The Memphis Belle flying back to the US after its 25th
mission over Germany.

On May 17, 1943, the crew of the Memphis Belle, one of a group
of American bombers based in Britain, became one of the first
B-17 crews to complete 25 missions over Europe and return to
the United States.

The Memphis Belle performed its 25th and last mission, in a
bombing raid against Lorient, a German submarine base.

Lt General Jacob Devers (center) shakes hands with one of
the crew of the Memphis Belle before she flew back to the
US in 1943.

   
Visitors gather for a private viewing of the Memphis Belle, a Boeing B-17 ‘Flying Fortress,’ at the National Museum of the
US Air Force 2018.