A state legislator paid tribute to her grandfather as a World War II-era plane made its way into Utah on Monday.
Sen. Deidre Henderson, R-Spanish Fork, was in the front seat of a North American AT-6 Texan flying escort to the B17 Bomber Sentimental Journey as it makes its way to the Heber City Airport. The bomber is part of a weeklong event sponsored by the Utah Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.
Henderson’s flight is a tribute to her grandfather, Capt. Nalon Ellingford. Ellingford was with the 8th Air Force 486th Bombardment Group stationed in Sedbergh, England. From September 1944 to March 1945 he piloted 35 successful B-17 missions over Northern Occupied France and Germany during the time of the Battle of the Bulge. He died in 2013.
Sentimental Journey will be available for tours and rides through Sunday, June 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The bomber departs at 9 a.m. June 15. For more information or to book a ride, call 385-230-5994.