Blast from the Past: Young and old share B-17 bomber's ‘Sentimental Journey'

For an online supplement to this story that includes audio and pictures: http://www.daily-chronicle.com/slideshows/SentimentalJourney/

DeKALB - Bill Hatheway sat in his wheelchair under the wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. He had just stood up and peered inside the four-engine heavy bomber. He spent three years piloting one and flew 33 missions during World War II as part of the United States' 8th Air Force. Tuesday afternoon, he was among 100 people who were at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport to watch the bomber, named &#8220Sentimental Journey,” land for its weeklong visit. Hatheway, who was wearing a T-shirt with an airplane on it and a baseball cap with &#8220B-17” on it, looked up at the plane. When he looked down near the ball turret, Anthony Larson, 8, and his 7-year-old-brother, Sean, were crawling around it. &#8220Cool,” Sean said. Anthony stood up and looked at Hatheway. &#8220Were you a pilot?” the wide-eyed boy asked. Hatheway nodded. &#8220In one of these planes? Wow,” the Hampshire boy said. Sean bounced over to where his brother was talking to Hatheway. &#8220You were in World War II? Did you ride in this?” Sean asked and pointed at the ball turret where a gunner would sit under the plane. &#8220No. I was a pilot,” Hatheway said. &#8220It was a lot easier.” Hatheway, 86, of DeKalb was 22 years old when he was a pilot of a B-17. While the boys spoke to Hatheway, an adult said, &#8220This guy was a pilot,” and Hatheway then became a celebrity of sorts. He was wheeled around the bomber and then spoke in turn to strangers, reporters and state Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Clare. Hatheway talked about his experiences flying a bomber in the war. He had his picture taken with several people. A friend helping wheel Hatheway around didn't want to give his name. &#8220It's all about him,” John Launer said. &#8220He's the hero.” The &#8220Sentimental Journey” is a flying museum and memorial that was restored by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. The B-17 Flying Fortress was used during daylight bombing raids over Germany. There were more than 12,000 built. Only about 10 remain in flying condition, according to the Arizona Wing. Hatheway met with the pilot of the flying museum and memorial, Mel Tiensvold. Tiensvold said the best part of being part of the volunteer crew is meeting with the veterans. &#8220Thanks for what you did,” Tiensvold said and shook Hatheway's hand. &#8220Because of you we're not speaking German.” Tiensvold and Hatheway looked up at the shiny bomber. &#8220How's it look?” Tiensvold said. &#8220Beautiful,” Hatheway responded. Aracely Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@daily-chronicle.com.