My work on the documentary series “World War II: In Our Words” gave me a whole new appreciation for the B-24 Liberator bomber. I already had a link as my maternal grandfather had helped build them in WWII here in Fort Worth.
In April, 2007, my documentary producing work got me on board the Collings Foundation’s B-24. I got to fly from San Antono to Austin, not just a loop around the field. It was terrific! I returned with video for the documentary, along with personal photos and video.
Most of the bomber crew members I interviewed for “In Our Words” flew on the B-24.
Consolidated’s B-24 was used in every theater in WWII, to only bomber to have that distinction. It still holds the record for the most U.S. combat planes produced. Despite all that, the B-17 got all the glory, and it also was a fine aircraft (and more hearty and survivable by some accounts).
I found B-24 aficionados have few places to go for memorabilia. Thus, I offer up some of my humble efforts. This make great gifts, especially for the men who flew and maintained these aircraft and the men and women who built them.
Tags: Army Air Force, B-24, CAF, caps, Collings Foundation, Commemorative Air Force, Consolidated, Fort Worth, Liberator, mugs, San Antonio, sweatshirts, t-shirts, USAAF, video, WWII
