The Mighty 8th Air Force recently received a $25,000 private donation for the B-17 “City of Savannah” restoration project. A major portion of this donation, made by a World War II B-17 pilot, is for the purchase of an authentic WWII B-17 ball turret.

“This is further indication of the historical significance of this aircraft and its importance to our veterans, our local community and our country,” said Henry Skipper, president and CEO of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum. “Between now and the formal dedication of the airplane, this ball turret will be fully operational, making it one of the only fully-functioning B-17 ball turrets in the world.”

The ball turret is expected to arrive at the museum in February.

For more information about the museum or the B-17 restoration project, call (912) 748-8888 or visit www.mightyeighth.org. The museum is located at 175 Bourne Avenue in Pooler, right off I-95, exit 102.