Military Veterans: Dr. David Fisher, World War II airmen fly again in B-29 bomber – video & more

USA Today, World War II Expo, October 27, 2014
Associated Press

World War II airmen relived memories of bombing campaigns in the only B-29 bomber still capable of flying. The B-29, name "Fifi", arrived in New Orleans for an air expo hosted by the National WWII Museum and the Commemorative Air Force. (Oct. 24) AP

B-29 Superfortress FIFI

FIFI was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s, when a group of its members found her at the US Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, Calif., where she was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued, restored, and flew for over thirty years until 2006 when the chief pilot made the decision to ground her pending a complete power plant re-fit. What followed was an extensive four-year restoration that included replacing all four engines with new, custom-built hybrid engines. FIFI returned to the sky in 2010, and has since traveled coast to coast attracting large crowds at every tour stop.

Click here for the video of this nostalgic event.

Click here for Dr. Fisher’s Athletic Network profile.

Click here for Dr. Fisher’s letter in the Book of Letters where he provides more information about his military experience.

Click here for Dr. Fisher Photo Gallery of the 2012 Spring Gala – the pre-Gala, Gala and Fisher Brunch  are included, plus more.

A special acknowledgment is extended to daughter Susan who provided the heads-up for this story.

Peace, Ed Dugas

Athletic Network Footnote: A former student, student worker, colleague and friend, I can attest that there is no finer person than David Fisher. After serving on the HPE faculty with him for many years, it was a hugh honor to introduce him at the Alumni Gala in 2012.