Memphis Belle actor visits the Air Force Museum

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Matthew Modine, an actor in the Hollywood film Memphis Belle who played a pilot, was at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force earlier today to see the real Memphis Belle.

He signed autographs, and spoke in the Air Force Museum Theater before a showing of the 1944 film “Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress.”

When asked how Modine felt about being a part of something so historic, “It’s incredible. It’s one of the great things about my job is that you get the opportunity to meet and work with people that come from all kinds of different walks of life and the experiences you have so greatly enrich your life.”

After 13 years of restoration, the iconic B-17 Memphis Belle rolled out in a new exhibit at the museum on May 17, which was the 75th anniversary of the completion of its 25th and final combat mission over Europe. The four-engine Boeing-built bomber was the first to finish 25 missions and return to the United States on a celebrated war bonds tour.

While in town, Modine had time to visit a Cincinnati Reds baseball game as well.