On This Day in History / May 17, 2024 1943: The crew of the B-17F Flying Fortress Memphis Belle completes 25 combat missions in the European Theater. Led by Capt. Robert Morgan, the crew then returns to the U.S. with their bomber, Boeing B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress, serial number 41-24485, assigned to the 324th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), VIII Bomber Command, based at Air Force Station 121 (RAF Bassingbourne, England), and flies it on a nation-wide tour selling war bonds.