USAAF
20th AF
6th BG
24th BS
Command Pilot Bruce R. Alger
Central Fire Control Operator Harold V. Jones
Aircraft History
Built by Glenn L. Marin Co. in Nebraska and delivered to
USAAF on December 11, 1944. The aircraft's command pilot Bruce
R. Alger, named the airplane after his new born daughter, who Alger
figured would
be eligible for the 'Miss America' pageant in 1962.
Wartime History
Served with the 20th AF's 6th BG 24th BS at North Field, Tinian.
Postwar Service
In October 1945 it returned to America and was assigned to the 4196th
Base Unit (Air Technical Services Command) at Victorville Field, CA.
Then, onto other bases including Robins Field, GA, Smokey Hill, KS,
Kindley
Airbase in Nashville, then was modified for weather reconnaissance
and served on Bermuda. Finally, she served as a target tug, Randolph
AFB
in Texas
when its service
ended. And the aircraft was sent to NAS China Lake for use as a target.
Restoration & Display
Stored at
NAS China Lake, California from 1960 - 1985. In
1984 plans for her restoration were made, and in 1986, the disassembled
“Miss America 62” aircraft was delivered to Travis
Air Force Base Museum.
In 1994, after ten years and 120,000 volunteer restoration hours, the bomber was put on public display as "Miss America 62". Alger's wife, Linda Jill Algers spoke at the dedication of the aircraft on June 18, 1944.
B-29
