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Rescued from the English Channel to Fly Again
by Dr. Vivian Rogers-Price
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On 29 January 1944 George Preddy wore this "Mae West" Life Preserver which has his name "Apt. G.E. Preddy" stenciled in black letters.
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On 29 January 1944 the 352nd Fighter Group was one of the groups providing escort for the B-17s attacking Frankfurt's industrial district. Fighter pilot George Preddy had started to head for home when his wingman, William Whisner radioed that the bombers were under attack by FW 190s. Preddy turned back and spotted an FW 190 below and behind the B-17s. Whisner was already after a second one. Both pilots quickly shot down the 190s and then headed for home. As each pilot crossed the French coast, a gun battery opened fire damaging Preddy's P-47.
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Memorial Gardens
by Peggy Harden
 This is your last chance to purchase a plaque on the Museum's Wall of Valor! The Museum is ending our Wall of Valor program, Peggy is taking the last 36 names to be placed on the last wall.
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum's Wall of Valor stands as a tribute to the men and women of the Eighth Air Force...
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Feature Exhibit
by Jamie Hanna
The Tuskegee Airmen
 With the release of George Lucas's new movie "Red Tails", interest in the Tuskegee Airmen has increased tremendously at the Museum. School groups especially have been excited to talk about this movie and discuss the P-51 Mustang. Many people are asking for more information about these extraordinary men so it seems only fitting to make them the topic of this month's article.
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This Month in 8th Air Force History
April 1942. Maj. General Spaatz, commander of "Army Air Forces in Great Britain" suggests to Gen. Hap Arnold that the 8th be the nucleus for the buildup in Britain. April 1942. Hap Arnold rejects U.S. use of RAF Lancaster, reaffirms commitment to precision daylight bombing. British continue to pressure U.S. to join night bombing. April 8, 1942. Gen. Marshall tells Eaker he doesn't believe invasion of Europe possible until Luftwaffe is destroyed. Eaker begins planning campaign to destroy targets and get the Luftwaffe to come up and fight. April 8, 1943. First appearance of P-47. 23 P-47s were sent on Rodeo, a sweep to destroy enemy aircraft April 17, 1943. Heaviest opposition to date. 107 B-17s drop 265.5 tons of bombs on Breman. 16 B-17s MIA. 63 enemy aircraft destroyed with another 15 probable. April 12, 1945. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies at Warm Springs, Georgia. April 16-21, 1945. Attacks continued but with careful regard to target selection. On April 16, the rail bridge across the Danube was obliterated, in spite of the fact that Patton's 3rd Army needed it more than the retreating Germans. On April 17, the rail yards at Dresen received one last assault. April 25, 1945. Last 8th Air Force combat mission. 286 1st AD B-17s dropped 525 tons of bombs on the Skoda armament works and 189 tons on the Pilsen airfield. |
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Spring has arrived in Savannah, although it felt like spring for a good part of the winter months. Beginning this time of year the Museum attracts increasing crowds that visit us from all over the world. Many are visitors who come to Savannah to experience the charm of this old southern city and during their stay make a trip to the Museum a top priority. Savannah attracts close to 12 million tourists a year. Others visit the Museum as they make their way along interstate 95, the most heavily traveled interstate in the nation. Still others visit us as part of group tours that plan their agenda months in advance. 
Spring has arrived and the weather is warming up. We will all be enjoying the great outdoors soon. To help you enjoy being outdoors, we have put all wind chimes, windsocks, outdoor flags, garden flags and garden stones on sale for 10% off for the month of April. We have a great selection so make your choice and enjoy the savings.
During the summer months the Museum offers half day and extended day summer camps. These camps are great for rising 2nd - 5th graders. 
