements at the armory near the liberty bowl, moved to a field at the North end of Memphis Int'l, partially restored and moved to Mud Island under a canopy still exposed, covered in mayflies, disassembled and in pieces at Millignton Navy Base. It's too bad she's now in Ohio and I have to make the trip, but it is worth it that I know she will be safe, clean and beautiful from now on. I am grateful to the USAF and the USAF Museum for stepping up and doing what needed to be done, because the City of Memphis sure as hell was not.
@@skirtchaser0 They did a phenomenal job. I'm no engineer but I bet it would not be a stretch to make her air worthy again. I was more than impressed when I saw her.
Being a Memphian, I'm so very happy The Belle has found a proper home. She looks beautiful. Thanks so much to those responsible for making her so pretty and keeping her memory alive. God bless the USA!
Magnificent, simply magnificent! Can't help but notice, though, that the "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby" is missing all of its guns, while the Belle has all of hers. I first saw the "Memphis Belle" in the early '80s when it was being kept outside in the elements at the Memphis Airport. My folks lived in Memphis at the time, and there was a restaurant next to the airport called the 91st Bomb Group. The Belle was parked right next to the restaurant, although in a fenced-off area (which didn't keep people from getting inside and stripping it). She was in sad shape - dirty, rusty, faded paint, covered in pigeon poop - the city of Memphis should have been ashamed at how they let this icon of American military history deteriorate. I was very glad to hear that the Air Force had taken the aircraft back from the city of Memphis and was going to restore it, and I'm thrilled at the job they did!
Seeing this brings me to tears and the effort that was made to bring this old but historic girl back again in her place in history and these men and others made the ultimate sacrifice to see what 20 years of painstaking work was all about and now we see the results today and she is home in DAYTON OH to be kept there for the rest of her days and nights in our own USA and you men did the best possible to work on her and get those very hard to find parts and get her back to the condition she is in today.God bless all of you that did the work and the long hours spent to bring back a very important part of our nations history and now she is in her resting place in DAYTON OH and home at last for good.
An interesting fact about these two aircraft is that they both spent their entire combat careers in the same group, the 91st Bomb Group at Bassingnbourne, England but never flew a mission together.
Let us not forget that prior to 1944, each crew had to complete 25 combat missions to be eligible to return home. Statistics at the time showed that each crew had a average of a 1 in 4 chance of making it or about 12 to 14 missions. The Memphis Belle was the first B-17 in the 8th Air Force to successfully complete a tour of 25 combat missions. God bless the airmen who bought our freedom and paid for it in blood. It is a fitting tribute to these brave men that the Belle has been rescued from decay and restored to pristine condition. Thanks to the restorers and the USAF Museum for preserving our aviation heritage.
I once had the privilege of going inside a B17 at a air show in (think it was about) 1990, here in the UK. I had always know that our brave RAF bomber crews had taken there lives in there hands each time they flow a mission to help destroy the Nazi war machine, but once I was inside the B17, then after I exited the plane and still to this day, I have just as much respect and admiration for the courage of the crews of the USAF who flow there missions in day light rides. The planes are just a aluminium skeleton, covered in a very thin aluminium skin. You could probably shoot through it with a air rifle and the crews (either RAF or USAF) were being shot at with 7.92mm bullets, 20mm & 30mm canons, not forgetting the shrapnel from the AA guns. I served my Queen & country as a infantryman in the 1980's (I never saw any action, thank God), but at least if we had ever came under fire, we could hit the deck or would have been a fox hole to return fire from. But being in a aluminium target/can, no where to hide, no where to run to, just fireing back and hope you don't get parts of you blow apart or all of you into pieces, day after day, month after month and in the RAF case, year after year! As the US crews had a set amount of missions, then IF they lived were sent home. The words brave and courage seems to fall some what short when considering there war time service. All I can say from one that grow up in a free country because of what they did and the ones who gave there all is.... Thank you. And thank you to the people who keep these planes in such wonder full condition, so other generations can see them and can be told what they did and why, when flown be there heroic crews in WWII, both RAF & the USAF. Less we forget.........
A Ex-Blacksmith UK Lest We Forget the brave young RAAF , RNZAF, RSAAF and RCAF aircrews, many of whom also lost their lives, whilst attached to RAF Bomber Command.
A Ex-Blacksmith UK...... My friend it was a TEAM effort at holding back and then overcoming the dark forces of evil in WWII. This "Yank" has a great deal of respect and admiration for that handful of courageous British lads who often flew several missions a day. Dawn to dusk in patched up "Kites". The Hurricanes and Spitfires that held back the Nazi Luftwaffe in those dark, doubtful hours of the Battle of Britain. Their selfless devotion to duty prompting the great Winston Churchill to utter the phrase "Never in the course of human events has so much been owed by so many to so few. God bless those brave lads.
