Posted on 09/25/2009 12:00:33 PM PDT by txroadkill
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - World War II pilot Bernerd Harding feels he has finally completed his mission—65 years after his B-24, nicknamed Georgette, was shot down over Germany. Harding, now 90, flew Friday from Laconia to Manchester aboard the Witchcraft—the last B-24 still flying.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
ping
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That is a cool story - One note - that is not the last B-24 flying but it is close please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_B-24_survivors
I think I counted 3 but could have missed one or two
Thanks again for posting the story
The glide path to MHT’s main runway goes right over my house, about 5 miles out. During the last few years I’ve been above to catch sight of these wonderful aircraft from my backyard. Last year I had a B-24 roar over at about 5,000 feet, which was quite an impressive sight.
Thanks for the ping!
Thank you for your Service Lieutenant Harding.
I had an 89 year old vet in my office yesterday who was on 32 combat missions over Germany as a belly gunner in a B17 during WWII. Great old fellow! I am honored to represent him.
Not the last flying B-24!
No doubt publcik skool edicated journalist.
What a great looking plane and the excitement on the guys face made me smile - thanks for sharing
Your right!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-24_Liberator#Survivors
There are only three flying B-24s in the world, a B-24J named Joe of Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida; a B-24A named Ole 927 of Commemorative Air Force in Addison, Texas; and a B-24J named Witchcraft of the Collings Foundation in Stow, Massachusetts. There are five complete airframes on static display in the U.S., five complete airframes on static display outside of the U.S. and nine partial airframes/wrecks in the world.
bump
I served 10 years in the Air Force, some of that overseas in the Southwest Asia theater. That said, I’m not worthy enough to polish this guy’s or any other WWII veteran’s shoes.
Mike W USAF
I flew in that one 2 years ago when it was touring the country.
That’s one of the planes in the fleet belonging to the Collings Foundation.
I’ve actually ridden in that one as well as their restored B-17. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the cost of the donation.
I run into some of those guys yearly at Oshkosh for the airshow - we spend the week there and love it - meeting the old timers.
Our life is richer for knowing men like that!
Thanks for your service
My dad was a B-24 tailgunner out of Spinnizola Italy.
Theres another one flying at Oshkosh every year - I cant remember the name. Here is a picture from this year:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled-(Experimental-Aircraft/Boeing-B-17G-Flying/1099765/
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