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!