CBS Veterans Network and Smithsonian Channel held a series of private screenings of the “MEMPHIS BELLE IN COLOR”. Locations included the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio where the Memphis Belle resides, and various other locations from Hartford Connecticut to Los Angeles, California.
Memphis Belle DC:
The film tells the story of the famed Memphis Belle – a B-17 bomber plane that became a symbol of the Allies’ desperate fight against the German Luftwaffe during WWII – with vibrant color footage of the iconic aircraft in combat. By the summer of 1942, American B-17 airmen were facing chaotic, deadly and frigid battles at altitudes of five miles with a paltry 25 percent survival rate. The B-17 Memphis Belle and her 10 crew members manage to beat these odds, becoming the first B-17 to earn a trip home and a symbol of resilience, grit and victory in the fight for freedom. MEMPHIS BELLE IN COLOR will premiere on Sunday, November 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel
Memphis Belle New York:
In New York City, at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, we had the honor of having our very own CBS Veterans Network Ambassador and SEAL Team cast member, Toni Trucks join Rich Jones, Chief Veteran Officer in presenting a few opening remarks. After the screening a Q&A was conducted and featured panelists, Tim Evans, Executive Producer, Smithsonian Channel, Jeff Duford, Lead Curator, Memphis Belle Restoration, National Museum of US Air Force, John “Lucky” Luckadoo, B-17 Pilot and WWII Veteran, 100th Bomb Group and Conrad Lohoefer, Flight Engineer, Top Turret Gunner 401st Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, 8th Air Force US. The Q&A was moderated by Jeff Glor, Co-Host, CBS This Morning: Saturday. In Washington D.C., the Q&A was moderated by David Martin, National Security Correspondent, CBS News. Other locations, included prominent panelists and moderators as well.
Memphis Belle Los Angeles:
"Following last year’s inaugural Veterans Month tour, Smithsonian Channel continues its commitment of bringing thoughtful and illuminating military and veterans themed programming to new viewers across the country in an effort to shine light on stories of our veterans and the great sacrifices they have given to our nation,” said Tim Evans, Executive Producer. "The Memphis Belle symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of an entire generation. In telling this story, Smithsonian Channel hopes to reflect the values, contributions and sacrifices made by all American veterans.”
Memphis Belle Dayton:
At the Dayton screening “I'm the proud grandpa who was being led around the event last evening by my grandson, Chase French (8). The entire event--from the reception & refreshments in the WWII gallery, to the wonderfully-done movie, to the panel discussion was superbly done. Thanks for your highly successful effort! By the way, I've taken Chase to the Neil Armstrong, William Pitsenbarger, and D-Day movies/events. Those movies have kindled an interest in history in his young mind, and that's surely a marvelous thing.”, Phil French, LTC, USAF, Ret'd.