I wasn’t aware that the British used the expression “fox hole”. I thought they called it a “trench” and that fox hole was an American phrase. I’m not being picky...just curious.
The B-17 is one of if not the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. The Memphis Belle is one fine lady, glad to see her restored. This is on my bucket list to go see her and the rest of the aircraft at the NMUSAF. Long drive from Florida though.
Sad to say most of the original USAAF have gone to a higher place and those remaining are in their 90's. I'm sure it must be heartening to them to know they will never be forgotten.
Great to see these fine aircraft together and a fitting tribute to all US airmen who fought during World war two. This is a very fine museum and a must visit if you are in the area.
Back when SSB was in Dover,De. for its first restoration, I donated a b17 radio I picked up at a garage sale in the early 70's. I hope it's still in her!
It is just so sad to see these gorgeous warbirds stationary. It is an immense effort to get them flying, but let's hope... I've witnessed the flight of "Sally B" many times in Duxford, UK, and - I tell you - it is always a sight to bring tears into your eyes (not to mention the sound!).
So excited! I feel like I grew up with this plane. I saw the movie in grade school, and begged my family to take to the Mud Island museum in Memphis (they relented!). Having her so close to home now and fully restored has me flipping out!
As a very young child I remember playing with a small model aircraft, but couldn't remember which aircraft it was. Curiosity set in, so last year I dug it out of a toy box and found it to be a model of the B-17F Memphis Belle. I was shocked! Now I get to see the full scale aircraft, the one that was there, flying missions from England to Germany in WWII. What an honor! Ken LaRock-NMUSAF Photographer
I'll bet that was shock! It's great how these aircraft touch us on such a personal level after two generations. I noticed your signature - you must LOVE your job. I'm currently stationed in Kansas with the Army, but my father is a photographer and he's going to try to make it to the Belle's debut weekend to get some good photos.
Congratulations to all on such superb workmanship. It's inspiring to see the Memphis Belle moving into her new home, looking beautiful. But bittersweet to see the Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby pushed out. I'm sure she'll have a great new life at the Smithsonian.
In July my childhood dream comes true when I fly in from Australia to see the aircraft I have loved for over 50 years. I'll be seeing the Belle then going for a ride in Aluminium Overcast. As a very young kid I loved watching 12 O'Clock High (movie and series), now I'll see these beautiful aircraft for real.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force The Belle is special,to the dedication of the crews to get the old gal back is almost overwhelming and again many thanks for uploading...Subbed and liked my friend.
Impressive restoration! Also nose to nose meet-up for the two -17S! We did the same thing 5 years ago when NASA dropped off Discovery and we put it nose to nose with Enterprise. Can't wait to see OUR (I'm a docent at the Smithsonian Nat'l Air and Space Museum) airplane at Udvar-Hazy (Shoo-Shoo Baby).
My only complaint. Other than that I wasn't there. Belle's nose art was covered. What an image that would've made. Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby and the Belle nose to nose!
Its awesome to see good o'l Belle still kicking. Its unfortunate that another famous B-17 Nine O Nine was scrapped even though she broke many AAF records by completing 126-132 missions without aborting for mechanical problems. As disappointing as this may be, its good to see that her name still lives on in her replica, and seeing the Belle right before my eyes on my computer screen almost brings a tear to my eye. as soon as an exhibit for her is complete, I will head straight there you can promise that!
When I was about 10 years old, I saw the Bell on a pedestal in front of the Guard Armory (Memphis (Tn)..............Great to see the ole' girl still around......
A great piece of History from the USAAC Honoring all who have died but The Memphis Belle prove the impossible, bringing home all the boys in one piece . WHAT A FIGURE I SAY WHAT A FIGURE.
My uncle completed his 25 missions as the navigator on B-17s. He saved one arming fuse pin from a bomb on each mission he flew, and made a souvenir display board for them. His grandson has it.
i have been to bassinbourn where it flew it 25 missions the control tower as been shut for two years but now it re-opening in may this year i hope to go back
when it re-open some time in may this year go on website punch in tower museum bassinbourn royson and it will all come up and they have photos if that might help
looking forward to seeing this plane on display finally. Is been a long anticipating wait to see such piece of history.. WOW 25 combat complete missions..
Several years ago when my Dad was a volunteer at the museum they had an employee appreciation evening at the museum & they opened up the planes. I climbed into the B-17 Shoo Shoo baby & got a tour. Then when I got out I noticed the tail gunners hatch was open so what the heck I climbed into the tail gunners seat & grasped those twin .50 Calibers & moved them around & looked out the window. That was a neat night! Oh & I got to sit in an ME262 that night also!
We are having our 610 MASS Yokota AB reunion in Dayton this summer so I’ll be there to see the bell and the Hanoi Taxi too. It was a Norton AFB bird and I most likely worked on her there or at Yokota.
