Capt. (U.S. Air Force photo). Harold Loch (top turret gunner/engineer), SSg.t Cecil Scott (ball turret gunner), TSgt. The Memphis Belle was in Memphis from 1946 to 2005, including the last three years in climate controlled facilities at the Naval Support Activity complex in Millington. With Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan, D.B. On every mission, it was likely to have parts shot off, a wing damaged, or an engine fail from enemy fire. Sq. Researchers finally solve this mystery about one of the greatest war documentaries ever. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located at: 1100 Spaatz Street England - May 17, 1943, Left to Right: PHOTOS: Memphis Belle and crew visit Dayton on 1943 war bond tour “This one really had star power. Several different copilots also flew with the Memphis Belle’s normal crew. Captain Vincent “Vince” Evans’ uniform jacket worn during his second combat tour flying with pilot Robert Morgan in B-29s in the Pacific Theater. "MEMPHIS BELLE" The Robert K. Morgan Crew. Capt Charles Leighton (left) with pilot Capt Morgan (middle) and tail gunner SSgt Quinlan (right) shortly after completing the crew's 25th mission on May 17, 1943. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. PHOTOS: Memphis Belle and crew visit Dayton on 1943 war bond tour In 1943, the Memphis Belle flew into Dayton during a war bond tour of 30 cities. Hands froze on 6th mission. Eugene Adkins, 2nd Top Turret Gunner, Flew six missions. The crew of "Memphis Belle" (from left): top turret gunner Harold Loch, ball turret gunner Cecil Scott, radioman Robert Hanson, copilot Jim Verinis, pilot Robert Morgan, navigator Chuck Leighton, tail gunner John Quinlan, right waist gunner Tony Nastal, bombardier Vince Evans and … 41-24485) was one of 12,750 B-17’s built by the Boeing Aircraft Co. Jim Vernis, Co-Pilot (Died 2003) Robert Hanson, the last surviving member of the storied Memphis Belle B-17 bomber crew, which was the first to fly 25 bombing missions in Europe during World War II, has died. The Memphis Belle crew’s accomplishment of successfully completing 25 missions was not without unimaginable and harrowing experiences against an equally advanced and powerful enemy. The crew of the Memphis Belle, a Flying Fortress B-17F, poses in front of their plane in Asheville, N.C. (AP) A Short Biography of Col. Morgan. He later achieved the rank of major general, retiring from the Air Force in 1962. 1995) (Died Flew four missions. John Quinlan (tail gunner), SSgt. There was the time that six Focke-Wulfs appeared from nowhere, and all six cut loose on us…and [we] had to slug it out with them.”, “A bullet from an enemy airplane went right through my little compartment…If I had still been leaning forward in shooting position that bullet would have gone straight through my head.”. Joe Giambrone - Crew Chief (Died 1992) - Who replaced 9 engines, both wings, two tails, You never know just what you are getting into.”, “We have been in some pretty tight spots. Expect lane reductions and some delays. During the course of the combat tour, the Memphis Belle crew had three different top turret gunner/engineers (Leviticus “Levi” Dillon, Eugene Adkins, and Harold Loch) and three waist gunners (Harold Loch, who later moved to the top turret position, Bill Winchell, and E. Scott Miller). E. Scott Miller, Right Waist Gunner, Flew 15 Missions. “It’s always a great thrill to get a fighter in your sights and let him have it. Description: "MEMPHIS BELLE" CREWMEMBERS SIGNED PHOTOGRAPHS Great lot of seven vintage-signed S.P.s, each 8 x 10 in. Morgan’s B-29, Dauntless Dotty. Gunners that fall asleep and fight like schoolkids over lucky charms, navigators with hangovers, co-pilots that leave their posts to have a turn at the guns. Harold Loch, Top Turret Gunner (Died 2004) Sweeney. Did 'Memphis Belle' really show the B-17 bomber's final mission? The original copilot, James Verinis, flew five missions with the Memphis Belle crew then commanded his own aircraft. He seemed happy to hear it.”. Morgan (left) flew with Maj Gen Emmett O’Donnell (center) on the first raid on Japan by B-29s based in the Marianas. After the war bond tour, he volunteered for additional combat duty and flew B-29s against Japan. I don’t know how many I have hit, but I have two confirmed. Belle’s skin was shot up on nearly every mission; 65 holes were counted after one mission. Memphis Belle is a 1990 World War II movie directed by Michael Caton-Jones, loosely inspired by the real-life story of the first bomber crew in the US 8th Air Force to complete a full tour of 25 missions over occupied Europe. The Memphis Belle, a Boeing-built B-17F-10-BO, USAAC Serial No. She deployed to Prestwick, Scotland, on 30 September 1942, to a temporary base at RAF Kimbolton on 1 October, and then to her permanent base at Bassingbourn, England, on 14 October. B-17F Flying Fortress 'Memphis Belle' Memphis Belle crew Captain Robert “Bob” Morgan led the Memphis Belle crew. Memphis Belle Story & Mission List. There should be minimal disruption to visitors. Photographed after the completion of their 25th Mission - Bassingbourn, England - May 17, 1943. (H), 1st Combat Wing, 1st Air Division, 8th AF, ETO The "MEMPHIS BELLE" was the first aircraft in the VIII Bomber Command to complete its combat tour of 25 missions plus return safely to the USA. Like their Eighth Air Force counterparts—and contrary to a popular myth—they flew most, but not all, of their missions together. Memphis Belle (1990) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. The Crew With over 4TB of pictures, documents and files, we've compiled the largest database of Memphis Belle items online. Miller had to stay in England to finish his 25 missions—SSgt Casimer “Tony” Nastal took his place on the war bond tour. 41-24485, was added to the USAAC inventory on 15 July 1942, and delivered in September 1942 to the 91st Bomb Group at Dow Field, Bangor, Maine. Bill Winchell, Lt. Waist Gunner (Died 1994), Not in Photo: SSgt E. Scott Miller joined the Memphis Belle late but flew 16 missions with the crew. He didn’t bat an eye. SSgt E. Scott Miller joined the Memphis Belle crew in February 1943, flying 16 missions as a waist gunner. Factual error: For a B-17 crew that has flown 24 missions, those on the Memphis Belle don't act very professional or experienced. An Army publicist, Lt. Col. Bruce Derringer (John Lithgow) is visiting the base, to interview the Belle crew in anticipation of their flying their 25th mission, a requirement to complete th… The B-17 Flying Fortress the Memphis Belle is a hero of war, an American icon, and her crew are legendary. Their stories are included in this exhibit as well. Captain Charles “Chuck” Leighton flew his whole tour with the Memphis Belle crew. Nine of the ten crewmembers are in the early tour photo above—19-year-old SSgt Casimer “Tony” Nastal (bottom right) was added for the war bond tour. Nastal flew 25 missions, but only one on the Memphis Belle. The crew never knew if the plane would make it back so they took great pride in their work and did their best because they did not want a mistake to be their …show more content… John Quinlan, Tail-Gunner (Died 2000) Memphis Belle Crew. After the war bond tour, he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant. We had a good crew, and what’s just as important, we had absolute confidence in each other.”, “I went to my Squadron Commander and told him I’d like to fly combat. There is no question about that.”, “When you are the lead navigator, the whole formation depends on you. Tony Nastal, Rt Waist Gunner (Died 2002) It was Morgan who gave ``Memphis Belle'' the nickname before the plane and crew left for England in September 1942. The 'Memphis Belle' monument (left) was erected at RAF Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, to honour the USFA's Eighth Air Force - who were based there during the Second World War. Left to Right: Harold Loch, Top Turret Gunner (Died 2004) Cecil Scott, Ball Turret Gunner (Died 1979) Robert Hanson, Radio Operator (Died 2005) Jim Vernis, Co-Pilot (Died 2003) Robert Morgan, Pilot (Died 2004) In addition, Springfield Street, the road that leads to the museum’s entrance, is undergoing construction through the beginning of September. It was an affectionate term for his sweetheart, Margaret Polk, a Memphian. From Woodbrigde, CT. Verinis als piloted his own B-17 named … Robert Morgan (pilot), Capt. Please note the museum’s parking lot is undergoing construction and repaving through the end of April. (Died 1995). Capt Vince Evans (right), Memphis Belle bombardier, flew with Morgan in the Pacific Theater. Col Stanley Wray: 91st Bomb Group Commander. Vincent Evans (bombardier), and SSgt. AIRCRAFT: Boeing B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress, SN: #41-24485, DF*A "MEMPHIS BELLE" UNIT: 324th Bomb. He remained in England after the crew went back to the US and completed his 25th mission on July 4, 1943. Memphis Belle was the first to complete 25 missions and return to the United States. The famed B-17F Memphis Belle™ and its crew became iconic symbols of the heavy bomber crews and support personnel who helped defeat Nazi Germany. Copilot – Lt. Col. James A. Verinis. The Memphis Belle was the first US Army Air Forces heavy bomber to return to the US after completing 25 combat missions over Europe. Memphis Belle crew for the war bond tour. Capt James “Jim” Verinis flew five missions on the Memphis Belle before taking command of another B-17 called the “Connecticut Yankee.”