Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

B-17 "Flying Fortress"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. B-17 "Flying Fortress" Marker

Inscription. The Flying Fortress is one of the most famous airplanes ever built. The B-17 prototype first flew on July 28, 1935. Few B-17s were in service on December 7, 1941, but production quickly accelerated. The aircraft served in every World War II combat zone, but is best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets. Production ended in May 1945 and totaled 12,726. This B-17G represents "Heavens Above" of the 561st Squadron, 388th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. The group's first combat mission was July 17, 1943, against Amsterdam, Netherlands, and last combat mission, April 21, 1945. "Heavens Above" flew 128 combat missions. It returned to the United States (Bradley Field, Connecticut) June 30, 1945.

This aerospace vehicle (B-17) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

2nd Plaque Above
Dedicated to Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker
General Eaker was commander of the 8th Air Force in Europe during World War II. He flew B-17's in the European and Mediterranean theaters. His leadership of the Bomber Command during the war has been depicted in the movie

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"12 O'clock High." General Eaker is recognized as an aviation pioneer. At the time of his retirement in August 1947. He was Deputy Commander of the Army Air Forces and Chief of the Air Staff.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1945.

Location. 29° 23.384′ N, 98° 37.144′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At

B-17 "Flying Fortress" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. B-17 "Flying Fortress" and Marker

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Staff Sergeant Archibald Mathies (here, next to this marker); 43rd Bomb Group Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Master Sgt. Henry E. Erwin (within shouting distance of this marker); B-29A "Superfortress" (within shouting distance of this marker); Medal of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); B-24 "Liberator" (within shouting distance of this marker); 459th Bomb Group (H) (within shouting distance of this marker); B-25H "Mitchell" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

B-17 "Flying Fortress" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. B-17 "Flying Fortress"

Wikipedia

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is an American four-engined heavy bomber aircraft developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). A fast and high-flying bomber of its era, the B-17 was used primarily in the European Theater of Operations and dropped more bombs than any other aircraft during World War II. It is the third-most produced bomber of all time, behind the American four-engined Consolidated B-24 Liberator and the German multirole, twin-engined Junkers Ju 88. It was also employed as a transport, antisubmarine aircraft, drone controller, and search-and-rescue aircraft.

(Submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

4. B-17 "Flying Fortress"

QB-17 Flying Fortress Drones over New Mexico image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - United States Army Air Forces, circa 1946

5. QB-17 Flying Fortress Drones over New Mexico

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 227 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.