This project was inspired by meeting the valiant veterans of the 384th Bomb Group.
Other WWII veterans have signed things like the doors in the EAA's B-17G "Aluminum Overcast", or artists prints, so it's not unusual. But the desire was to use a unique object only for the WWII veterans of the 384th Bomb Group, a special object that had meaning for the veterans. The object should belong to the 384th Bomb Group, Inc. and be something that the veterans, families and friends of the Group could cherish for years. After discusssing it with other NexGen members, I found that there was support for the idea of our Group having a special B-17 part for our vets to sign. In 2010, the 384th Bomb Group Board was presented the idea of NexGen members finding a B-17 part to be donated to the non-profit 384th BG Inc. for the veterans of the Group to sign, and they approved the effort.
After a long search, Carl Scholl of Aero Trader very generously donated a B-17G right wing stress panel to the 384th Bomb Group, Inc. for all the veterans of the Group. Cory O'Bryan of Fighter Rebuilders donated his time and great talent to prepare the panel and paint the period group and squadron emblems of the Group.
The project has grown and taken off on its own wings beyond my original contributions to be embraced by the members and veterans of the 384th Bomb Group as its very own, and for that I am very grateful to everyone, but especially to the veterans and their families.
