The Belle Goes home

[Jack Cook]

The 2nd B-17 to fly 25 combat missions in the ETO.

[Jerry O'Neill]

Nice pic Jack.

I've always wanted to know why the name "Memphis Belle" had darker OD paint underneath it? It certianly shows that something was re-painted.
Did they cover up something raunchy or did they just touch up the nose art for the tour.
What's the real story?
Jerry

Last edited by Jerry O'Neill on Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Shay]

Ok I'll ask.

What ship was the first?


Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[Jack Cook]

B-17F s/n 41-24577 "H*ll's Angels" 358th BS 303rd BG 5-14-1943

Last edited by Jack Cook on Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Jack Cook]

From Joe Baughder's site.
24577 (303rd BG, 358th BS, "Hells Angels") was first aircraft to complete 25 combat
missions in 8th AF, doing so May 14, 1943. Returned to USA
after 48th mission Dec 13, 1943. Scrapped Aug 14, 1945. The "Memphis Belle" crew
actually flew some of its 25 missions on other planes.

[mustangdriver]

The nose art was repainted a few times throughout the war, and then once again for the warbond tour. Not hiding anything, just touching it up. The Memphis Belle was the first B-17 to fly 25 missions and return home.

[Jack Cook]

The Memphis Belle was the first B-17 to fly 25 missions and return home.

Actually the B-17E Suzy Q came home first from the Pacific and what about the Swoose??

[mustangdriver]

The Swoose did not fly 25 combat missions. It was damaged and then became a transport after 18. Not to take anything away from that historic aircraft. As for Suzy Q, it was a very well used aircraft, but I can't find any info on it's list of missions. Regardless the Belle was the first in the ETO to pull 25 and come home.

[Jack Cook]

So just to be clear.........
H*ll's Angel was first to fly 25 missions in the ETO
George Welch was first to reach Mach 1
Bob Hanson was the top Corsair ace
Joe Foss was the top Marine ace
Did I miss anything else

[Jerry O'Neill]

Oswald was a patsy?

[sgt hawk]

Yes , and "enuendo" is an Italian supository.

[mustangdriver]

So just to be clear.........
H*ll's Angel was first to fly 25 missions in the ETO
George Welch was first to reach Mach 1
Bob Hanson was the top Corsair ace
Joe Foss was the top Marine ace
Did I miss anything else

Ha Ha Wow you are 1 for 5 I also broke the sound barrier right before George did, but there was no one there to see it.

[Jack Cook]

Was that Nalleys or Staggs chili that got you perculating