WWII B17 History Revisited
USArmy SSgt. Joseph W. Latiolait's WWII B-17 Bomber experiences over Europe. His son, Joe Latiolait recently scanned his fathers archived images to upload and share with other crew members, historians and to appreciae the life lived... [more]
USArmy SSgt. Joseph W. Latiolait's WWII B-17 Bomber experiences over Europe. His son, Joe Latiolait recently scanned his fathers archived images to upload and share with other crew members, historians and to appreciae the life lived well by his father.
Take a Sentimental Journey: The B-17 Flying Fortress
Take a Sentimental JourneyBy JOHN SKIPPER, john.skipper@globegazette.com
2014299
Doug Roll of St. Ansgar recreates his famous 1945 photograph kissing the ground upon landing Monday after a flight in the B-17. The original photo published in Life magazine became an iconic image representing American servicemen’s joy at returning to the States after the end of World War II. JEFF HEINZ photos/The Globe Gazette MASON CITY — Doug Roll of St. Ansgar relived an event of 63 years ago when he got out of a B-17 bomber Monday and kissed the ground at Mason City Municipal Airport.
Roll, 86, got a ride in the bomber, aptly named Sentimental Journey, as the plane went on display through Thursday at the airport.
Roll rode near the nose of the plane Monday, the same position he had in August of 1945 when his bomber came home from England and landed at Bradley Field in Connecticut.
He kissed the ground then and a photo of him appeared in Life magazine.
He kissed the ground in Mason City this time, admitting that getting down then back up was a little harder Monday than it was 63 years ago.
“That was really something,” he said as he emerged from the plane. “It was a sentimental journey, I’ll tell you that. I thought I’d cry but I didn’t.”
Then he flashed a “thumbs up” to family and friends who had gathered to watch the flight.
Roll was in the Army Air Corps during World War II and took specialized bomb training in Great Falls, Mont.
He was in the 390th Bomb Group, 571st Squad, which went to England to service bombers and prepare bombs.
The exhibit of the plane is sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force, a group of 175 Air Force veterans who volunteer their time to take vintage aircraft around the country so the public can see them.
Bill Kasik of Clear Lake rode with Roll. He spent three years in the Navy during World War II. Kasik said he had ridden in B-17s before, “but this was wonderful; the best ride I’ve had.”
The B-17 Flying Fortress, as it was called, was famous for daylight bombing raids over Germany during World War II. Only about 10 restored and airworthy examples remain of the 12,731 that were built.
The public can tour the plane from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Thursday at the airport. A $5 donation is requested.
Flights are available at $425 per person with a minimum of five persons per flight. Passengers must be at least 18.
2014299 Doug Roll of St. Ansgar recreates his famous 1945 photograph kissing the ground upon landing Monday after a flight in the B-17. The original photo published in Life magazine became an iconic image representing American servicemen’s joy at returning to the States after the end of World War II. JEFF HEINZ photos/The Globe Gazette MASON CITY — Doug Roll of St. Ansgar relived an event of 63 years ago when he got out of a B-17 bomber Monday and kissed the ground at Mason City Municipal Airport.Roll, 86, got a ride in the bomber, aptly named Sentimental Journey, as the plane went on display through Thursday at the airport.
Roll rode near the nose of the plane Monday, the same position he had in August of 1945 when his bomber came home from England and landed at Bradley Field in Connecticut.
He kissed the ground then and a photo of him appeared in Life magazine.
He kissed the ground in Mason City this time, admitting that getting down then back up was a little harder Monday than it was 63 years ago.
“That was really something,” he said as he emerged from the plane. “It was a sentimental journey, I’ll tell you that. I thought I’d cry but I didn’t.”
Then he flashed a “thumbs up” to family and friends who had gathered to watch the flight.
Roll was in the Army Air Corps during World War II and took specialized bomb training in Great Falls, Mont.
He was in the 390th Bomb Group, 571st Squad, which went to England to service bombers and prepare bombs.
The exhibit of the plane is sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force, a group of 175 Air Force veterans who volunteer their time to take vintage aircraft around the country so the public can see them.
Bill Kasik of Clear Lake rode with Roll. He spent three years in the Navy during World War II. Kasik said he had ridden in B-17s before, “but this was wonderful; the best ride I’ve had.”
The B-17 Flying Fortress, as it was called, was famous for daylight bombing raids over Germany during World War II. Only about 10 restored and airworthy examples remain of the 12,731 that were built.
The public can tour the plane from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Thursday at the airport. A $5 donation is requested.
Flights are available at $425 per person with a minimum of five persons per flight. Passengers must be at least 18.
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