B-17 THUNDERBIRD

Final Mission

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This photo was sent to me by aviation artist Keith Ferris. He made these comments about this photo:

Poor old "Thunderbird" looked terrible when she retired. She had been the first un-camouflaged B-17 to arrive at the 303rd. For fear of drawing German attention, she was painted olive drab and gray without the benefit of a primer coat. Much of the paint had worn off the nose. She had an unpainted cowling for #2 engine, and as you can see, was covered with patches. Her individual aircraft letter "U" has been changed to "G" after she was parked.