I would like to give eternal thanks to all those men and women who served and gave their lives in Europe during the Second World War .... Without doubt, without their collaboration Europe would never have been liberated from the Nazi horror, Thank you very much to the work in the factories in the United States for the construction of these flying superfortresses, Thanks to the crew of the Memphis Belle were true heroes to complete the 25 missions in German territory, Thank you very much to all the allies .... !!!
I first saw the Belle at the outdoor Memphis National Guard armory display when I was returning home from Army active duty in March, 1971. Suffice to say, it was in a sad state. Speaking to a passerby, he said that it was a hulk inside because of vandalism and theft of instruments, fittings, etc. over those past 25 yrs it stood there.It was a sad site. The NMUSAF finally took possession of the Belle in 2005 and moved it back to Wright-Pat for a painstaking and detailed restoration over these last thirteen years. Still to come is the interior restoration, but it will soon be a fine and fitting display of this true combat veteran of the earlier days of WW II's bombing campaign over Europe.
Awesome! I bet the men flying these wonderful machines never thought they were the bravest of the brave. Many people are unaware Army Air Corps crews had the highest casualty rate of WW II in Europe. Statistically, you were safer to be a 'grunt' than a member of a bomber crew. Every time one was shot down ten men were lost. My father was Army Air Corps in the Pacific. Semper Fidelis!
I'm not sure. I went by the cover of the box the model came in. It doesn't matter anyway because that model was by Revell and had bow to the fuselage and never looked right. My son got a hold of it when he was three and you can imagine where it is now. The most glaring error I saw was how the grey was painted on the engine cowling. I just painted the grey up to the point where it was even with the grey on the bottom of the wings. If I ever make another one now I have this video to use as a guide. Thank you for saving the old girl. My ex brother in law's father was a tail gunner in a B-17 and got shot down over Germany in WWII. He spent the rest of the war in a POW camp. During the ordeal he broke his arm and the Germans never treated it so he lost use of it for the rest of his life.
I have the new HK Models 1/32 B-17E/F with Belle decals for it. These aren't 100% correct unfortunately. The most noticeable are the bomb line and the colour of the female nose art hair. The line of bombs are straight and the hair colour is blonde on both sides , not brunette as one should be. But the rest look faithful and correct.
When I was at NAS Millington I had a chance to go to Memphis and walk through the aircraft when it was on display at the pavilion on mud island park in Memphis it was so cool I have a picture of me standing at the waste gunners spot
I forget to add one more thing in my last comment rest in peace brave airmen who flew and died in the air war between 1939 to 1945 for the freedoms we enjoy today. Words cannot say enough to honor the sacrifices these men made during WW 2
Awesome to see these two birds restored and on display....this history must be preserved for future generations to enjoy, and to honor those who fought...great job folks!....curious tho......nose art on the Belle? under the bunting??? not applied yet??
Wow!!! Woodland camouflage!!! Reminds me of the B-52’s and F-4 Phantoms (USAF Phantoms) that fought in the Vietnam War that were painted in woodland camouflage!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
No matter what their faults were, these were still beautiful birds of which properly did their jobs when called upon and of which always brought their crews back home again if and when they stood a chance of doing so by not being shot down by either enemy Flak or by enemy fighter aircraft. Also praise and much deserved credit to the uncredited and unpraised workers back home in America of which both designed and built these wonderful planes to endure such war hazards and yet still remained flyable.
Great job on the restoration, it looks superb. After her final mission the actual Memphis Bell was (according to accounts at the time) damaged beyond repair. Wartime protocols would have had her stripped for parts then disposed. The one flown around the country on war bond drives was reportedly a different aircraft, painted as the Bell. Is this the original Bell, it's replacement or another substitute?
My guess is Shoo Shoo will probably be coming to Udvar - Hazy afterwards? Some of our living historian group will be there. The others are going to Warbirds Over the Beach in Virginia. But she sure looks great! We are the Airmans Preservation Society Capital Wing. We are from the Washington DC area.
March 14, 2018, the B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby was moved to the museum's restoration area where it has been placed in storage until it is transferred to the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum at a date to be determined by the Smithsonian.
Believe it or not i flew in an B 17, not that one but it was just like it, the plain ticket was $400 for 1/2 an hour! But i would never forget that day! ☺
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Thank you to those who worked long hard hours to restore this iconic one of a kind piece of American history. Welcome home girl....we've missed you. Long Live the Belle!
Yes thanks for herous
These beautiful ladies brought her crews home time after time under the worst circumstances imaginable. Kudos to the aircraft and the almost unimaginably brave crews who operated them.
Amen!! There's no words to describe the respect and love I have for them!!
