Restored B-17 newspaper story and video

[[email protected]]

See newspaper story and video at:

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/175617.html

[Larry Dighera]

On 11 May 2007 08:05:30 -0700, wrote in
. com>:

>See newspaper story and video at:
>
>http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/175617.html

I had an opportunity to explore the CAF's "Sentimental Journey" at
KSBA a few weeks ago. A local WW-II veteran was also there reliving
his experiences of 22 bombing missions over Germany.

Don Detwiler (sp?) was the operator of the belly mounted ball-turret
when his flight was downed over Hanover (or was it Hamburg). His
parachute landing injured his ankle, and he was taken prisoner. Don
told us of some of the "hi lights" of that experience, and what it was
like to be strapped upside down for eight hours (B-17 cruise speed was
158 knots) with the breach of a 50 cal machine gun next to each ear.
He pointed out a small tube on the turret where the empty brass
casings used to be ejected to keep them from filling the cramped
turret. The other B-17 gunners had to recover their spent casings
when they landed.

The CAF really needs to tape the oral histories of these living
repositories of aviation history before they're gone. A
videographer/historian team with a HD camcorder would be even better,
and probably marketable.

The Commemorative Air Force also need to do a significantly better job
of advertising their activities to the local populace. I was barely
able to find them. They need some big banner signs along the highway
to draw the families and enthusiasts. Here's an opportunity for a PR
firm that needs a tax deduction.

[A Guy Called Tyketto]

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wrote:
> See newspaper story and video at:
>
> http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/175617.html
>

This flew right over my house. I was wondering what it was as I
was driving home for lunch. I wish I had my camera on me to snap pics.
Hopefully this will be on display at the air show coming to Mather
Field in June.

BL.
- --
Brad Littlejohn | Email:
Unix Systems Administrator, |
Web + NewsMaster, BOFH.. Smeghead! :) | http://www.wizard.com/~tyketto
PGP: 1024D/E319F0BF 6980 AAD6 7329 E9E6 D569 F620 C819 199A E319 F0BF

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[Larry Dighera]

I e-mailed a copy of the article below to several contacts at the EAA
and CAF. Here's the first reply from the Director of Public Relations
at the Commemorative Air Force:


Dear Mr. Dighera,
Thank you for your interest in the CAF. Our museum here at CAF
Headquarters in Midland has one of the largest repositories of
Oral Histories from the World War II era in the world. These are
tales from the men and women who flew and fought during that era,
as well as from those who stayed at home and sacrificed and from
children who recalled the flights of planes flying over their
homes. At this time, we have collected over 4,200 of these
histories, and we continue -- through a small group of volunteers
-- to collect these at every opportunity. We're always looking
for more volunteers; if you're interested, check out the following
link: http://airpowermuseum.org/oralhistory/index.shtml

As far as publicizing ourselves to the public -- it's a
never-ending job. Each unit has the responsibility for promoting
their unit and activities -- but they're also trying to keep the
planes flying, arrange events and have normal lives in addition.
We'll keep trying, but I'm sure there will always be room for
improvement.

I'm attaching a membership application, just in case you should be
interested in joining our organization. Thanks again for your
interest.

MEET ME IN VEGAS
July 9-11, 2007
The CAF is celebrating 50 years in 2007!
Join us for our National Patriotic Rally and more.
Ask me for details.

Kay Crites
Director of Public Relations
Commemorative Air Force
(432) 563-1000, ext. 2231
www.commemorativeairforce.org




On Fri, 11 May 2007 17:17:04 GMT, Larry Dighera >
wrote in >:

>On 11 May 2007 08:05:30 -0700, wrote in
. com>:
>
>>See newspaper story and video at:
>>
>>http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/175617.html
>
>I had an opportunity to explore the CAF's "Sentimental Journey" at
>KSBA a few weeks ago. A local WW-II veteran was also there reliving
>his experiences of 22 bombing missions over Germany.
>
>Don Detwiler (sp?) was the operator of the belly mounted ball-turret
>when his flight was downed over Hanover (or was it Hamburg). His
>parachute landing injured his ankle, and he was taken prisoner. Don
>told us of some of the "hi lights" of that experience, and what it was
>like to be strapped upside down for eight hours (B-17 cruise speed was
>158 knots) with the breach of a 50 cal machine gun next to each ear.
>He pointed out a small tube on the turret where the empty brass
>casings used to be ejected to keep them from filling the cramped
>turret. The other B-17 gunners had to recover their spent casings
>when they landed.
>
>The CAF really needs to tape the oral histories of these living
>repositories of aviation history before they're gone. A
>videographer/historian team with a HD camcorder would be even better,
>and probably marketable.
>
>The Commemorative Air Force also need to do a significantly better job
>of advertising their activities to the local populace. I was barely
>able to find them. They need some big banner signs along the highway
>to draw the families and enthusiasts. Here's an opportunity for a PR
>firm that needs a tax deduction.

[gatt]

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> See newspaper story and video at:
>
> http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/175617.html

They did a good job with the jumpseats in the waist, which are of course
historically inaccurate, but the FAA began screwing with the old bird
operators a few years ago and required them. When Evergreen was touring its
B-17, which is now on static display behind the Spruce Goose and an SR-71,
they installed seats out of a TriMotor which looked completely absurd.

-c

[john smith[_2_]]

In article >,
Larry Dighera > wrote:

> I'm attaching a membership application, just in case you should be
> interested in joining our organization. Thanks again for your
> interest.

What are they charging for memebership these days?

[Morgans[_2_]]

"A Guy Called Tyketto" > wrote

> Hopefully this will be on display at the air show coming to Mather
> Field in June.

Doubtful. In general, the tour is set up to keep hitting different areas,
and not going back to most places for at least two years.

Come to OSH the last week of July. You can pay to take a ride, then.

I got to ride in it a few years ago. Fantastic experience. A memory that
will be with me for the rest of my life.

It struck me that the metal between the crew and the enemy's bullets and
flack was not much thicker than a beer can. No armor, to speak of. They
depended on the big sky theory, which breaks down when someone is
intentionally trying to reduce the big sky to a direct hit.

Brave men, one and all.
--
Jim in NC

[Larry Dighera]

On Fri, 11 May 2007 19:01:21 -0400, john smith >
wrote in >:

>In article >,
> Larry Dighera > wrote:
>
>> I'm attaching a membership application, just in case you should be
>> interested in joining our organization. Thanks again for your
>> interest.
>
>What are they charging for memebership these days?


http://www.confederateairforce.org/membership/index.html