This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Sat Sep 23, 2006 8:53 pm
I need the USAAF serial number, photographs and any information available concerning a B-24 Liberator that carried the name "The Spirit of Beale Street". A War Bond Drive by the "Colored Division of the Shelby County War Savings Staff" (Memphis, TN) raised $300,000 to "purchase" this aircraft.
There is no entry for this aircraft in Wally Forman's "B-24 Nose Art Name Directory". Was this possibly a "presentation" aircraft, with the name being applied at the factory for publicity purposes and then removed before delivery?
Thanks for your help.
Todd
Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:48 pm
I forgot to mention that Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., operating as Northwest Airlink, named their 100th Canadair Regional Jet, N8944B, the "Spirit of Beale Street" to "commemorate the actions of 'the greatest generation'".
See:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0950832/M/
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0740135/M/
And yes, I have done a Google search on: "Spirit of Beale Street" + "B-24".
Todd