. Levi Dillon, 1st Top Turret Gunner. Nastal flew 25 missions, but only one on the Memphis Belle. From Left to Right, TSgt. The B-17 Flying Fortress Memphis Belle (Serial No. “Before the attack, you are usually scared, but when the planes start coming up and attacking you are all right.”, “We had some luck. The responsibility is frightening sometimes.”, “When you cross into enemy territory, you have a tense expectant feeling. In May 1943, the crew of the Memphis Belle, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress of the US Army Air Force, are grounded in England while their aircraft is repaired. After its wartime service, the Memphis Belle and its crew returned home as part of a war bond publicity tour. The rest of the Memphis Belle nose art . Each side of the fuselage bor… Memphis Belle crew for the war bond tour. Clarence Winchell (waist gunner). Robert Morgan (left) shaking hands with Gen. Jacob Devers (right), commander of US forces in Europe, before the crew returned to the US. In 2005, it was taken by truck to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton, Ohio, where it … The young men assigned to the Memphis Belle represented a typical Eighth Air Force heavy bomber crew. Nine of the ten crewmembers are in the early tour photo above—19-year-old SSgt Casimer “Tony” Nastal (bottom right) was added for the war bond tour. TSgt Robert “Bob” Hanson flew his entire tour with the Memphis Belle crew. Chuck Leighton, Navigator (Died 1991) The crew of the “Memphis Belle” after their 25th mission. Robert Hanson (radio operator), Capt. Baldwin and his crew would go on to fly 48 missions before returning to the U.S. for their own bond tour in 1944. Fans of the Memphis Belle (Visitor submitted photos) Col. Morgan's Funeral Photos. glossy b/w, depicting individual crewmembers of the "Memphis Belle", one of the first B-17 bombers to complete 25 bombing missions against German targets, each signed by one of the aircraft's crewmembers, including JAMES VERINIS, CHARLES LEIGHTON, … No need to register, buy now! Memphis Belle Crew List. Casimer Nastal (waist gunner), Capt. Scotty Dog "Stuka" - Mascot, OTHER PEOPLE WHO FLEW MISSIONS IN THE BELLE Capt James “Jim” Verinis flew five missions on the, AF Museum Attractions (Theatre & Simulators). Ms. Margaret Polk - The Memphis Belle (Died 1990) The Belle was the most famous because she was one of the first heavy bomber in Hitler’s European war theatre to complete 25 combat missions and keep her entire crew alive. Vince Evans, Bombardier (Died 1980) 2008 National Appearance Schedule (Died 1998) Verinis rejoined the Memphis Belle crew for the war bond tour. Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433, National Museum of the United States Air Force™, During the course of the combat tour, the, The original copilot, James Verinis, flew five missions with the. The Belle on MUD ISLAND. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones. Cecil Scott, Ball Turret Gunner (Died 1979) Photo: YouTube/EAA. The Memphis Belle: American Icon and 25th Mission, “Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress”, Crippling the Nazi War Machine: USAAF Strategic Bombing in Europe, Early Operations (1942 to mid-1943) - Eighth Air Force in England, Ninth/Twelfth Air Forces in the Mediterranean, Keeping them Flying: Mechanics and Armorers, Combined Bomber Offensive: Summer 1943 to Victory, Deadly Skies over Europe (Luftwaffe defense), Operation Frantic: Shuttle Raids to the Soviet Union. Photographed after the completion of their 25th Mission - Bassingbourn, Dauntless Dotty Story & Mission List. Morgan was promoted to major at a ceremony at Patterson Field (now Wright-Patterson AFB) in July 1943. Colonel Robert K. Morgan, pilot of the Memphis Belle. SSgt William “Bill” Winchell flew his entire combat tour with the Memphis Belle crew. and both main landing gear. They ranged in age from 19 to 26 and came from states across the US, including Washington, Indiana, Texas, and Connecticut. Charles Leighton (navigator), SSgt. The Memphis Belle has received a lot of attention over the years.In 1944, this Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber was the subject of a documentary, entitled Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress, that followed an aircrew as they completed their 25th and final mission.Today, we now know that the Memphis Belle was actually the second choice for that documentary — the first was shot … Colonel Wray flew with the Memphis Belle crew on two missions while leading the group in combat. Memphis Belle crew early in the combat tour: (top, l to r) Robert Hanson (radio operator), Vince Evans (bombardier), Robert Morgan (pilot), James Verinis (copilot), Charles Leighton (navigator); (bottom, l to r) Cecil Scott (ball turret), Eugene Adkins (top turret), Harold Loch (waist gun), John Quinlan (tail turret), and Bill Winchell (waist gun). In 1943, the crew of a B-17 based in UK prepares for its 25th and last bombing mission over Germany before returning home to the USA. The Memphis Belle and her crew. Gp. The crew of the "Memphis Belle"® after their 25th mission: (l to r) TSgt. Vince Evans: Bombardier Its final mission was on May 17, 1943. The group is under the command of Col. Craig Harriman (David Strathairn), a no-nonsense, stoical leader who has been given the task of keeping the pressure on Nazi targets. (H), 91st Bomb. “If you want in just one word how we were able to go through the hell of Europe 25 times and get back home…the word is TEAMWORK.”, “Now that the boys know they only have 25 raids to go before they get a let-up, morale is good.”, “American bombing skill and equipment are the best the world has ever seen. The Memphis Belle returned to the United States after completing 25 combat flights over Nazi-occupied Europe, according to the museum. 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