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‘Flying Legends’ come to town By Buffy Pollock Aug 28, 2022 01:00 AM A A Two WWII planes parked at the Million Air hanger at the Medford airport or open for tours from Aug. 29 to Sept. 6 The B-25 was developed by North American Aviation and used mainly as a low altitude strafe and skip bomber. Nearly 10,000 B-25s were produced and “Maid in the Shade” is one of 34 still flying today. [Courtesy photo] A pair of vintage World War II planes will offer locals a chance to climb aboard and get an up-close look at a piece of combat history. For some it could be a look at something super cool their grandparent or even great-grandparent took part in. Occasionally, organizers say, it’s a trip down memory lane for the dwindling number of World War II veterans. The B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” and the B-25 Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” will be at the Million Air hangar at the Medford airport Monday through Friday, Aug. 29 to Sept. 6. Part of the Flying Legends of Victory Tour, the planes head out on tour every summer from Mesa, Arizona’s Falcon Field, courtesy of the Airbase Arizona Museum. “Off season” the planes are grounded at the museum with a slew of other warbirds and historic memorabilia. Between June and October each year, they take to the skies, visiting more than four-dozen cities, said Mel Pepitone, ground operations coordinator for the Arizona museum. Pepitone said it’s always fun to share the planes with communities around the country. The old planes, he said, are a hit with young and old alike. Pepitone said they occasionally have a World War II veteran visit the planes. “I always say, ‘You know when a World War II veteran shows up, because they have 10 or 20 people surrounding them,” he said. Pepitone said this week’s display would offer a chance for ground tours as well as actual rides on the planes. “A lot of veterans come in, but just members of the community of all ages love these old planes. I’ve been doing this since 2007. Back then, we still saw a lot of veterans. Anybody that was in the war, now they’re at least in their 90s. You don’t see too many anymore.” The two planes on display in Medford this week have much historical significance. The B-17 bomber earned “a deadly reputation,” legendary for their ability to return home after “taking brutal poundings.” The B-25 was developed by North American Aviation and used mainly as a “low altitude strafe and skip bomber.” Some 10,000 B-25s were produced, and “Maid in the Shade,” on display this week, is one of just 34 still flying. Ground tours cost $15 per person or $30 for a family of 4, and are set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 2-6 p.m. Friday through Monday. Rides will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. between Sept. 2 and 6. Rides on the B-25 cost $375 (waist compartment) and $590 (jump seat). For the B-17, ride tickets cost $475 (waist) and $850 (bombardier/navigator seat). For a full schedule of ground tours and rides, see www.azcaf.org/location/medford-or-tour-stop/ or azcaf.org . For more info, call 480-462-2992 Reach Mail Tribune reporter Buffy Pollock at 541-776-8784 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal.