“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 95^th Bombardment Group (95^th 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 95^th 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 95^th 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 95^th BG distinguished itself by effectively targeting its bombs through intense anti-aircraft artillery and concentrated fighter attacks.

“The 95^th 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 95^th BG is the only 8^th 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 31^st at about 12 noon.  The 95^th 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.

If you missed the Gathering of Eagles Air show in July, here is another chance to see World War II aircraft up close.

The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang Announce Unique Display in Willoughby at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport from August 8 to August 10

In honor of our WWII Veterans ~ The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour Brings Extremely Rare Bomber and Fighter Aircraft for Local Living History Display as Part of 110-city Nationwide Tour

WHAT:  Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport in Willoughby, OH for a visit from August 8 to August 10. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 10 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $425 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.

WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport in Willoughby, located at Classic Jet Center, 1969 Lost Nation Rd.

WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport at 2:00 PM on August 8 and will be on display at Classic Jet Center at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport until the aircraft departs August 10 at 12:00 PM. Hours of ground tours and display are: 3:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 8; 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 9; 9:00 AM through 12:00 PM on Friday, August 10. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is in its 23^rd year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.

WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & P-51 - and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at www.collingsfoundation.org.