AMEN BROTHER!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
She is restored metal 25 missions I have the movie
I am crying. This is too awesome for words. My uncle was a navigator on a B-17 He died doing his job. How beautiful do these two birds look? The Belle and the Baby. Awesome!!!
craigd426 May your Uncle be forever Proud. May he Rest In Peace Forever. Our Country, Our Freedom, We Owe Him Everything, Respect, Honer
Both aircraft COMBAT VETERANS of the greatest conflict of mankind. Icons of the "Greatest Generation" as a "baby boomer", Vietnam era veteran and, son of a soldier who fought on Gaudalcanal my heart is warmed and my chest swells with pride when I SEE THESE AIRCRAFT!
I said it before and I will say it again. The B-17 was the most beautiful aircraft that was ever built. I could look at aircraft all day!
Turned into a very solemn moment watching these planes. Hope that the brave men who flew these, know that they are still held in our hearts and are not forgotten. Carry On....👍
The Memphis Belle is so beautiful! I saw the 1990 movie when I was a little kid and I have been in love with plane ever since. She is a testament to all of the airmen who fought during World War II and to the B-17s that flew to defeat the enemy. You guys did an amazing job in getting the Memphis Belle to Dayton and restoring her to every little detail that tells a story about plane's life. I am planning on going to the unveiling event in May and this will be the first time to see the Belle since I first saw it under restoration. Thank you and God bless!
Thanks so much Nikolas!!! Enjoy your visit!!!
As someone who used to wash the 'Belle in Memphis in the late 90s, and who has flown twice on the Nine-O-Nine, I'm very happy to see this old girl in good hands.
What can I say. I have loved this airplane since I was a little boy. I'm now on the cusp of 73 and I hope I live long enough to visit the museum and see her. Thank you for preserving this wonderful national treasure. Blue Sky's to all who brought her back to life. Bill
Amazing work and well done to you all. Brings a tear to the eye. keeping history alive at its finest. huge fan from the uk
Thanks so much Josh!!!
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force no problem,keep history alive,keep remembering the boys and the USAAF and thank you for all the service you have given to the UK past and presant. god bless you all. Much love josh
I love WWII planes!
it was great but why a private event when my tax dollars paid for it.
kevin horning It was for the veterans
I got to see the Belle in July 2019. I have been a military aircraft buff since I was a kid. The SR 71 Blackbird was my bucket list aircraft and when I got to see one, I was awestruck. Seeing the Belle brought tears and a reverence I'd never felt before. Not even when I was able to up close to the Enola Gay, did I feel such a feeling, and I'll never forget it.
The best day of my life was back in 2010 at "Thunder over Michigan" when they had eight B-17s and B-24 Witch Craft all in the air at one time circling the field. I haven't been to the Dayton Museum in 20 years. I think I have a new reason to visit again.
I can't wait until Thursday to see her unveiled to the public. I am fortunate enough to live about an hour drive from this Museum. If you ever get the chance to visit, it is an amazing place and 100% free to visit. It will take you about 2 solid days to see the entire Museum. A true treasure to aviation history.
That shot of her looking at Shoo Shoo Baby nose to nose with the old Army Air Corps roundel in the background sent a chill right up my spine. I live here in Southern California so unfortunately won’t make the big day, but hope to come during the summer. You folks did an outstanding job. I know I said this in a previous video’s comment section, but it really IS a damn shame Bob Morgan (or any of her other crew members) is no longer with us to see the ol’ girl on her big day. You folks did a hell of a great job. Congratulations to you all! Cheers
Thanks so much Matthew!!! Enjoy your visit when you can make it.
Mat, they were with her on her big days.
I had actually seen this plane in real life and the plane is very nicely restored
Proud to be an American, I've studied the Belle since I was a youngster. Built several models of her.Thank you dad for sharing you love of history that set me on this path,and a big THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WORKED ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT RESTORATION. I'll see her later this year.God bless the young men who flew her when it counted.
They are both gorgeous! I've loved B-17s since I was in my 20s and I'm 73 now and this video got the old tears flowing from my eyes.
Gave me goosebumps and that wasn't because windchill was in the 30's that day. Well done video.
The B-17 is my all time favourite WW2 Plane...and one of the beautifulest Planes ever made in my opinion..I really like the story behind it and the Memphis Belle!
I live in Huntington WV (about 3 hours away) and I have visited this museum multiple times, and I have never been so excited to revisit in May. Makes me want to cry. Great job!!!
Excellent restoration job of the Memphis Belle and video of her too! Thank you for posting your video!
I visited the AF museum yesterday (May 17). I am very impressed with the restoration of the Memphis Belle and the display in the museum. Outstanding work and kudos to all involved. This is, by far the best display in the museum. The display really stands out because the aircraft is elevated on supports and in a flying configuration with the gear retracted. The bomb bay is open and lit for viewing. You can also get a great view of the ball turret.
