Legendary Flying Fortress Takes Flight Over PDK

Though it never flew during World War II, the Memphis Belle can still give passengers a taste of what some members of the Greatest Generation experienced during the last world war.

The Movie "Memphis Belle" is a restored WWII B-17 "flying fortress" bomber that will be available for public flights on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK). 

The Liberty Foundation maintains the plane as a traveling, living history exhibit. Only 11 B17s remain airworthy in North America, said the organization's Ron Cause.

Three WWII veterans were on hand for the Memphis Belle's Media Day at PDK - Guy Gunter, who flew glider missions behind enemy lines on D-Day and the invasion of Sicily; Rudolph Phillips, who served in the Air Force from 1942-46; and Herman Bodenheimer, who will be 100 this October.

"Our B-17 mission for today is to educate the people of America about the courageous WWII veterans, and remember those brave aircrew who never made it home," said Cause. "The Memphis Belle is a living museum, our heritage not in mothballs or the pages of a dusty book, but real life, three dimensions, here and now."

Flights are $450 per person on March 2 and 3.

The Liberty Foundations 2013 Salute to Veterans tour will be arriving in Atlanta at the Dekalb-Peachtree Airport ( Epps Aviation FBO, 1 Aviation Way) on Monday February 25th,  2013 at 1pm for media opportunities.  On display will be the famous Boeing B-17 “Memphis  Belle”. 

As our B-17 flies around town this weekend, its famous silhouette and unique sound will draw a great deal of attention.  It is only through the news coverage and reporting from our media patrons that allow people to know where to come out to see and experience this ultimate history lesson.  It is only through your efforts and the public’s support that we can continue to keep the B-17 on tour and from being permanently silenced to sit in a museum.