Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Oval-shaped Commemorative Coin

After the attack on Pearl Harbor drew the U.S. into World War II, it became clear the U.S. needed a tough, reliable long-range bomber to fly missions over Europe and the Pacific Islands. The Army'sBoeing B-17 became the workhorse of the war. Nicknamed the Flying Fortress, this 4-engine heavy bomber could stay aloft for more than 8 hours, travelling incredible distances to unleash its devastating payload. They were legendary for being able to defend themselves - even without their fighter escorts - and their ability to stay in the air after taking brutal poundings. The B-17 dominated the air above Germany and in the Pacific and led the way to victory in World War II.

Developed by Boeing in the 1930s, the B-17 Flying Fortress was a heavy bomber used by the U.S. Army Air Corpsfor strategic bombing campaigns against Germany during World War II. Primarily deployed in Western Europe, the Flying Fortress also saw action in the Pacific Theater, carrying out raids on Japanese shipping and airfields.