The Museum of Flight Adds Stunning World War II Color Photos Collection

The Museum of Flight, located in Seattle, Washington recently announced the addition of a new collection of stunning World War II color photos. The John W. Allen World War II Collection consists of visual, textual, and audiovisual materials documenting Allen’s military service as a navigator during the war. Photographic slides documenting the 401st Bomb Squadron’s missions from England make up the majority of the collection.

mage Description Boeing B 17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the 91st Bombardment Group U.S. Army Air Forces in flight circa 1944 1945 — Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the 91st Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces, in flight, circa 1944-1945.
Image Credit: The John W. Allen World War II Collection/The Museum of Flight

John W. Allen of Seattle, WA, served as a navigator on the B-17 “Times-A-Wastin” while stationed in England, these images give a breathtaking inside view of life on a crew with a level of crystal clarity rarely seen. These images have been digitized and are now available to view for free at The Museum of Flight’s Digital Collection.

After flying 35 missions over Europe, Allen moved to the Air Transport Command and served for several more months ferrying aircraft around the Pacific. Because radio silence was observed, all navigation was by celestial observation.

Explore more of the collection for free on the Museum of Flight’s Digital Collection website https://bit.ly/3WA0luX

Image Description Boeing B 17 Flying Fortress aircraft in flight over the English Channel circa 1944 1945 — Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft in flight over the English Channel, circa 1944-1945.
Image Credit: The John W. Allen World War II Collection/The Museum of Flight

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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