A Mighty Fortress - the B-17

A mighty fortress is this venerable plane!
A flying fortress indeed - the adversary's bane!
Though she groans as through the celestial dome she flies,
There's no sturdier old queen ruling the skies!

Though badly battered by bursting flak and shell,
She limps home from missions having flown through hell!
Mission completed, her tires gently kiss the aerodrome,
Once more bringing her valiant crew safely home.

Ground crews patch the old warrior to fly another day,
And load her belly with fuel and ammo without delay.
The crews who proudly wore the Eighth Air Force Patch,
Will argue there's not a plane yet built to meet her match!

The old veteran served faithfully during the Second World War,
But very few of these elegant birds grace the skies anymore.
Some rest their weary wings displayed in museums here and there,
To be admired by future generations. tended with loving care!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020



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Date: 6/11/2020 11:21:00 PM
G'day Bob … the history behind these winged warriors should never be forgotten. I often wonder if modern planes can match the veterans from the past - thank you Bob - Lindsay
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Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 6/12/2020 2:01:00 PM
Thank you, Lindsay. The modern jets don't impress me. I love the roar of the old prop jobs. I was privileged to be a crew member of an Air Rescue Squadron B-17 that spotted and dropped a boat for the survivors of a B-29 that crashed about 350 miles north of Bermuda when I was stationed there as a young corporal in Nov 1949. Heady stuff for a young and dumb airman!
Date: 6/11/2020 10:51:00 PM
This flies like the iron bird it honors - really like 'There's no sturdier old queen ruling the skies!' Were you a pilot? It seems like you know a lot about this plane-
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Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 6/12/2020 2:05:00 PM
Thank you, Michelle. I wasn't a pilot but was a crew member of an Air Rescue B-17 when station in Bermuda (see the comments I made for Lindsay Laurie). I was privileged to serve 30 years in the Air Force and retired in Aug '78 as a Chief Master Sergeant. Best to you - Bpb H
Date: 6/8/2020 10:07:00 AM
Oh, Robert, I wish your elegant bird could bring my daughter home. I haven't seen her in months because inelegant birds are grounded. Stay safe and keep praying.
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Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 6/8/2020 10:25:00 AM
Dear Sunlite: With you I pray that flights and everything else will return to normal and you can see your daughter soon! I miss the hugs and kisses that have been denied me and my family. Things look pretty grim, but hopefully better days are ahead. In the meantime stay safe and many thanks for dropping by - Bob H
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