The Experimental Aircraft Association has just announced the release of a new book featuring dozens of personal stories of those who flew, built and maintained the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress during WWII. These stories were garnered from veterans who flew aboard the EAA Museum’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast on its tours around the nation. The book is linked to exclusive video from aboard the aircraft as well, which the book’s purchasers can access via QR code links on its pages, offering a unique experience for readers. Indeed, it promises to be a fascinating read for those among us whom are housebound presently!
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (March 27, 2020) — Personal and poignant accounts of flying the Boeing B-17, one of history’s most significant aircraft, have been gathered in the new book The Final Mission, newly published by the Experimental Aircraft Association.
The book, written by Chris Henry with Hal Bryan, collects personal remembrances from World War II veterans who flew combat missions aboard B-17s, including those who flew again aboard EAA’s aircraft more than 75 years later during one of its national tours each year. The stories are uniquely categorized by the 10 crew positions in the aircraft. The book also includes recollections from “Rosie the Riveter” builders, Women Airforce Service Pilots, current B-17 tour pilots, and others who have unforgettable memories of the B-17.
“Over more than a quarter-century of EAA’s B-17 tours, we have been privileged to hear hundreds of remarkable stories and anecdotes from individuals and families who are connected with the B-17 Flying Fortress,” said Jim Busha, EAA’s vice president of publications, marketing, and membership. “This treasure trove of deeply moving first-hand accounts has never been brought together in one place. That is why EAA thought it so important to publish this volume, while we can still salute some of those who originally built, flew, and maintained the B-17, along with remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Especially now in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we feel these stories need to be shared for future generations.”
The Final Mission is illustrated with nearly 200 photos and features in its pages QR codes that lead to exclusive video content, including an actual flight of EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast that allows viewers to experience firsthand each of the 10 crew positions aboard the aircraft. The book also features forewords from Gemini and Apollo astronaut Frank Borman, a U.S. Air Force veteran and EAA lifetime member, and Dr. Harry Friedman of the Memphis Belle Memorial Association.
The book is available for just $20 for EAA members and $25 for nonmembers by going to EAA.org/FinalMission. Through April 30, U.S. domestic orders receive free shipping by using the code FINALMISSION. International orders will receive 30 percent off their shipping quote upon purchase.
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
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