jankees
January 27th, 2013, 03:17
B-17G 42-97061 LL-B "General Ike" (http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/file/3534-a2a-b-17g-91st-bg-ll-b-general-ike/) of the 401st BS/ 91st BG based in Bassingbourne UK. One of the more well known B-17's of the 91st BG, was originally assigned to the 457th BG, but came to the 91st after only 3 days there, on the 16th March 1944. The aircraft was christened by General Eisenhower himself, when he visisted the 91st BG on 11 April 1944. The noseart was painted by Cpl. Tony Starcer, with the lettering being done by Cpl. Elvis White. Both artists signed their work, though Cpl White's name later disappered from the aircraft. Eisenhower liked the painting, but remarked to Cpl Starcer that his eyes were not blue-grey at all.
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/ss4502_zps2716acab.jpg
"General Ike" survived the war and returned to Kingman Az, where she was scrapped. On its 65th mission, prop 3 started windmilling and sheared off, hitting the fuselage just below the co-pilots feet, but the only damage was to the noseart, which was quickly repainted by Cpl Starcer. "General Ike" flew many missions as lead ship, because, as Capt John Davis said after returning from its 21st mission: "She's a mighty sweet plane, not too hot or fast, she moves steadily along. You don't want a fast aircraft for group lead."Ike" gets you over the target and brings you bak again", which she did, again and again until the end of the war.
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/ss4503_zps7193d954.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/ss4502_zps2716acab.jpg
"General Ike" survived the war and returned to Kingman Az, where she was scrapped. On its 65th mission, prop 3 started windmilling and sheared off, hitting the fuselage just below the co-pilots feet, but the only damage was to the noseart, which was quickly repainted by Cpl Starcer. "General Ike" flew many missions as lead ship, because, as Capt John Davis said after returning from its 21st mission: "She's a mighty sweet plane, not too hot or fast, she moves steadily along. You don't want a fast aircraft for group lead."Ike" gets you over the target and brings you bak again", which she did, again and again until the end of the war.
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/ss4503_zps7193d954.jpg