For over three decades, Fred Bieser has dedicated his life to restoring one of the most fascinating yet overlooked aspects of World War II aviation: bomber turrets. His expertise and passion have made him a key figure in turret restoration, a niche field that ensures history remains tangible for future generations.
From Production to Preservation
Bieser’s journey into restoration was anything but conventional. He spent much of his career in production—working with lighting, sound, video, and staging for major events worldwide. However, the 2008 financial crisis forced him to reevaluate his career path. It was then that he decided to pursue his true passion: restoring WWII artifacts. His connection to the war runs deep. With a father who served in the Marine Corps and an uncle who perished aboard the USS Snook (SS-279) submarine, Bieser grew up immersed in stories of World War II. His first encounter with a warplane—a Skyraider at a local airport as a child—sparked a lifelong fascination with aviation history.
A Unique Focus: WWII Bomber Turrets
Unlike many restorers who work on entire aircraft, Bieser focuses primarily on bomber turrets, the rotating gun positions that provided defensive firepower on aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. His passion for turrets began in childhood when he first saw them at airshows and museums. However, he was never allowed inside one, fueling his desire to restore them to full operational status. In the 1980s, Bieser discovered a scrapyard in Macon, Georgia, filled with discarded turret remains. He and a friend would haul back turret carcasses, buying them for just 50 cents a pound. Without access to technical manuals or the internet, he relied on hands-on experience—taking apart wrecked turrets, studying their components, and slowly piecing together fully functional restorations.
The Challenges of Restoration
Restoring WWII turrets comes with a unique set of challenges. Many early turrets were hydraulically powered—a system Bieser avoids due to its complexity. Instead, he specializes in later models that run on electrical systems. Over the years, he has meticulously restored eight fully operational turrets and contributed to at least a dozen more for museums and collectors worldwide. Finding replacement parts is another major hurdle. Initially, Bieser stockpiled as many original components as possible, but as supplies dwindled, he explored modern solutions. Though 3D scanning and CNC machining hold promise, the costs remain prohibitive for small-scale restorers like himself. Despite these obstacles, he continues his work with ingenuity and determination.
Bringing History to Life
Bieser’s work isn’t just about mechanical restoration—it’s about connecting people to history. His functional turrets offer veterans and their descendants a rare opportunity to experience firsthand what gunners endured during the war. He recalls numerous instances where families have expressed deep gratitude after seeing their loved one’s turret restored to working condition. His first major project was the restoration of the B-17 at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Savannah, Georgia. His work on its chin turret, ball turret, and top turret helped make it the first B-17 with fully operational turrets since the war’s end. He has also collaborated with museums across the U.S., including the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins.
Expanding the Collection
Bieser’s passion for turrets extends beyond American aircraft. His collection includes British, German, and other foreign models, including a rare electro-hydraulic German turret. His ultimate dream is to establish a turret museum—an interactive space where visitors can see, enter, and even operate restored turrets.
The Road Ahead
As he continues his work, Bieser seeks sponsors and financial support to help sustain his restoration efforts. He hopes that crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and GoFundMe will allow him to preserve even more historical pieces. With each turret he restores, he keeps the stories of World War II alive—not just in books or museums, but in a way that people can see, touch, and experience firsthand. Through his dedication, Fred Bieser ensures that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten and that future generations can understand and appreciate the complexities of aerial combat during the Second World War. His work is a living tribute to those who served, reminding us of the importance of preserving history, one turret at a time.
This is so interesting! My dad flew in B24s in the Army Air force. I remember working on a B24 restore project with my dad, in my youth. I still have the books and manuals he had