World War II Ohio airman takes 'Sentimental Journey' on B-17

An Ohio World War II airman who was shot down and captured while flying aboard a B-17 over Europe made another trip on an identical vintage bomber Thursday.

Joseph Dreher, 88, flew 29 missions over Europe on a B-17 as a radio operator and waist gunner with the U.S. 8th Army Air Forces, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

Dreher was taken prisoner after parachuting from his flak-damaged aircraft on his 29th and final mission -- an experience that did not deter him from returning to the skies once more.

The B-17 he flew aboard Thursday was the "Sentimental Journey," a bomber maintained by the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Museum in Mesa, the newspaper reported.

Historians and fans of the technology may say there were better bombers in WWII, but for me, this one has all others beat on aesthetic grounds.

It’s just a purty piece of airplane.

The B24 was supposed to be better, it had a bigger pay load but a lower ceiling IIRC and it was very hard to fly, wore pilots out flying it. The B17 came home after sustaining tremendous damage, it was famous for that trait. To me WWII bombers mean the B17.

“A beautiful day and a lot of memories. And the nice thing is, they weren’t shooting at you.”

(((
I love this guy.

God bless him and all of the brave fighting men who have fought for our freedom.

Many thanks for posting this, for it triggered a great Deja Vu moment.

Back in the mid-'90s I worked in Macon, GA, and one day there was a notice that a B-17 bomber was on a state-wide tour and was going to be on display at the airfield.

I've been a big fan of this aircraft for years and have watched just about every film/video on it, so it was a real treat to get a close up look.

I don't remember her being as bright, but the guys did a bang-up job (pun intended) in displaying her. They put those fake bullet hole decals on the nose and tail windows, which looked quite real.

We were allowed to go through the aircraft and I was amazed at how small she was - I felt like I was walking through a narrow culvert. Spent a good half hour talking with the pilot, who said they were leaving the next day. I ended up buying a T-shirt, which I treasure to this day:

The next day I was in a conference when I sensed/heard a familiar drone. I blurted out "That's a B-17!" and ran outside. The plant was near the airfield, so the plane was still pretty low as she took off. As she approached, I took off my ballcap and waved it around in salute. I was in my 60s then and will admit that I nearly wet myself when the pilot waggled his wings in response. I was on air the rest of the day, despite the odd looks from those when I re-entered the conference room.

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