World War II: Mission VICTORY – Fighting the Air War

The exhibit features selections primarily from the privately held collection of George R. Frisbee. Additional pieces are on loan from Clint Johnson. Mission VICTORY – The War in the Air chronicles America’s involvement in World War II from Pearl Harbor to the last days of war and its lasting affects on the world. Mr. Frisbee has painstakingly recreated a B-17G-70-BO named the “Milk Wagon.” This plane flew with the 708th Bomb Squadron, 447th Bomb Group at Rattlesden Air Base in England and was ready for its first mission on 21 June 1944 to Berlin. Pieces such as this with historic detail provide the basis for the exhibit. Among the photographs of nose art, soldier’s letters and historic documentation on the United State’s war efforts are four fully dressed mannequins wearing original and period specific flight crew suits and uniforms. From the helmets and gloves to the boots, these mannequins provide the opportunity for visitors to see what our soldiers were equipped with to face battles. Also on display is a tribute to Frisbee’s father, who served as a mechanic in World War II. The exhibit will be on display until 24 January 2014. For group or individual tours, please contact the University Archives at 662.846.4781. George Frisbee is available to give guided tours of the exhibit as well.