"Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress"

The 1944 documentary movie “Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress” increased the aircraft and crew’s already substantial fame. This unique film was the brainchild of legendary film director William Wyler.

In 1942, Major Wyler went to England to film heavy bomber operations in Europe. He and his camera crew accompanied bomber crews on combat missions, sharing the same dangers—in April 1943, one of his cameramen, 46-year-old Lt Harold Tannenbaum, was killed on a mission over St. Nazaire, France. The incredible footage Wyler and his men recorded appeared in the 1944 motion picture.

Maj Wyler (second from right) with some of the Memphis Belle crew. Wyler flew two of his five combat missions on the Memphis Belle, including the crew’s 25^th mission. This photograph was taken after that mission—crew chief MSgt Joseph Giambrone is painting on the 25^th bomb.

Lt Col William Wyler

Wyler, promoted to lieutenant colonel in late 1943, wore this uniform while in Italy working on his next documentary, “Thunderbolt!” This color film chronicled fighter-bomber operations in the closing months of the war.

Wyler left active military service when the war ended in 1945. He continued to direct Hollywood movies—including “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “Roman Holiday,” and “Ben-Hur”—and earned numerous accolades, including 12 nominations and three Oscars for Best Director.