A Visit To The B -17 Alliance Foundation, Salem Oregon


On a recent visit to Portland I took advantage of an invitation to make a visit to a restoration project that is ongoing in Salem Oregon. This project involves a complete restoration of a B-17G Aircraft the plane is affectionately called the “The Lacy Lady”. The Lady was bought from a surplus air strip at the end of World War 2, by a entrepreneur who wanted the aircraft for his fledging service station business in Milwaukie, Oregon. His marketing idea was very successful, he mounted the aircraft above his service station on a pedestal for those traveling down the road could see in plain site. It came to be known as “The Gas Station Bomber” and became an attraction in Milwaukie, Oregon. It remained on the pedestal from 1947 until 2014 before it was moved to McNary Field. The B-17 Foundation seeks to honor WWII veterans by returning this specific aircraft to a flyable condition for future generations to learn about history, and the sacrifice that countless air crews made during WWII.
An artist who recreated the nose art on the aircraft needed a model and yes the Lacy Lady does exist and I met her during my visit she will be the sweetheart of the air on this B-17
Best of Luck to all the volunteers in this endeavor, and also Thank You Burt for a great tour!
More information can be obtained by going to the B-17 Alliance Foundation at http://b17alliance.com



















