Hollywood's Memphis Belle Flying Fortress to Tour Military Air Shows

Hollywood's Memphis Belle Flying Fortress to Tour Military Air Shows

Jeep(R) Brand will display B-17 bomber from silver screen at five bases and Camp Jeep event

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The aircraft that memorialized for Hollywood one of the most recognized and inspirational U.S. military aircraft ever built, the B-17 bomber Memphis Belle, will be made accessible to the public at Andrews Air Force Base, Friday, May 20.

The "Jeep(R) Brand Presents the Hollywood Belle Tour," debuts at this week's Joint Services Open House and Air Show (JSOH), and showcases the B-17 bomber featured in the 1990 Memphis Belle motion picture.

"Jeep is very excited to be a part of this partnership that complements the spirit of patriotism and American perseverance that the country's military air shows are famous for embodying," said Jeff Bell, vice president, Jeep. "Jeep brand takes pride in our long-established support of our troops, and we are proud to help elevate awareness and interest in our country's rich tradition of air shows, and the breathtaking military bases that host them."

Over the next six months, Jeep will bring the Hollywood Belle to some of the largest military air shows in the United States, offering more than 500,000 spectators the unique opportunity to explore and learn about the aviation legend, as well as the Jeep brand's rich military heritage. An authentic Memphis Belle replica built in 1945, the Hollywood Belle is a genuine B-17 Flying Fortress, which served in the European theatre during World War II, and later was used by General Curtis LeMay in the Korean War. Following the show at Andrews Air Force Base, the Hollywood Belle will also be on display at the following bases:

* McGuire AFB Air Show, Trenton, N.J. - June 3-5
* Great State of Maine AFB Show, Portland, Maine - Sept. 10-11
* Little Rock AFB Air Show, Little Rock, Ark. - Oct. 8-9
* Seymour Johnson AFB Air Show, Raleigh, N.C. - Nov. 5-6

In addition to these five stops on the military air show circuit, the Hollywood Belle will make a sixth special appearance at Jeep's annual owner loyalty event, Camp Jeep. This year's Camp Jeep event, "Back to the Basics," will take place in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, August 12-14, and include 4x4 trail rides, off-road driving courses, and a chance to test-drive the 2006 Jeep Commander. The highlight of the weekend will be a private air show featuring the Hollywood Belle, P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, F-4U Corsair and two P-47 Thunderbolts.

The Hollywood Belle started as a B-17G model and was used in the 1990 Warner Bros. motion picture, Memphis Belle. Built in 1945 by the Douglas Aircraft Company, the Hollywood Belle never saw combat during World War II. During the war this plane was based in England as a reserve. In later years it served as General Curtis LeMay's aircraft during the Korean war and as a fire bomber in the 1960's. Today, the Hollywood Belle travels the U.S. as a reminder of the fame and glory that made the original Memphis Belle a piece of World War II history. The original Memphis Belle is currently undergoing restoration in Millington, Tenn. by the Memphis Belle Memorial Association.

It was built in 1941 as a B-17F model Flying Fortress for World War II's 91st Bomb Group, 324th Bomb Squadron based in Bassingbourn, England.

Jeep brand was created to serve in WWII and has continued to support the military throughout its 65 year history. Today, Jeep continues the tradition of support with the Jeep Everyday Heroes Program, its Military Incentive Program and by supporting Operation Gratitude. The Jeep Heroes Nomination Program (http://www.jeep/nominate.com ) honors 12 heroes in four categories: military, police, fire and emergency medical services. One winner from each category receives a Grand Prize of an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Through its Military Incentive Program, Jeep offers a special discount on all new Jeep vehicle purchases by current and retired military personnel and their immediate family members living in the same household. Jeep also partners with "Operation Gratitude" to help provide care packages to military personnel serving overseas. To date, "Operation Gratitude" has sent over 44,000 packages to U.S. troops. Additionally, the Jeep brand is the national Presenting Sponsor of the National Anthem Project, which is an effort to re- teach Americans the words and heritage of the "Star Spangled Banner" and the historic events that inspired the song.

Managing logistics for the Hollywood Belle tour is global event marketing agency The George P. Johnson Company (GPJ). The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company is also a Camp Jeep Charter Member, having provided event design, execution and logistics management since the first Camp Jeep, 11 years ago.

About Jeep Brand

Freedom, authenticity, mastery and the capability to go anywhere are the hallmarks of the Jeep brand worldwide. It is a reputation earned during more than six decades of SUV leadership. The launch last year of the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty CRD ("Clean Running Diesel") and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited represented new models and expansion of the Jeep brand. Later this year, Jeep continues to grow with the introduction of the Jeep Commander, an all-new three-row SUV. Jeep Trail Rated communicates the legendary Jeep capability that is designed into every Jeep 4x4. As the brand's lineup expands, Jeep vehicles will continue to be what they have always been -- the most capable.

About The George P. Johnson Company (http://www.gpjco.com/ )

Established in 1914, GPJ is a leading provider of global event marketing solutions, helping clients forge better customer relationships through strategic marketing integration, creative brand experiences, events and exhibits. GPJ has full-scale production facilities in Auburn Hills, Mich.; Torrance, Calif.; and Stuttgart, Germany, as well as marketing offices in Boston, and San Francisco and international operations in London; New York; Stuttgart; Tokyo; Beijing; Singapore; Sydney; and Bangalore, India.

Source: Chrysler Group

CONTACT: Suraya DaSante of Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-4889,
sd114@dcx.com ; or Jane Berger of Airfoil Public Relations Inc.,
+1-313-887-7208, berger@airfoilpr.com

Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.gpjco.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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