Gaining fame in World War II, the Boeing B17 Flying Fortress dubbed “The Memphis Belle” was one of the first of its series to complete 25 successful combat missions over Europe. Given the high casualty rates of bomber crews during that time, the Memphis Belle’s 25 missions made history. This milestone for the U.S. Army Air Forces strategic bombing campaign played a key role in weakening the German oil and aircraft industries before the Invasion of Normandy Beach in June 1944.
While the Memphis Belle housed the same turbo supercharged engines and heavy armament as other B17 F’s, Lt. Robert Morgan and the 9 other members of the 324th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 91st Bombardment Group set the aircraft apart.
The namesake of the aircraft hails from Morgans's wartime girlfriend, Margaret Polk, of Memphis, Tennessee. The pin-up girl on the nose of the Memphis Belle was a recreation of a famous George Petty illustration in Esquire magazine.
Following its 25th mission, the Memphis Belle and its crew returned to the United States for a War Bond tour, lifting spirits and rallying public backing for the war. The aircraft will always be remembered for not only coming back with style but with hope for generations to come.
