SEATTLE -- Labor Day is the last day of the year to see one of America's most famous World War II bombers in Seattle. Tours are wrapping up for the B-17 Flying Fortress at Boeing Field where guests are able to learn about the aircraft from two veterans of the War.
Tail gunner Ted Gary, 90, and lead pilot Elden Larsen, 92, were on a combined 52 missions on the B-17, similar to the plane currently on display at the Museum of Flight.
The B-17 was America's high-flying, long-range bomber that held a crew of nine-to-12 men able to fight off mid-air attacks.
"The best damn airplane out there," said Larsen.
"My position was on my knees. So I did a little praying," said Gary, who worked in a confined area as a tail gunner.
Both men take pride in showing off the Boeing icon and took time to bring KING 5 on board. They led us through the cockpit, bomb bay, radio room and more.
"We would carry three 2,000 pound bombs," said Larsen.
For German fighter pilots, the B-17 was a prime target, leaving Larsen, Gary, and many others realizing the likelihood that each mission could be their last.
But both men will tell you each service member's perseverance is what resulted in successful missions. Some were motivated by personal heartache.
"My brother was a POW at the time I was there," Larsen said. "I was really determined to do the best job I could do (for my brother)."
The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E Marginal Way S. in Seattle.
