Learn More: A Tail of Two Cities | History | Volunteers
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 National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force 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 its 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 National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 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
Namesake
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force 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
Thank You Restoration Team Members Paul Abare • Jim Argo • Carroll Baker • Marshall Brooks • Bill Burkel • Bud Currey • John Finch • Carl Finney • Jim Fletcher • Mort Glick • Tonnie Glick • Leslie Grainger • Jimmy Grismer • Danny Harden • Jason Harville • Bob Hearn • Ben Hedgpeth • Joel Hedgpeth • Jeff Hoopes • Steve Jonas • Greg Kindred • Tom Kurtz • David Lang • Bill Liening • Bob MacDonald • Guy McDonald • Jerry McLaughlin • Matt Menefee • Jim Moriarty • Richard Moscatiello • Jack Nilsen • Warren Oglesby • Gil Patrick • Justin Patrick • David Pinegar • Joe Pritchard • Alberto Rodriguez • Jim Odom • Darrell Schwartz • Ship Shelton • Tim Steele • Milt Stombler • Scott Stovall • David Talleur • Scott Whitcher
Thank You to our Corporate Donors National Air and Space Museum • Gulfstream • Chroma Systems Solutions Inc. • American Building Systems • Omega Steel • LMI • JCB • United Rentals • Yancy Brothers • NES Rentals • New England Die Cutting Inc. • International Aero Services • American Aero Services • Coleman American Moving Services • ColdJet
Chroma Systems Solutions donation brings life to the B-17!
Great NEW B-17 items at the Online Museum Store! Check it out. Shop Online