AUBURN — The Wings of Freedom tour of the World War II vintage B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine-o-nine” became a live history lesson for the Oxford Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Troop and Pack 196 recently.
The Collings Foundation flew in the rare famed B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine-o-nine” heavy bomber for display at the Auburn-Lewiston Airport as part of a 110-city nationwide tour in honor of World War II veterans.
The Scouts are chartered with the Anderson-Staples Post 112, American Legion. Legionnaires, the Scouts and three World War II veterans from the post shared first-hand knowledge of the B-17 aviation history.
The B-17 was part of the American bombing effort during 1942-1945. They were famous for their ability to sustain damage and accomplish the mission. Many were able to safely bring their crews home.
The rarity of the plane, one of only 10 still flying, and the importance of telling the story of World War II is the mission of the tour.
After a walk-through tour of the bomber, post scouting representative Joe Bernard presented a certificate of appreciation to pilot Mark Murphy. Scouts Bea Dill and Billy Carrol presented a thank-you card signed by all.
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- Oxford Scouts took a tour of the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine-o-nine” at the Auburn-Lewiston Airport recently. From left are Legionnaires F. Gagne, B. Chouinard, E. Smallwood; Boy Scouts J. Haslett, J. Dill, C. Leeman, G. Haslett; Cub Scouts R. Carrol, S. Carrol, C. Dill; pilot Mark Murphy; Legion representative J. Bernard; and Scouts D. Lewis, B. Dill, R. Carrol and B. Carrol.
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