The Memphis Belle was the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to return to the United States after completing 25 missions over Europe.
Boeing B-17F
Memphis Belle
The Memphis Belle completed her 25th combat missions with the Eighth Air Force on 19 May 1943 - one week after the B-17F Hell's Angels on 13 May 1943. This achievement was momentous because, at the time, the odds of completing a 25-mission tour and going home were not good. Although the Memphis Belle was damaged on several combat missions, the crew beat the odds. The crew then returned home for a war bond tour across America.