Iconic WW II Long-Range Heavy Bomber Aircraft at John Wayne Airport

SANTA ANA, Calif., January 23, 2012—World War II comes to life on Sat., Feb. 11 at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport when the biggest, most powerful bird in Lyon Air Museum’s collection – the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Fuddy Duddy” – roars into the air as part of the Museum’s “History Takes Flight” program.

“Our ‘History Takes Flight’ events enable us to share with the public some of the amazing aircraft made famous during the titanic global struggle for freedom that was World War II,” said Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum, a premier Southern California showcase for vintage WWII era aircraft and automobiles.

“Our B-17, ‘Fuddy Duddy,’ is far and away the star of the museum, and we invite everyone to take this rare opportunity to come see this iconic heavy bomber in flight,” he said.

Lyon Air Museum’s B-17 was used as a VIP transport in the Pacific at the end of WWII. It once carried U.S. Army Generals Douglas A. MacArthur and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became the 33rd U.S. President. In civilian life, the plane worked as a fire bomber and was occasionally used for motion picture filming, flying on screen in movies such as the 1962 Steve McQueen movie, “The War Lover,” and the 1970 blockbuster, “Tora Tora Tora.”

Powered by four 1,200 horsepower engines driving four propellers, each over 11 ½ feet in diameter, the B-17 had a service ceiling of 35,600 feet and came equipped with a typical armament of 13 Browning fifty-caliber machine guns having a firing rate of approximately 13 rounds per second, per gun.

During the war, B-17 bombers were primarily employed by the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) in the daylight precision strategic bombing campaign against German industrial and military targets. B-17s also participated to a lesser extent in the War in the Pacific, where the planes conducted raids against Japanese shipping and airfields. It was a potent, high-flying, long-range bomber that was able to defend itself and to return home despite extensive battle damage. It quickly took on mythic proportions, and widely circulated stories and photos of B-17s surviving battle damage increased its iconic status. Of the 1.5 million metric tons of bombs dropped on Germany by U.S. aircraft, 640,000 tons were dropped from B-17s, more bombs than any other U.S. aircraft type in WWII.

Lyon Air Museum opened in Dec. 2009. The facility, a 30,000-square-foot hangar, represents the fulfillment of a dream of founder General William Lyon. General Lyon held the position of Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1979 and currently is Chairman of the Board and CEO of William Lyon Homes, Inc., Newport Beach, Calif. His passion for aviation history and youth education is the driving force behind Lyon Air Museum. In establishing the museum, General Lyon sought to create a world-class facility that would be available to the local community and would offer educational displays to inspire young people. The museum has on exhibit some of the world’s rarest operational aircraft and vehicles.

Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707. P: 714/210-4585. F: 714/210-4588. Email: info@lyonairmuseum.org. Web: www.lyonairmuseum.org.

Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission rates: General admission–$12; Seniors and Veterans–$9; Ages 5-17–$6; Under age 5—Free. Groups of 10 or more–$1 off each visitor. Pre-arranged school groups—Free.

Media Contact:
Corrin Quezada
Lyon Air Museum
714/210-4585

Custom “big rig” traveling exhibit – developed in partnership with National World War I Museum — makes 75-city tour to preserve cultural history during Waddell & Reed’s 75th anniversary

Waddell & Reed Traveling WWI Exhibition and Lyon Air Museum open to public on Sat., Jan. 21.

WHAT:
Waddell & Reed – one of the country’s oldest mutual fund and financial planning companies – will kick off an ambitious and unconventional acknowledgement of its 75th anniversary. In partnership with Ivy Funds and the National World War I Museum, a custom 18-wheel “big rig” truck has been transformed into a traveling World War I exhibition. Dubbed the “Honoring Our History Tour,” the exhibition will visit 75 Waddell & Reed communities across the country – stopping at local museums and cultural institutions to raise funds and awareness. Santa Ana is the 30th stop on the 75-city tour.

This unique traveling exhibition offers a free, interactive and educational experience designed by the National World War I Museum – the first and only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the artifacts, history and personal experiences of World War I. The Waddell & Reed Traveling World War I Exhibition features 66 artifacts, such as weapons, uniforms, posters and flags. In addition, visitors will experience the tight conditions of trench warfare, see the relatively primitive tools, weapons, equipment and uniforms, amid sounds and sights of war 100 years ago. The year-long tour honors the men and women who served in World War I – and those who have since bravely served our country and protected our freedom.

WHEN/WHERE:
The Waddell & Reed Traveling World War I Exhibition and Lyon Air Museum are open to the public:

• Saturday, January 21 – 10 am to 4 pm. Media invited at 9:30.
• Media alternative is Friday, January 20 – 2:30 to 4:00.
• Located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (on the west side of John Wayne Airport, at the end of Baker St.)
• Regular museum admission will apply
• Opening ceremonies will commence at 10:30 am. Special WWI films will be screened, including “Voices of A Never Ending Dawn” and “The Millionaires’ Unit”.

Waddell & Reed kicked off this exhibition tour in July 2011.

WHY:
“The stories of our past can’t help but influence our future. For that reason, we cannot take our cultural institutions for granted.” – Kevin Costner, Honorary Board Member, National World War I Museum

In times when state and municipal budgets are tight, Waddell & Reed and Ivy Funds recognized the need to support museums and cultural institutions across the country. To celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary, Waddell & Reed created the Waddell & Reed Traveling WWI Exhibition. The exhibition’s mission is to raise awareness and funding for these national treasures. By traveling to 75 cities in nearly every state, Waddell & Reed hopes to raise $500,000 in donations over the course of the year. Funds raised at each stop will be divided equally between the local museum and the National World War I Museum, based in Kansas City, Mo.

The two founders of Waddell & Reed, Chauncey Waddell and Cameron Reed, were veterans of World War I who formed a partnership in 1937 to create one of the longest-standing mutual fund and financial planning companies in the country. The exhibit includes founder Chauncey Waddell’s flight gear, his flight suit and log book.

The Waddell & Reed Traveling WWI Exhibition will stop at museums of all classifications — including those focused on art, history, local culture, education and sports. A schedule for the tour, which will travel coast to coast in 2011/2012, can be found at www.honoringourhistory.com.

WHO:
Waddell & Reed, founded in 1937 and one of the oldest mutual fund and financial planning companies in the country, in partnership with the National World War I Museum, the only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the objects, history and personal experiences of a war whose impact still echoes today. Ivy Funds, an affiliate of Waddell & Reed, offers a range of investment strategies to help investors best meet their long-term goals, all designed with a disciplined approach and global perspective.

Lyon Air Museum, established by Major General William Lyon, features an operational fleet of historically significant aircraft, such as the B-17 “Flying Fortress.” Located on the west side of John Wayne Airport, the museum is a truly memorable experience, which is designed to educate and inspire young people and to preserve the stories of the greatest generation in aviation.

MORE:
Every visitor has the opportunity to make a financial donation to support the non-profit museum via electronic or cash donations. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.honoringourhistory.com.

Media Contacts:
Daralee Barbera
Managing Principal
Waddell & Reed Costa Mesa
714-437-7510×101

Elaina Boudreau
President
BELA Communications
(913) 660-0548

Roger Hoadley
VP, Director of Communications
Waddell & Reed/Ivy Funds
(913) 236-1993

The cars will be driven by members of the Jaguar Owners Club of Los Angeles (www.lajagclub.com). Love for the Jaguar automobile is the common bond that brought together a group of enthusiastic Jaguar owners in 1955 to form the Jaguar Owners Association International. The next year the name was changed to the Jaguar Owners Club (JOC). The club was incorporated in 1957 and became affiliated with Jaguar Clubs of North America. The JOC has approximately 400 members.

Viewing the automobiles in the Museum parking lot is free of charge. Regular Museum admission prices (see below) will be in effect.

“The Jaguar marque is well regarded among automobile lovers and the Museum welcomes members of the JOC of Los Angeles with their collection of eye-catching sports cars that made the Jaguar name famous,’” said Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum. “The XK120 was a breakthrough both for Jaguar and post-WWII sports cars, so it will be fun to see some of the remaining 120s in mint condition.”

Jaguar Cars Ltd., known simply as Jaguar, is a British luxury car manufacturer headquartered in Whitley, Coventry, England. Jaguar was founded by Sir William Lyons in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, which originally made motorcycle sidecars before evolving into passenger cars. The name was changed to Jaguar after WWII, when the distinctive “leaping Jaguar” mascot was introduced.

The Jaguar XK 120 of 1949 developed into the XK 140 and XK 150, and the E Type (or XKE in the U.S.) of 1961. Today, the company’s flagship model is the Jaguar XJ, a full-size luxury sedan.

The company has had major success in sports car racing, particularly in the Le Mans 24 Hours, which it won in the 1950s and later in 1988 and 1990. In the 1999, Ford decided that Jaguar would be the corporation’s Formula One entry. In 2004, the F1 team was sold to Red Bull energy drinks and became Red Bull Racing.

The 30,000-sq.ft. Lyon Air Museum opened in Dec. 2009. The Museum has on exhibit some of the world’s rarest operational aircraft and vehicles. Included among a variety of military vehicles and motorcycles on display are an original 1939 Mercedes-Benz Model G4 Offener Touring Wagon used by Adolph Hitler in Germany and Poland until it was seized by the French Army at the war’s end, a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan (the last four-door convertible produced by Cadillac) formerly owned by New York socialite Princess Diane Eristavi, and a 1947 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet featuring a long front “bonnet “ that gracefully conceals a potent V12 engine.

Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707. P: 714/210-4585. F: 714/210-4588. Email: info@lyonairmuseum.org. Web: www.lyonairmuseum.org.

Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission rates: General admission–$12; Seniors and Veterans–$9; Ages 5-17–$6; Under age 5—Free. Groups of 10 or more–$1 off each visitor. Pre-arranged school groups—Free.

Media Contact:
Ned Madden
Rodheim Marketing Group
949/547-0143

SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 9, 2011—Lyon Air Museum, a premier Southern California showcase for vintage military aircraft and automobiles, played host on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, to Prince Edward, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. The English royal family member traveled to the U.S. with key people from the American Air Museum in Britain as part of a fundraising trip.

Prince Edward, 76, who carries out royal duties on behalf of his first cousin Queen Elizabeth II, flew into John Wayne Airport aboard a private charter jet and spent a few hours touring the facility as the guest of Lyon Air Museum’s founder, Maj. Gen. William Lyon, USAF (Ret), who serves as the U.S. chairman of the board of trustees of the American Air Museum in Britain.

Through his comments, the Duke of Kent gave his hosts the impression that Lyon Air Museum was one of the highlights of his visit to the U.S. due to the facility’s unmatched offerings and its uniqueness among vintage aircraft museums worldwide. Following the brief tour, Prince Edward and his entourage joined Gen. Lyon and his family, as well as Lyon Air Museum President Mark Foster and others, for dinner at the Lyon estate in Coto de Caza.

Prince Edward is a patron of the American Air Museum in Britain, which stands as a memorial to the 30,000 American airmen who gave their lives flying from UK bases during the Second World War, and also honors those who fought in Korea, Vietnam, Libya, Iraq and other conflicts and battles of the 20th and 21st centuries. Accompanying Prince Edward were Richard Ashton, director and executive vice president at the American Air Museum and Imperial War Museums (IWM) Duxford, Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, chairman of the American Air Museum board of trustees, and Maj. Gen. James Eugene McInerney Jr., USAF (Ret), a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and America’s most highly decorated pilot.

The group is in the U.S. as part of a fundraising tour for the American Air Museum in Britain’s “Honor & Educate Campaign.” The campaign is designed to improve the physical museum, create a virtual “museum without walls” on the Web, and develop learning programs to bring stories of sacrifice and courage to current and future generations.

“We greatly enjoyed our visit from Prince Edward and we’re looking forward to sharing the Museum with our Southern California neighbors this Saturday as we celebrate two years of operation at this great location,” said Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum.

Now the general public can see what Prince Edward saw when Lyon Air Museum celebrates its second anniversary on Sat., Dec. 10, 2011. Santa Claus will be onsite, as visitors are invited to tour the interior of the Douglas C-47 military transport aircraft “Willa Dean” and watch as it takes flight for a crowd-pleasing flyover. Additionally, the Museum is requesting that all visitors bring an unwrapped NEW toy of at least $10.00 in value for “Toys for Tots” Holidays gift-giving program.

Lyon Air Museum, which is located on the west side of the runway at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, opens at 10 a.m. Santa will be available for pictures with children from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (bring your own camera). Then (weather permitting), as part of the Museum’s ongoing “History Takes Flight” program, the “Willa Dean” – a gem among the Museum’s aircraft collection – will take off at 2 p.m.

During World War II, the C-47 was the primary aircraft used on D-Day (June 6, 1944). Additionally, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo and wounded.

The 30,000-sq.ft. Lyon Air Museum opened in Dec. 2009. The facility represents the fulfillment of a dream of Gen. Lyon, who held the position of Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1979. Currently, Gen. Lyon is Chairman of the Board and CEO of William Lyon Homes, Inc., Newport Beach, Calif. His passion for aviation history and youth education is the driving force behind Lyon Air Museum. In establishing the museum, Gen. Lyon sought to create a world-class facility that would be available to the local community and would offer educational displays to inspire young people. The museum has on exhibit some of the world’s rarest operational aircraft and vehicles.

Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707. P: 714/210-4585. F: 714/210-4588. Email: info@lyonairmuseum.org. Web: www.lyonairmuseum.org.

Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission rates: General admission–$12; Seniors and Veterans–$9; Ages 5-17–$6; Under age 5—Free. Groups of 10 or more–$1 off each visitor. Pre-arranged school groups—Free.

Media Contact: Ned Madden
Rodheim Marketing Group
949/547-0143

Veterans Day is a day to honor the men and women who have served in the military and fought for our country.

As adults, we understand the many sacrifices that were made for us and our country, but how do you, as a parent, explain this to your child?