Good to see her restored instead of being left out in elements prior (never seen it but knew she was in poor condition). I remember having conversation with co-worker the other day about planes and mentioned that 25 missions and a wake up, before heading home. He asked why only 25? I then told him about flak that could blow apart their planes and friends alike, enemy fighters shooting big ass bullets, freezing temperatures, survival rate, etc, think he walked away with little bit more understanding after that talk.
Awesome work. Can’t wait to go see her in person. A great tribute to those who flew her and others and who fought and died for our country
Warms My Heart To the Old gal Restored. Great Aircraft .
It's only a pity that she'll never fly again. Yes I can understand why she is to valuable to risk loosing in an accident but, still a pity that she'll never do that which she was made for..... to fly.
Sometimes, there simply are no words big enough, wise enough, thoughtful enough, or worthy enough to describe events like this! 10,000 Thanks to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, it's leadership, public affairs office, research division, sponsors, and especially to the dedicated restoration artists who made this day, and the upcoming ceremonies of the Memphis Belle's return to duty, possible. I salute you all!
Glad to finally see her finally restored to her former glory. I grew up with this plane in Memphis. She went from a pedestal exposed to the elements at the armory near the liberty bowl, moved to a field at the North end of Memphis Int'l, partially restored and moved to Mud Island under a canopy still exposed, covered in mayflies, disassembled and in pieces at Millignton Navy Base. It's too bad she's now in Ohio and I have to make the trip, but it is worth it that I know she will be safe, clean and beautiful from now on. I am grateful to the USAF and the USAF Museum for stepping up and doing what needed to be done, because the City of Memphis sure as hell was not.
The U.S. Airforce Museum did a great job on restoring her. I made a special trip to the museum the year she was put on display.
@@skirtchaser0 They did a phenomenal job. I'm no engineer but I bet it would not be a stretch to make her air worthy again. I was more than impressed when I saw her.
Being a Memphian, I'm so very happy The Belle has found a proper home. She looks beautiful. Thanks so much to those responsible for making her so pretty and keeping her memory alive. God bless the USA!
Magnificent, simply magnificent! Can't help but notice, though, that the "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby" is missing all of its guns, while the Belle has all of hers.
I first saw the "Memphis Belle" in the early '80s when it was being kept outside in the elements at the Memphis Airport. My folks lived in Memphis at the time, and there was a restaurant next to the airport called the 91st Bomb Group. The Belle was parked right next to the restaurant, although in a fenced-off area (which didn't keep people from getting inside and stripping it). She was in sad shape - dirty, rusty, faded paint, covered in pigeon poop - the city of Memphis should have been ashamed at how they let this icon of American military history deteriorate.
I was very glad to hear that the Air Force had taken the aircraft back from the city of Memphis and was going to restore it, and I'm thrilled at the job they did!
Seeing this brings me to tears and the effort that was made to bring this old but historic girl back again in her place in history and these men and others made the ultimate sacrifice to see what 20 years of painstaking work was all about and now we see the results today and she is home in DAYTON OH to be kept there for the rest of her days and nights in our own USA and you men did the best possible to work on her and get those very hard to find parts and get her back to the condition she is in today.God bless all of you that did the work and the long hours spent to bring back a very important part of our nations history and now she is in her resting place in DAYTON OH and home at last for good.
An interesting fact about these two aircraft is that they both spent their entire combat careers in the same group, the 91st Bomb Group at Bassingnbourne, England but never flew a mission together.
Paul Fowler it’s on Wikipedia
I remember opening hangar doors manually as they did in the beginning of this video. In my case, it was a WWII era hangar at NAS Brunswick, ME!
The Memphis Belle and her crew were astounding.
An amazing restoration. You have preserved a part of our history for all to see. Congratulations!
Let us not forget that prior to 1944, each crew had to complete 25 combat missions to be eligible to return home. Statistics at the time showed that each crew had a average of a 1 in 4 chance of making it or about 12 to 14 missions. The Memphis Belle was the first B-17 in the 8th Air Force to successfully complete a tour of 25 combat missions. God bless the airmen who bought our freedom and paid for it in blood. It is a fitting tribute to these brave men that the Belle has been rescued from decay and restored to pristine condition. Thanks to the restorers and the USAF Museum for preserving our aviation heritage.
Actually it was not the first, a little research will prove. The Belle was a significant crew and aircraft which was chosen for the war bond tour.
One day I would love to see the Memphis belle in person
I did and she is awesome!
Einzelganger I bet she was
Ok who is cutting raw onions around me. This is just soooooooo beautiful.
