Dayton, OH – Historic events in aviation are few and far between. When a potential moment looms on the horizon, aviation enthusiasts monitor every development in hopes of being part of something historic. When the National Museum of the United States Air Force (Air Force Museum) took possession of the famed B-17 Flying Fortress “Memphis Belle”, we all knew that a special moment was just around the corner.
In 2017, as the Museum’s restoration team neared completion, the Air Force Museum announced a series of events and ceremonies to be held on the museum’s grounds in 2018. The first glimpse of the newly restored Flying Fortress occurred during the official transfer ceremony held on March 14, 2018. In the presence of invited guests, the Air Force Museum rolled the “Memphis Belle” from the restoration hangar to its future home. While spectacular, this sight was only a taste of things to come.
Following the transfer, where the Flying Fortress “Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby” stepped aside and graciously made way for the Belle, the anticipation and excitement began to bubble to a boil. On May 16, 2018, invited guests, Veterans, dignitaries, worldwide press and the families of the “Memphis Belle” Crew, began to fill the seats inside the Museum’s World War II hanger. It is no surprise that, after walking through the labyrinth of historic aircraft, the exhibit was behind a large black curtain. The Air Force Museum knows a thing or two about creating suspense.
With the official event artwork projected on the big black curtain, Master of Ceremonies Capt. Austin Troya began the ceremony by recognizing all those involved in the creation of this exhibit. One by one, group by group, they all stood to be recognized and the guests show their gratitude with a round of applause. The speakers followed,
They spoke about the effort and dedication of all those involved in the restoration and the creation of this exhibit. Special recognition was given to those World War II Veterans like Mr. Howard Hunt, who was the final Pilot in Command of the “Memphis Belle” during its war bonds tour.
The Moment had then arrived. With every second that went by, the sounds of beating hearts got louder and then, the moment. When the big black curtain dropped, the beating hearts went silent. After what appeared to be 10 seconds in a basketball game, the guests erupted in applause.
In the darkness of the Air Force Museum, stood this national treasure called the “Memphis Belle”. She was looking as if she had rolled off the showroom floor. There is only one word to describe how she looks beautiful! Not to be outdone, the exhibit itself is simply, stunning!
The Flying Fortress is mounted on three support stands. She is elevated just enough to allow visitors to look into the open bomb bay and admire the detail inside the illuminated ball turret. Visitors can walk around the aircraft while viewing the magnificent exhibit that is laid out all around the ‘Belle. It is designed in a fashion that flows organically and gives the visitor a solid understanding of the “Memphis Belle”, the crew, their place in history and the U.S. strategic bombardment of Germany during World War II. Air Museum Network understands that our description of the exhibit is as simplistic as saying the Mona Lisa is a painting of a lady. This exhibit needs to be seen and needs to be experienced. Like the Mona Lisa, just stand and admire the beauty.
The “Memphis Belle” will forever be known as the first aircraft and crew to complete the required 25 missions. The crew of the Belle never took credit for that distinction, for they knew it was not true. The Air Force Museum understood the importance of dispelling the myth and remaining honest and historically accurate. The crew of the Belle were aware that they were simply the chosen ones.
Those who know the story of the “Memphis Belle”, know that it is more than an aircraft, and it transcends the crew that served aboard her. This aircraft represents all those airmen and crew who were the heart and soul of the bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. This aircraft is a monument to those who lost their life over the skies of Europe and is a national treasure which honors our Greatest Generation.
