'Memphis Belle' Completes 25 Missions
June 9, 1943: After completing 25 combat missions over Western Europe from its base at Air Force Station 121 (RAF Bassingbourne, Cambridgeshire, England), 'Memphis Belle', a US Army Air Forces Boeing B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress, serial number 41-24485, assigned to the 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), 324th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), was flown home by Capt Robert K. Morgan and Capt James A. Verinis.
The daylight bombing campaign of Nazi-occupied Europe was very dangerous with high losses in both airmen and aircraft. For a bomber crew, 25 combat missions was a complete tour, and they were sent on to other assignments. 'Memphis Belle' was only the second B-17 to survive 25 missions, so it was withdrawn from combat and sent back to the United States for a publicity tour.