Ghost Plane 17

A 1945 Boeing B17G, one of about 8600 of this model built for use during WWII(just over 12100 B17's were produced by three different manufacturers during the war years) . This particular venerable old bird travels throughout the United States offering 35 minute flights for a reasonable fee. Named Aluminum Overcast, she is operated by the Experimental Aviation Association out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Go here for more details...[link]

For my birthday (which isn't until July) this year, my wife bought me a seat on this wonderful old bomber. We went up yesterday (Memorial Day) because she is in Seattle on that weekend. What could be more fitting?

Approximately 4,754 B17's were lost during WWII. The average crew count on a B17 was 10 men. In the 8th Air Force, of European theater fame, 130,000 aviators served. Yesterday I met two of the survivors and listened with respect and awe to their stories and was proud to be able to do so.

I salute all service men and women, both past, present and future, for their contributions to our freedom. And I am proud to have been one of that number myself, from 1971 to 1975.