Liberator

This is a B-24J Liberator called Witchcraft. The B-24 was the most-produced U.S. plane of World War II. My grandpa, who is 94, was a tail gunner instructor in B-24s. We flew in this plane last year.

I absolutely love these warbirds. World War II fascinates me like nothing else. These planes are living history exhibits, and people of all ages were out to experience them and learn. I met some great people and had fun conversations. Today was a good, productive day.

In extras: The man in the photo is Frank Brown. We talked for a while. He was a nose gunner in B-24s during World War II. He was stationed in the States and didn't see combat. He's 92. Frank's wife of 68 years died two weeks ago. He said his home is too quiet now, so he has to have the TV on for noise. He came out to see the planes to think about something else and to do something.

Crazy coincidences: My grandpa was a tail gunner, his name is Frank, and he was stationed in the States and didn't see combat. They also were both stationed in Texas at one point. So this man and I bonded right away. It was incredible.

Also in extras: The big plane is a B-17 Flying Fortress, taken from the inside of the B-24. The black-and-white photo is a B-25 Mitchell. There also was a P-51 Mustang there, but it didn't fly.