WWII veteran steps inside B-17 again at Paine Field

Lt. Col. Ken Wheeler, 90, relived a bit of history Wednesday, courtesy of the Historic Flight Foundation at Paine Field in Everett.

Wheeler, who served as a navigator in a B-17 during World War II in the 15th Air Force, was given a tour of the Aluminum Overcast by pilot Rick Fernalld.

During the war, Wheeler’s plane was shot down over the former Yugoslavia. The crew avoided capture and hid from the enemy for two weeks before they were rescued.

Poor weather on Wednesday canceled plans for a flight of the restored B-17.

The Aluminum Overcast will be available for ground tours and possible flights Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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