“Yankee Lady,” the
Yankee Air Museum’s (YAM) meticulously restored World War II B-17 has a special
mission Friday, August 31, 2012. World War II Veterans of the Army Air
Force 95th Bombardment Group (95th BG) will again assume
their positions on two commemorative flights out of Lost Nation Airport,
Willoughby, Ohio. The Willow Run, Ypsilanti, Michigan based, four-engine
heavy bomber will also be available for tours and Flight Experience (FLEX)
rides later Friday afternoon.
“These 95th Bomb Group
airmen are heroes and we are both honored and humbled to have them fly with
us,” said Ray Hunter, Chairman of the YAM Board of Directors. “This is
what Yankee Air Museum is all about, and flights like these make all of our
volunteer work and donations worthwhile.”
Hunter explained that the 95th
BG began flying combat missions over occupied France and into Germany in May
1943. Based in England and flying some of the most dangerous and strategically
important missions of the war, the 95th BG distinguished itself by
effectively targeting its bombs through intense anti-aircraft artillery and
concentrated fighter attacks.
“The 95th BG was an
integral part of some of the most vital campaigns of the war, including the
D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge,” he said. “The 95th BG
is the only 8th Air Force group to receive three Distinguished Unit
Citations.”
Hunter added that the Distinguished
Unit Citation (DUC) is only given to units for extraordinary
heroism. The DUC recognizes such gallantry, determination and
spirited action in the face of the most dangerous conditions to rise above all
other units in the same campaign. The decoration is now known as the
Presidential Unit Citation.
“These are very special men,” said
Bob Hynes, Chairman of the YAM’s Public Relations Committee. “When they see
Yankee Lady, their memories will be instantly rekindled and their emotions will
be recharged the moment the first engine fires.”
Hynes described the purpose of the
YAM saying it is fulfilled through occasions when aviation history and its
participants are honored through a living, flying museum.
“Yankee Lady is a pristine B-17 and
we appreciate the opportunity to share her,” said Norm Ellickson, YAM’s B-17
Crew Chief. “She has enormous presence and will inspire anyone’s
imagination to new heights of patriotism and gratitude.”
With gleaming aluminum skin, and
teeming with machine guns and markings, this Flying Fortress is an awesome
sight. Ellickson said rides for the general public are available on
the B-17 following the Veterans’ flights. He says flying in the heavy bomber
according to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a lower altitude, cruising speed
and range gives passengers a multi-sensory experience unlike any other
aircraft.
“Anyone who wants to feel real lift,
fly close to the wind and see the panorama of the countryside unfolding before
them will want to fly in the Lady,” said Ellickson concluding that a Flight
Experience (FLEX) ride in the Yankee Lady should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The B-17 Flying Fortress, Yankee
Lady will arrive at Lost Nation Airport on Friday August 31st at
about 12 noon. The 95th BG flights will takeoff at 1:00 and
2:00 p.m. FLEX rides will be available following these (see sidebar article).
Established in 1981, the Yankee Air
Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. For more information
about YAM call 734-483-4030 or visit the www.yankeeairmuseum.org
website.
Labels: B-17, Eighth Air Force, Michigan, Willow Run, Yankee Air Museum, Yankee Lady, Ypsilanti
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