This plane and her crew make me proud to be from Memphis 🙏🇺🇸
So this is what they mean by "National Treasure"
I once had the privilege of going inside a B17 at a air show in (think it was about) 1990, here in the UK. I had always know that our brave RAF bomber crews had taken there lives in there hands each time they flow a mission to help destroy the Nazi war machine, but once I was inside the B17, then after I exited the plane and still to this day, I have just as much respect and admiration for the courage of the crews of the USAF who flow there missions in day light rides. The planes are just a aluminium skeleton, covered in a very thin aluminium skin. You could probably shoot through it with a air rifle and the crews (either RAF or USAF) were being shot at with 7.92mm bullets, 20mm & 30mm canons, not forgetting the shrapnel from the AA guns.
I served my Queen & country as a infantryman in the 1980's (I never saw any action, thank God), but at least if we had ever came under fire, we could hit the deck or would have been a fox hole to return fire from. But being in a aluminium target/can, no where to hide, no where to run to, just fireing back and hope you don't get parts of you blow apart or all of you into pieces, day after day, month after month and in the RAF case, year after year! As the US crews had a set amount of missions, then IF they lived were sent home.
The words brave and courage seems to fall some what short when considering there war time service. All I can say from one that grow up in a free country because of what they did and the ones who gave there all is.... Thank you.
And thank you to the people who keep these planes in such wonder full condition, so other generations can see them and can be told what they did and why, when flown be there heroic crews in WWII, both RAF & the USAF. Less we forget.........
well said.
A Ex-Blacksmith UK Lest We Forget the brave young RAAF , RNZAF, RSAAF and RCAF aircrews, many of whom also lost their lives, whilst attached to RAF Bomber Command.
A Ex-Blacksmith UK...... My friend it was a TEAM effort at holding back and then overcoming the dark forces of evil in WWII. This "Yank" has a great deal of respect and admiration for that handful of courageous British lads who often flew several missions a day. Dawn to dusk in patched up "Kites". The Hurricanes and Spitfires that held back the Nazi Luftwaffe in those dark, doubtful hours of the Battle of Britain. Their selfless devotion to duty prompting the great Winston Churchill to utter the phrase "Never in the course of human events has so much been owed by so many to so few. God bless those brave lads.
I wasn’t aware that the British used the expression “fox hole”. I thought they called it a “trench” and that fox hole was an American phrase. I’m not being picky...just curious.
Saw the Belle years ago when it was at Mud Island in Memphis, she was in rough shape. Glad doing better now.
The B-17 is one of if not the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. The Memphis Belle is one fine lady, glad to see her restored. This is on my bucket list to go see her and the rest of the aircraft at the NMUSAF. Long drive from Florida though.
Sad to say most of the original USAAF have gone to a higher place and those remaining are in their 90's. I'm sure it must be heartening to them to know they will never be forgotten.
Great to see these fine aircraft together and a fitting tribute to all US airmen who fought during World war two.
This is a very fine museum and a must visit if you are in the area.
Back when SSB was in Dover,De. for its first restoration, I donated a b17 radio I picked up at a garage sale in the early 70's. I hope it's still in her!
What a fantastic exhibit.
It is just so sad to see these gorgeous warbirds stationary. It is an immense effort to get them flying, but let's hope... I've witnessed the flight of "Sally B" many times in Duxford, UK, and - I tell you - it is always a sight to bring tears into your eyes (not to mention the sound!).
So excited! I feel like I grew up with this plane. I saw the movie in grade school, and begged my family to take to the Mud Island museum in Memphis (they relented!). Having her so close to home now and fully restored has me flipping out!
As a very young child I remember playing with a small model aircraft, but couldn't remember which aircraft it was. Curiosity set in, so last year I dug it out of a toy box and found it to be a model of the B-17F Memphis Belle. I was shocked! Now I get to see the full scale aircraft, the one that was there, flying missions from England to Germany in WWII. What an honor! Ken LaRock-NMUSAF Photographer
I'll bet that was shock! It's great how these aircraft touch us on such a personal level after two generations. I noticed your signature - you must LOVE your job. I'm currently stationed in Kansas with the Army, but my father is a photographer and he's going to try to make it to the Belle's debut weekend to get some good photos.
Congratulations to all on such superb workmanship. It's inspiring to see the Memphis Belle moving into her new home, looking beautiful. But bittersweet to see the Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby pushed out. I'm sure she'll have a great new life at the Smithsonian.
In July my childhood dream comes true when I fly in from Australia to see the aircraft I have loved for over 50 years. I'll be seeing the Belle then going for a ride in Aluminium Overcast. As a very young kid I loved watching 12 O'Clock High (movie and series), now I'll see these beautiful aircraft for real.
Just stunning,beautiful lines for a beautiful aircraft..thank you for uploading...Scotland
Thanks so much fro your interest! Hello Scotland!!!
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force The Belle is special,to the dedication of the crews to get the old gal back is almost overwhelming and again many thanks for uploading...Subbed and liked my friend.
