Pooler, GA Exit 102: Wow, right in the middle of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s combat gallery you can watch volunteers restore the fuselage of a WWII B-17 bomber. It was unnerving to find out that the aluminum is so thin that your finger can make it wiggle.
Hear first-hand stories of brave men and women who were not only pilots, but navigators, ground crew, radio operators or even POW’s from 1942-1945. You can set the stage watching a 20 min. movie depicting the perils of a World War II strategic bombing mission over Nazi Germany, where at times 60% of the flights were one way (now that’s bravery).
Find the story about Tyre C. Weaver, who was so badly wounded that he asked to be thrown from his plane to parachute into enemy territory hoping to receive medical treatment, and of the 10-year old girl who found him.
Learn about Jacqueline Cochran who founded the women’s air force and flew every plane, and Nancy Harkness Love, who delivered planes, tested them and towed targets, and Ann Baumgartner Carl, the first woman to pilot a jet. Peer into a MIG 21 nose section.
See if you can find the dollar bill signed by Clark Gable or what tora tora tora means. There’s a museum store, and outside you can view an F-4C Phantom, MiG-17A and B47 bomber.
Location: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force,
175 Bourne Ave., Pooler, GA 31322
Hours: Daily 9-5
Tel: 912-748-8888
www.mightyeighth.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: poolercrossroads.com