A flight down memory lane
Tour brings B-17 Flying Fortress to Millington airport
Garrett J. Williamson, 99, reminisces about his time as a flight engineer in World War II during a flight Thursday, May 30, 2019, around Memphis in a restored B-17 Flying Fortress, the same type of plane he served on more than 75 years ago. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The Aluminum Overcast is one of the last remaining airworthy Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses in the world. Millington-Memphis Airport executive director Roy Remington calls it a “living piece of history.” (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
World War II veteran Garrett J. Williamson flew in 29 missions as a B-17 flight engineer in the European theatre, losing many brothers in arms along the way. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
A restored B-17 Flying Fortress flies over Memphis on May 30, 2019, offering a view of the city from the nose turret of the Aluminum Overcast. The aircraft will be accessible to the public at the Memphis-Millington Airport May 31 through June 2. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Pilot Tom Ewing breaks down the history of the B-17 Flying Fortresses before a May 30, 2019, flight around Memphis in the Aluminum Overcast, one of the last remaining airworthy models in existence. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The Aluminum Overcast’s artwork resembles that of the Memphis Belle, its sister aircraft and one of the most famous planes of the era. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The Experimental Aircraft Association has its B-17 Flying Fortress Aluminum Overcast at Millington-Memphis Airport this weekend as part of a national tour, and a 99-year-old World War II veteran stole the show during a flight around Memphis on Thursday.
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B-17 Flying Fortress Experimental Aircraft Association Millington-Memphis AirportPatrick Lantrip
Patrick Lantrip is an award-winning writer, photographer and videographer based in Memphis, Tennessee. When not exploring the outdoors, Patrick enjoys spending time with his daughter, Anna.
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