Beautiful! Well done!
Thanks so much Cambo1200!!!
Impressive restoration! Also nose to nose meet-up for the two -17S! We did the same thing 5 years ago when NASA dropped off Discovery and we put it nose to nose with Enterprise. Can't wait to see OUR (I'm a docent at the Smithsonian Nat'l Air and Space Museum) airplane at Udvar-Hazy (Shoo-Shoo Baby).
My only complaint. Other than that I wasn't there. Belle's nose art was covered. What an image that would've made. Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby and the Belle nose to nose!
These are by far the toughest birds ever used, they were shot to pieces and still fly.
Its awesome to see good o'l Belle still kicking. Its unfortunate that another famous B-17 Nine O Nine was scrapped even though she broke many AAF records by completing 126-132 missions without aborting for mechanical problems. As disappointing as this may be, its good to see that her name still lives on in her replica, and seeing the Belle right before my eyes on my computer screen almost brings a tear to my eye. as soon as an exhibit for her is complete, I will head straight there you can promise that!
When I was about 10 years old, I saw the Bell on a pedestal in front of the Guard Armory (Memphis (Tn)..............Great to see the ole' girl still around......
Claud Pipkin Me too, my father was in that unit of the NATIONAL GUARD.
I got to crawl around inside when she was at the North End of MEM. Same area where Fed Ex is now. Remember the old 91st Bomb Group Restaurant?
Beautiful restored !
Well done US Air Force Museum staff and volunteers 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
B17- Queen of the skies. I had the honour of meeting Col. Morgan back in the 1990s . I got his autograph!
I plan to be there!
What the heck are you doing here
A great piece of History from the USAAC Honoring all who have died but The Memphis Belle prove the impossible, bringing home all the boys in one piece .
WHAT A FIGURE I SAY WHAT A FIGURE.
She looks stunning hope to visit her someday great job guys!
My uncle completed his 25 missions as the navigator on B-17s. He saved one arming fuse pin from a bomb on each mission he flew, and made a souvenir display board for them. His grandson has it.
i have been to bassinbourn where it flew it 25 missions the control tower as been shut for two years but now it re-opening in may this year i hope to go back
I wish I could go see it!!!
when it re-open some time in may this year go on website punch in tower museum bassinbourn royson and it will all come up and they have photos if that might help
Will do, thanks maddog ryan!!!
Sadly tower now closed public can’t get into the base
Beautiful piece of engineering and military aviation
Good job folks!! Both sat forgotten and very Neglected for many years in Memphis And Europe👍
Not anymore!
Model- Man she wasn't neglected she was adored here. She just should have been in a controlled room not outside under a huge canvas top.
looking forward to seeing this plane on display finally. Is been a long anticipating wait to see such piece of history.. WOW 25 combat complete missions..
Several years ago when my Dad was a volunteer at the museum they had an employee appreciation evening at the museum & they opened up the planes. I climbed into the B-17 Shoo Shoo baby & got a tour. Then when I got out I noticed the tail gunners hatch was open so what the heck I climbed into the tail gunners seat & grasped those twin .50 Calibers & moved them around & looked out the window. That was a neat night! Oh & I got to sit in an ME262 that night also!
We are having our 610 MASS Yokota AB reunion in Dayton this summer so I’ll be there to see the bell and the Hanoi Taxi too. It was a Norton AFB bird and I most likely worked on her there or at Yokota.
Its as if the plane was walking on its own along a pathway. Full of charm and grace and very regal
I will be visiting very soon!!
I would like to give eternal thanks to all those men and women who served and gave their lives in Europe during the Second World War .... Without doubt, without their collaboration Europe would never have been liberated from the Nazi horror, Thank you very much to the work in the factories in the United States for the construction of these flying superfortresses, Thanks to the crew of the Memphis Belle were true heroes to complete the 25 missions in German territory, Thank you very much to all the allies .... !!!
i sent alot of money for this restoration, was never told it would never fly ever. if i had known this i would have never sent money
She has seen many alike. Her mission was to protect her crew and the Belle has done it. Now here she is, her final resting place...
When I lived in Winter Haven Florida, I got to see a B17 fly on a regular basis. It had been converted to a mosquito sprayer.
REMEMBER HISTORY IF YOU DONT YOUR DOOMED TO REPEAT IT
James D. Lethgo Tell that to the city council of Memphis !!!!
well, then remember russia slaughtered the nazi's, while these bombers did little more then random putholes, costing lots of money and crew members
I first saw the Belle at the outdoor Memphis National Guard armory display when I was returning home from Army active duty in March, 1971. Suffice to say, it was in a sad state. Speaking to a passerby, he said that it was a hulk inside because of vandalism and theft of instruments, fittings, etc. over those past 25 yrs it stood there.It was a sad site. The NMUSAF finally took possession of the Belle in 2005 and moved it back to Wright-Pat for a painstaking and detailed restoration over these last thirteen years. Still to come is the interior restoration, but it will soon be a fine and fitting display of this true combat veteran of the earlier days of WW II's bombing campaign over Europe.
