The Final Mission: Personal Stories of the Lives Touched by EAA's B-17, Aluminum Overcast

The Final Mission tells the powerful and personal stories of some of the people who have stepped back in time by taking a flight on the Experimental Aircraft Association’s restored B-17 bomber, Aluminum Overcast. Whether they are veterans who once proudly served aboard the Flying Fortress, or a family member who wants a firsthand sense of what a loved one did in the war, everybody steps off the airplane deeply affected and emotional. The memories flood back as the humble giants of the greatest generation revisit their service and sacrifice, seated in their original crew stations, in many cases, for the first time in decades. It is EAA’s privilege to send this mighty bomber out on tours across the country, dedicating its continued service to the brave young men who risked it all and, in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice during humanity’s single greatest fight against tyranny. These flights inspire incredible stories that are sometimes funny, often poignant, and always profound. These deeply moving firsthand accounts are collected and shared here for the first time. In addition, this lavishly illustrated book also includes hundreds of photos, many from the personal collections of B-17 veterans and their families that have never been published. This book comes to life as you strap yourself in to watch exclusive video content that takes you on an actual flight in Aluminum Overcast, experiencing each crew station firsthand. Hardcover 128 interior pages + 4 cover pages