Memphis Belle

[drgondog]

Originally Posted by Jim Oxley

If Memphis Belle was the first Eighth Air Force B-17 to complete 25 missions, was Morgan's crew also the first to complete 25 missions? And were they all flown in the Belle? Were there any individuals who had completed 25 missions prior to Morgan's crew?

Given that it took almost 10 months for someone to achieve that milestone no wonder such a fuss was made.

Anyone know the name and date of the second crew to achieve this milestone? And what was the name of the second B-17?

Mike is right, it (first B-17) was Hell's Angels, with Knockout Dropper in the race. I think the Hell's Angels might have been the first to reach 50 Missions also - which is why it took longer to return home?

The May 17, 1943 mission would have made the Bell's last mission 9 months to the day from August 19, 1942 for 8th's first official mission of B-17s to Rouen.

So the date of the second ship was Memphis Belle