B-17G Restoration
Donation protected
Please help me get the B-17 to the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, GA and return the aircraft to its "Days of Glory" condition.
The B-17 “Flying Fortress” is one of the most famous airplanes in history. You can help save one of these magnificent machines. This B-17G, serial number 44-83690, has been outside for 54 years. The weather has slowly but relentlessly caused damage and decay. With your help, the Museum of Aviation can preserve this airplane from the weather and make it a worthy tribute to our heritage.
During World War II, thousands of brave men risked their lives in B-17s while flying long, dangerous bombing missions high over enemy territory. The ten-man crews endured freezing temperatures, anti-aircraft fire, and enemy fighters. They took the fight to the enemy and helped win the war.
Crawford Hicks, 94, who lives in Warner Robins, Georgia, was a B-17 pilot. Hicks was piloting a B-17 when he was shot down on May 30, 1944 during his 10th bombing mission over Germany. He became a prisoner of war and was held captive until April 29, 1945.
Pictured below is Hicks' POW slip. Hicks said, “I was in a very bad mood when the picture was taken. My plane had been shot down and I had not shaved in several days.”
Hicks has not been in a B-17 cockpit since he was shot down and taken prisoner. He is very excited that the B-17 is coming to the Museum. Hicks said, "It's pretty darn wonderful. There aren't many of those around."
Hicks said most crews preferred the B-17 over the B-24 for its ability to sustain damage which allowed the crew to return home. His plane took damage from every mission he flew and he saw many B-17's return with more damage than his planes received.
Over 12,000 B-17s were built but today they are rare, and they face other enemies—weather and indifference. You understand the importance of preserving history and educating rising generations about the price of freedom.
By helping to preserve and restore this B-17G, you will honor our veterans and inspire people today and in the future about our aviation heritage. Think of the people you will be able to affect through this airplane!
Pictured: Crawford Hicks (top left) and part of his flight crew.
Help us save this B-17! You can make a difference!
The B-17 “Flying Fortress” is one of the most famous airplanes in history. You can help save one of these magnificent machines. This B-17G, serial number 44-83690, has been outside for 54 years. The weather has slowly but relentlessly caused damage and decay. With your help, the Museum of Aviation can preserve this airplane from the weather and make it a worthy tribute to our heritage.
During World War II, thousands of brave men risked their lives in B-17s while flying long, dangerous bombing missions high over enemy territory. The ten-man crews endured freezing temperatures, anti-aircraft fire, and enemy fighters. They took the fight to the enemy and helped win the war.
Crawford Hicks, 94, who lives in Warner Robins, Georgia, was a B-17 pilot. Hicks was piloting a B-17 when he was shot down on May 30, 1944 during his 10th bombing mission over Germany. He became a prisoner of war and was held captive until April 29, 1945.
Pictured below is Hicks' POW slip. Hicks said, “I was in a very bad mood when the picture was taken. My plane had been shot down and I had not shaved in several days.”
Hicks has not been in a B-17 cockpit since he was shot down and taken prisoner. He is very excited that the B-17 is coming to the Museum. Hicks said, "It's pretty darn wonderful. There aren't many of those around."
Hicks said most crews preferred the B-17 over the B-24 for its ability to sustain damage which allowed the crew to return home. His plane took damage from every mission he flew and he saw many B-17's return with more damage than his planes received.
Over 12,000 B-17s were built but today they are rare, and they face other enemies—weather and indifference. You understand the importance of preserving history and educating rising generations about the price of freedom.
By helping to preserve and restore this B-17G, you will honor our veterans and inspire people today and in the future about our aviation heritage. Think of the people you will be able to affect through this airplane!
Pictured: Crawford Hicks (top left) and part of his flight crew. Help us save this B-17! You can make a difference!
Organizer
Museum of Aviation Foundation
Organizer
Warner Robins, GA
