The B-17 “City of Savannah” Restoration Project

The B-17G comes to us from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC after a decade-long search for this rare heavy bomber. The aircraft, alongside the B-24 Liberator, was flown on combat missions to German targets between 1942-1945.

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is pleased to utilize this original airplane in our educational programs and in our mission to preserve and present the legacy of the courageous airmen and women who served in the 8th Air Force.

This B-17 Flying Fortress is undergoing complete restoration and is on display now in our Combat gallery. Come, be a part of history in the making! Restoration of the B-17 is continuing at a steady pace; you can be a part of the Museum's B-17 Restoration Project. The Museum appreciates all financial gifts, and for $100 or more you will receive a certificate of participation, suitable for framing, that recognizes your part in this historic Museum event. Please make all checks payable to "B-17 Project" and mail to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave., Pooler, GA 31322. If you would like to pay by credit card, please contact Brenda Elmgren at 912-748-8888 ext 165.

Namesake
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is restoring its B-17 in honor of the B-17 named “City of Savannah” on December 3, 1944. The aircraft was the 5000th airplane processed through Hunter Army Air Field at Savannah, GA during World War II. It was christened prior to its take-off to England to fly combat missions with the 388th Bomb Group, 563rd Squadron of the 8th Air Force.

The crew flew their first combat mission from Knettishall on January 15, 1945. Lt. Kittle and his crew were shot down over Kraslice, Czechoslovakia in a different aircraft on their 13th mission to Plauen, Germany on March 5, 1945. Nine members of the crew became prisoners of war and one crewman was killed in action. The aircraft, “City of Savannah” flew 44 combat missions in World War II.

Restoration Photos
Transportation and Reassembly • Restoration

The Latest “City of Savannah” Restoration Project Updates

Thank You Restoration Team Members

Jerry McLaughlin • Jimmy Grismer • Marshall Brooks • Jim Argo • JEB Harper • Chuck Brisbin • Bob Brunn • Bill Burkel • Brooks Crenshaw • Joseph Denapoli • Carl Finney • Tonnie Glick • Mort Glick • Ron Gunnells • Danny Harden • Dewayne Hebert • Bill Liening • Bill Leftwich • Phillip Lajeunesse • Tyson Morrison • Jack Nilsen • David Pinegar • Douglas Reed • Mary Jo Reed • Ben Ridgdill • Kenneth Rombouts • David Talleur • Steve Ward • Scott Whitcher • Jeremy Wicker • Larry Wilson • Glen Braselton • John Calvert • Joel Hedgpeth • Earl Kallansrud • Scott Latham • Chuck Milton • Matt O'Neil • Gil Patrick • Alberto Rodriguez • Milt Stombler • Dave Urbanski •

Thank You to our Corporate Donors

National Air and Space Museum • American Building Systems • Omega Steel • LMI • JCB • United Rentals • Yancy Brothers • NES Rentals • International Aero Services • American Aero Services • Coleman American Moving Services • ColdJet