Awesome! I bet the men flying these wonderful machines never thought they were the bravest of the brave. Many people are unaware Army Air Corps crews had the highest casualty rate of WW II in Europe. Statistically, you were safer to be a 'grunt' than a member of a bomber crew. Every time one was shot down ten men were lost. My father was Army Air Corps in the Pacific. Semper Fidelis!
What a beautiful piece of engineering
I love those bomber crews. They did so much for this country. And the world.
I visited the “ Shoo Shoo Baby “ before and am sad to see it go.
What a fantastic job done very impressed
She looks like a brand new B-17. Now I can see all the mistakes I made on my model of her.
I'm sure your model is cool. We chose war time markings, did you choose war bond tour for yours? I have a model from 1983 and it's about 80% accurate.
I'm not sure. I went by the cover of the box the model came in. It doesn't matter anyway because that model was by Revell and had bow to the fuselage and never looked right. My son got a hold of it when he was three and you can imagine where it is now. The most glaring error I saw was how the grey was painted on the engine cowling. I just painted the grey up to the point where it was even with the grey on the bottom of the wings. If I ever make another one now I have this video to use as a guide. Thank you for saving the old girl. My ex brother in law's father was a tail gunner in a B-17 and got shot down over Germany in WWII. He spent the rest of the war in a POW camp. During the ordeal he broke his arm and the Germans never treated it so he lost use of it for the rest of his life.
I have the new HK Models 1/32 B-17E/F with Belle decals for it. These aren't 100% correct unfortunately. The most noticeable are the bomb line and the colour of the female nose art hair. The line of bombs are straight and the hair colour is blonde on both sides , not brunette as one should be. But the rest look faithful and correct.
EXCELLENT
@@USAFmuseum My understanding is that it's very specific. It looks as it did after the 25th mission.
Can't wait for the big day!
Welcome back!!!
When I was at NAS Millington I had a chance to go to Memphis and walk through the aircraft when it was on display at the pavilion on mud island park in Memphis it was so cool I have a picture of me standing at the waste gunners spot
I forget to add one more thing in my last comment rest in peace brave airmen who flew and died in the air war between 1939 to 1945 for the freedoms we enjoy today. Words cannot say enough to honor the sacrifices these men made during WW 2
Fantastic. I'd love to fly in one
those guys sure earned themselves a drink after that long restoration..
Oh My God. Just look at her!!! How amazing does she look? After all this time, She is adorable, Words don't do her justice.
Great work !!!
I remember when the Memphis Belle was at Mud Island in Memphis in the summer of 1992.
Awesome to see these two birds restored and on display....this history must be preserved for future generations to enjoy, and to honor those who fought...great job folks!....curious tho......nose art on the Belle? under the bunting??? not applied yet??
It's under the bunting and the nose art can be seen on May 17th.
Wow!!! Woodland camouflage!!! Reminds me of the B-52’s and F-4 Phantoms (USAF Phantoms) that fought in the Vietnam War that were painted in woodland camouflage!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
投稿有難う！！！僕が一番好きなヒコーキは、B-17の中で、その中でもメンフィスベルが一番好きな機体です。なれそめは、半世紀前に買って作ったレベルのプラモデルでした。
No matter what their faults were, these were still beautiful birds of which properly did their jobs when called upon and of which always brought their crews back home again if and when they stood a chance of doing so by not being shot down by either enemy Flak or by enemy fighter aircraft. Also praise and much deserved credit to the uncredited and unpraised workers back home in America of which both designed and built these wonderful planes to endure such war hazards and yet still remained flyable.
Great job on the restoration, it looks superb. After her final mission the actual Memphis Bell was (according to accounts at the time) damaged beyond repair. Wartime protocols would have had her stripped for parts then disposed. The one flown around the country on war bond drives was reportedly a different aircraft, painted as the Bell. Is this the original Bell, it's replacement or another substitute?
Fantastic aircraft a legacy to the future generations...something very special of WWII, Great
.
My guess is Shoo Shoo will probably be coming to Udvar - Hazy afterwards? Some of our living historian group will be there. The others are going to Warbirds Over the Beach in Virginia. But she sure looks great! We are the Airmans Preservation Society Capital Wing. We are from the Washington DC area.
March 14, 2018, the B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby was moved to the museum's restoration area where it has been placed in storage until it is transferred to the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum at a date to be determined by the Smithsonian.
She is majestic !!!
Believe it or not i flew in an B 17, not that one but it was just like it, the plain ticket was $400 for 1/2 an hour! But i would never forget that day! ☺