WWII history lands in Delaware
Monday, August 17th, 2009
By: Megan Pinto
mpinto@whyy.org
The B-17 and B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945. Jim Harley is the foundation's volunteer pilot for the world's last flying B-24 Liberator. "The B-17 got all the glory" Harley says, "But the B-24 did all the work."
The two bombers were also well known for their ability to sustain damage while accomplishing heavy bombing missions. World War II veteran Bill Fili spoke first hand today about the plane's resistance to damage.
Fili was working on his 34th mission over Romania as flight engineer aboard B-24 "Destiny Deb" when his plane was tragically shot down during the Ploesti air battle. "4,000 of us got shot down," Fili says with tears in his eyes, "Only 1200 came back."
After surviving this battle by parachute, Fili felt he owed his life to the powerful B-24 aircraft. "This machine was the greatest fighting machine that was ever built," he says "You could see it was the iron horse or the aluminum horse"
The third plane on display, the P-51 Mustang, was built in the early 1940's with the ability to fly long distances at a fast pace. It became one of the world's most successful and recognizable aircraft through the years. It was used as an escort fighter that stayed with the bombers deep into enemy territory and back to base on every mission. The P-51 soon came to be known as the allied crew's "Little Friend."
Having these planes available for educational purposes has a huge significance for Delaware residents, specifically for war veterans like Bill Fili. The exhibit serves greater value to him than the two ounces of whiskey and two donuts he was given as a welcome home present from his last war mission. "It means the world to me," Fili says.
The planes are available for ground tours for the next two days. Visitors can also schedule a 30-minute or one-hour flight where they will be given the unique opportunity to fly the aircraft.
The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times. If you would like to schedule a 30-minute flight reservation, call (978) 562-9182.
For more information about the Wings of Freedom tour, log onto www.collingsfoundation.org
