Illinois Man Restores Iconic B-17 WWII Bomber After 40 Years of Dedication

A Lifelong Dream in a Quiet Town

In the small town of Marine, Illinois, one man has spent four decades bringing a World War II bomber back to life. Mike Kellner began chasing his dream in high school and never let go of it. While most people move on from childhood ideas, Mike held on for nearly 50 years.

Tucked inside a quiet barn off a country road, his project is both unexpected and remarkable. The aircraft he’s restoring is a B-17 bomber, known for its role in the air campaigns of World War II. At 75 feet long and made of gleaming aluminum, the plane has become a symbol of memory and hard work.

From a Junkyard to Restoration

Mike found the bomber in 1984, buried in weeds at a junkyard in Maine. It was listed for $7,000. To move it, he took the frame of an old house trailer, added ten feet to it, and hauled the aircraft home over five long trips. Piece by piece, panel by panel, he began rebuilding it.

The aircraft carries two names. The first, painted on its exterior, was Desert Rat. The second name, Tangerine, was found underneath the layers of dirt. Tangerine was a popular song in 1942, likely the reason for the name. Over time, as Mike cleaned and repaired, the bomber’s history began to show itself.

Uncovering Forgotten Stories

Inside, he found personal items and writing. Some women had written their names, addresses, and phone numbers on parts of the plane. It had once been used as a mail carrier, and even dental records were found. As word spread, others came forward to help. One man’s father had been a tail gunner on a B-17, and he now volunteers with Mike.

Dozens of volunteers have signed their names on stools inside the barn, marking their time helping restore the aircraft. Chris Gibson, another volunteer, installed glass from the same spot his own father looked through before being shot down in 1944.

More Than Just a Plane

An estimated 50,000 U.S. airmen were killed or went missing in B-17 missions. Some veterans who survived have visited the barn. They’ve quietly touched the bomber’s side and, at times, been moved to tears.

Even when donations run dry or parts are hard to find, Mike continues his work. He hopes to see the bomber take flight again one day, honoring the men who once flew it. When asked when it will be finished, he smiles and simply says, “Thursday… we just don’t know which year.”