As many of you know, Planes of Fame is actively fundraising for the restoration of our B-17. We have officially named the project Operation Kismet. Here's the official blurb
We haven't set up a paypal site for donations, but it has been recommended. If we go that route, I'll post it here.
‘OPERATION K I S M E T’
Planes of Fame Air Museum is restoring its B-17G known as “Piccadilly Lilly II”. The museum has a long and storied history of restoring and preserving aircraft that represent proud and celebrated periods in American and World history.
Our B-17G was built in Long Beach California by Douglas Aircraft under license from Boeing in 1945. The aircraft was obtained by the Planes of Fame Air Museum in 1959 and was flown by the Museum through 1975. It became known as “Piccadilly Lilly II” when it was used in the popular 1960’s TV series “12 O’Clock High”.
We have named this restoration project “Operation Kismet” in honor of Wilbur Richardson a highly decorated WWII veteran; earning the Purple Heart (wounded on his 30th mission), Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 Air Medals, ETO with 5 battle stars, Croix de Guerre and the Presidential Unit Citation… among others.
Kismet was the name of the B-17G that Wilbur flew on for 30 missions while serving as a ball turret gunner with the 8th Air Force / 94th Bomber Group / 331st Bomber Squadron in Bury St. Edmonds, Rougham England in 1944. Wilbur and his fellow crewmen were tasked by their officers to come up with an appropriate name. They choose Kismet; a word that means fate, how appropriate for their fate was now literally with their aircraft… now the fate of our B-17G is in your hands!
Planes of Fame Air Museum have had over the years many WWII veterans dedicate their precious time and resources to this historic restoration effort. Along with Wilbur Richardson is Roy Test. Roy was a B-17 co-pilot with 32 missions. Roy continues to commit his time and energy to this historic undertaking. Additionally we would be remiss if we failed to recognize Richard ‘Dick” Bowman a B-17 ball turret gunner and Clay Westcott a B-24 ball turret gunner… both contributed mightily to the Museums B-17G restoration effort. Dick and Clay are no longer with us in body but certainly with us in spirit.
We stand on the shoulders of those who served in WWII such as Wilbur, Roy, Dick and Clay indeed much has been given to subsequent generations by those heroic men and women who served both on the field of battle and on the home front building the arsenal of democracy. Now it is time to return the favor. We need your help and support to preserve the museums B-17G.
THE FATE – THE KISMET - OF OUR B-17G IS NOW IN YOUR HANDS!
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