I have a photo taken at Hamilton AFB in California in April, 1953. It's of a
B-17, probably a "G" because there's a circular plate where the chin turret
would have been. The upper surfaces are highly plished, the lower more dull and
oxidized. Unfortunately the view is of the nose and wings at a nearly head-on
angle, with the aircraft parked in a hangar, so there are no visible markings.
I recall being told at the time (I was all of 11) that it was a commander's
personal aircraft. General Alfred Kessler commanded the 4th Air Force there at
the time; I seem to recall that he flew B-17s during WW 2. Anyone have any
knowledge of this aircraft, or its fate?