Nine O Nine was a Boeing B-17G-30-BO Flying Fortress of the 323rd Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group. This group was part of the 8th Air Force during World War II.
Early in World War 2, the only way the Allies could take the fight directly to the German homeland was through strategic bombing. Stationed throughout bases in England, British and American bombers launched raids around the clock with the British bombing at night and the American 8th Air Force carrying out raids during the day. Along with the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 Flying Fortress was a mainstay of the 8th Air Force.
The B-17 had a reputation for ruggedness and was able to absorb tremendous battle damage. There are many legendary tales of heavily damaged Flying Fortresses bringing home her ten-man crew. Nevertheless, German anti-aircraft defenses were extremely effective, and many bombers and crews were lost in high altitude battle over Germany.
Nine O Nine completed 140 combat missions during World War II (either 126 or 132 consecutively without aborting for mechanical reasons). This is believed to be the Eighth Air Force record for most missions without loss.