B17 Restoration Project

Mission Statement: "The B-17 Flying Fortress "City of Savannah" will be restored to its full combat configuration, including operational systems and components, with the goal of making it the finest static display B-17 in the world."

The B-17G comes to us from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC after a decade-long search for this rare heavy bomber. The aircraft, alongside the B-24 Liberator, was flown on combat missions to German targets between 1942-1945.

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is pleased to utilize this original airplane in our educational programs and in our mission to preserve and present the legacy of the courageous airmen and women who served in the 8th Air Force.

This B-17 Flying Fortress is undergoing complete restoration and is on display now in our Combat gallery. Come, be a part of history in the making!

Restoration of the B-17 continues at a steady pace.  You can be a part of the Museum's B-17 Restoration Project by contributing to it's funding.  The Museum appreciates all financial gifts, and for $100 or more you will receive a certificate of participation, suitable for framing, that recognizes your part in this historic Museum event. Please make all checks payable to "B-17 Project" and mail to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave., Pooler, GA 31322. You can  contribute online or contact Tameka Ford at 912-748-8888, ext 101, to pay by credit card. 

Transportation and Re-Assembly
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Namesake

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is restoring its B-17 in honor of the B-17 named “City of Savannah” on December 3, 1944. The aircraft was the 5000th airplane processed through Hunter Army Air Field at Savannah, GA during World War II. It was christened prior to its take-off to England to fly combat missions with the 388th Bomb Group, 563rd Squadron of the 8th Air Force.

The crew flew their first combat mission from Knettishall on January 15, 1945. Lt. Kittle and his crew were shot down over Kraslice, Czechoslovakia in a different aircraft on their 13th mission to Plauen, Germany on March 5, 1945. Nine members of the crew became prisoners of war and one crewman was killed in action. The aircraft, “City of Savannah” flew 44 combat missions in World War II.

 

 

Restoration Milestones
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Thank You Restoration Team Members Paul Abare • Jim Argo • Carroll Baker • Marshall Brooks • Bill Burkel • Mike Callahan • Bud Currey • John Finch • Carl Finney • Mort Glick • Dick Gorman • Leslie Grainger • Jimmy Grismer • Danny Harden • Bob Hearn • Ben Hedgpeth • Joel Hedgpeth • Jeff Hoopes • Steve Jonas • Greg Kindred • Tom Kurtz • David Lang • Alan Lewonski • Bill Liening • Bob MacDonald • Guy McDonald • Jerry McLaughlin • Tyson Morrison • Richard Moscatiello • Jack Nilsen • Warren Oglesby • Gil Patrick • Justin Patrick • David Pinegar • Joe Pritchard • Alberto Rodriguez • Kenneth Rombouts • Darrell Schwartz • Ship Shelton • Tim Steele • Milt Stombler • Scott Stovall • David Talleur • Thomas Van Tilburg • Scott Whitcher

Thank You to our Corporate Donors  National Air and Space Museum • American Building Systems • Omega Steel • LMI • JCB • United Rentals • Yancy Brothers • NES Rentals • International Aero Services • American Aero Services • Coleman American Moving Services • ColdJet

Great NEW B-17 items at the Online Museum Store!
Check it out. Shop Online