Memphis Belle Takes Flight Over Columbia

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– One of the most famous bombers from World War II took to the skies over Columbia Monday. Monday morning the Memphis Belle took off from Owens Field Airport. The flight was part of the Liberty Foundation’s Salute to Veterans tour. In May 1943 the Memphis Belle became the first U.S. Army Air Force bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe. At the time, completing 25 missions was an important milestone in a combat tour – it meant that the airmen could come home. The crew of the Memphis Belle was also the subject of a 1990 movie.