+Fates 63 Posted June 12, 2010 http://aeroarchaeology.com/ LONG BEACH, Calif., June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a sacrifice Americans said they would never forget. And today, more than 68 years since a group of young U.S. servicemen in a B-17E Flying Fortress crash-landed in a primitive New Guinea swamp, a group of the air crew's surviving relatives and supporters will welcome home the fallen aircraft to honor the heroes of World War II. A formation flyover by a vintage P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk above the Long Beach Harbor will launch a ceremony to unveil the recovered bomber, nicknamed Swamp Ghost and known by historians as the Holy Grail of military aviation. A flag presentation by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and remarks from recovery team members will highlight the event, to be held at 10:30am in the parking lot of The Reef restaurant, 880 Harbor Scenic Drive, where the plane's remarkably intact front fuselage will be on display. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derk 265 Posted June 13, 2010 Great job, fascinating story !!!! Hou doe, Derk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Gocad 26 Posted June 13, 2010 Indeed, but to be honest I would find it more interesting to maintain the aircraft in its current condition instead of trying to restore it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted June 14, 2010 "known by historians as the Holy Grail of military aviation" Really? I don't see any reason why this has any more claim to such a dubious title than many others like Glacier Girl. Journalistic hyperbole really ruins things that are genuinely interesting for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
