After 80 Years, Legendary WWII Bomber ‘Lacey Lady’ Is Being Restored to Fly Again

Here is the story of a remarkable old bomber that has become part of Oregon’s history and has now been returned to the skies after restoration work that has taken years of effort from volunteers and historians. This aircraft has a long past that touches both local culture and historic preservation.

The Birth of an Oregon Landmark

The plane known as the Lacey Lady was built toward the end of the Second World War in 1945. It did not see combat and was sold as surplus shortly after the conflict ended. In 1947, a young pilot and business owner, Art Lacey, bought the bomber and flew it from Oklahoma to Oregon. Once there, he disassembled the aircraft and had it mounted atop his service station and restaurant in Milwaukie, where it stood above fuel pumps and diners for nearly seven decades. It became a familiar sight for travelers and locals alike.

For many years, the bomber above the Bomber Restaurant was a roadside attraction and a place where veterans and their families gathered. Though the gas station closed in 1991 and the restaurant shut its doors in 2020, the plane had become an enduring symbol of the community’s connection to history.

From Roadside Display to Restoration Project

In 2014, the bomber was taken down from its perch above the service station and moved to a hangar at Salem’s McNary Field so that work could begin to return it to flying condition. The project was taken on by the B‑17 Alliance Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving this piece of aviation heritage. Fewer than 50 of these heavy bombers still exist in the world today, and the Lacey Lady holds the distinction of having the lowest total flight hours of any of them.

Over the years, volunteers have carefully restored parts of its structure, working from original plans and maintaining as much authenticity as possible. This has meant rebuilding wings, overhauling sections of the fuselage, and reconstructing control systems so that the plane can meet modern airworthiness standards.

Recent Progress and Takeoff

After decades of work and support from aviation enthusiasts and community members, the bomber was reported to have taken to the air again just two days ago, fulfilling a long-held objective of its supporters. This marked a major moment for the restoration team, whose efforts span craft work, historical study, and community education.

The Lacey Lady now serves as both a flying artifact and a moving reminder of the skilled hands and minds that have worked to preserve it, giving new generations a chance to witness a rare piece of aviation history.

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