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Some years later, recently in fact in the same area coming out of work again I heard that roar and this time it was a B-17. It’s one of a few that are still flying. “909’’ it’s called. Took a tour of that baby! Talk about cramped.

I have to laugh when I read that. I worked in Macon, GA back in the '90s when the "Sentimental Journey", a B-17G flown by the Confederate Air Force, made its appearance there.

I went out to the airport and took a tour, and was blown away at the small interior. It felt like I was walking (stooped) through a highway culvert. They were playing actual combat intercom conversations and I well remember the "Get out of there guys!" as they watched one of their own go down and counting the chutes as they bailed out. Christ, talk about chills!

The guys said their next stop was Savannah and a day later I was in a Big Wheel conference when I heard THE drone. I had seen so many WWI films on B-17s I immediately recognized the familiar sound. I startled everyone by saying "THAT'S A B-17!" and bolted from the room.

I went outside the plant and caught her just as she approached the area at about 1,000 feet. I took of my cap and waved - and by God, the pilot waggled its wings - and I damned near wet myself. For the life of me, I don't remember going back to the meeting, but boy, I will remember that event until my dying day.

It's a sight to behold seeing one of those things in the air. I've always felt that the B-17 was the most beautiful looking plane ever built. The iconic symbol of righteous American might. I had the honor of knowing three men who flew and fought in the B-17. One was a pilot another was a navigator and one, I'll never forget him "Ernie''. He was a ball-turret gunner. By far the most dangerous fighting station in all of WW2. They're gone now, may they rest in peace. They all told me they owe their lives to ''that plane'' as they put it.

"...I immediately recognized the familiar sound. I startled everyone..."

I was painting the house on a stepladder when I heard a familiar sound, slid down the ladder, and raced to an opening in the tree canopy. It was a B-25. A neighbor joined me, so I asked, "You followed me because you like old WWII bombers, too?"

He said, "No, it's because I've never seen you run before!"