NPR

At 75, A World War II Legend Gets A Full Makeover

At the Air Force museum in Dayton, technicians and volunteers are working to restore a unique piece of history. The B-17 bomber Memphis Belle is being carefully returned to its wartime appearance.
Richard Issacks was a B-52 pilot in Vietnam and then flew for American Airlines.

A legendary airplane that helped America win World War II is being reborn at age 75. The B-17 bomber "Memphis Belle" flew 25 missions against Nazi Germany and then came home to help sell war bonds and raise spirits.

In recent years, the Belle has been undergoing a patient and precise restoration at

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