Often, children use their senses – seeing, hearing and touching something helps a child better understand. So what is there to see, hear and touch in order to understand what Veterans Day is all about? By visiting a hidden gem in Orange County.

Lyon Air Museum is the perfect place to take your child to teach them about Veterans Day.

Lyon Air Museum is located on the west side of John Wayne Airport. The foundation of this museum is an operational fleet of historically significant aircraft, which offers a glimpse back into the history of our country.

As you walk through the doors, you are instantly transported back in time and are surrounded by aircraft, military vehicles, and a vast array of memorabilia. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the aircraft and vehicles used by the men who served in the military and learn about the women who helped build them. There is even a movie theater featuring World War II newsreels where you can learn about Rosie the Riveter.

Have you ever wondered what it looked like inside a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, or how big the missiles were that were fired from a plane during the war? There are touch screen monitors throughout the museum where you can watch short videos about D-Day, invasion of Normandy or bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Glass cases hold an extensive display of military uniforms, medals, letters, newspapers, and a variety of memorabilia from our Veteran’s.

Volunteer docents, who are all veterans, are always there to answer any questions you may have – and are more than happy to share a story or two.

Whether you explore the Lyon Air Museum on your own or schedule a tour hosted by volunteer docents, your family can have a unique experience that is both educational and fun.

Lyon Air Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and for special events). General admission is $12, seniors and veterans $9, children (ages 5-17) $6, and under age 5 are free. Special pricing is offered for groups of 10 or more and pre-arranged school groups are free. Veterans are admitted free on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011.

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2011—Lyon Air Museum, a premier Southern California showcase for vintage military aircraft and automobiles, will celebrate its second anniversary on Sat., Dec. 10, 2011.

Santa Claus will be onsite, as visitors are invited to tour the authentic interior of the Douglas C-47 military transport aircraft “Willa Dean” and watch as it takes flight for a crowd-pleasing flyover.

Additionally, Museum management is requesting that all visitors bring an unwrapped toy of at least $10.00 in value for “Toys for Tots” Holidays gift-giving program.

Lyon Air Museum, which is located on the west side of the runway at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, opens at 10 a.m. Santa will be available for pictures with children from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (bring your own camera). Then (weather permitting), as part of the Museum’s ongoing “History Takes Flight” program, the “Willa Dean” – a gem among Lyon Air Museum’s aircraft collection – will take off at 2 p.m.

During World War II, the C-47 was the primary aircraft used on D-Day (June 6, 1944). Additionally, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo and wounded.

“Our second anniversary milestone affords us the opportunity to review the Museum’s steady growth as an increasingly popular Southern California destination attraction,” said Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum. “Flying the ‘Willa Dean’ makes the day all the more special. The plane has had a long and successful service life dating back to World War II, so this day provides a great chance for Museum visitors to get a rare glimpse of one of the most complete and original C-47s still in operation.”

The 30,000-sq.ft. Lyon Air Museum opened in Dec. 2009. The facility represents the fulfillment of a dream of Maj. Gen. William Lyon, USAF (Ret), who held the position of Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1979. Currently, Gen. Lyon is Chairman of the Board and CEO of William Lyon Homes, Inc., Newport Beach, Calif. His passion for aviation history and youth education is the driving force behind Lyon Air Museum. In establishing the museum, Gen. Lyon sought to create a world-class facility that would be available to the local community and would offer educational displays to inspire young people. The museum has on exhibit some of the world’s rarest operational aircraft and vehicles.

Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707. P: 714/210-4585. F: 714/210-4588. Email: info@lyonairmuseum.org. Web: www.lyonairmuseum.org.

Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission rates: General admission–$12; Seniors and Veterans–$9; Ages 5-17–$6; Under age 5—Free. Groups of 10 or more–$1 off each visitor. Pre-arranged school groups—Free.

Media Contact:
Ned Madden
Rodheim Marketing Group
949/547-0143

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011—Lyon Air Museum, a premier Southern California showcase for vintage military aircraft and automobiles, will host an open forum inviting owners of classic and late-model Cobras and Mustangs to bring their cars to the Museum as part of a “Cars & Cockpits” event scheduled for Sun., Nov. 6, 2011, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the facility, located on the west side of the runway at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. (NOTE: Weather permitting).

Viewing the automobiles in the Museum parking lot is free of charge. Regular Museum admission prices (see below) will be in effect.

“The Ford Mustang is one of the most successful sports cars ever built by an American automobile manufacturer, and we want to showcase this incredibly popular vehicle,” said Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum. “This is the first time we’ve ever used this ‘Open Forum’ mode of inviting all comers to bring their cars for display. We think it will open this event to newer audiences.”

Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang created the “pony car” class of American automobiles—sports car-like coupes with long hoods and short rear decks—and gave rise to competitors such as GM’s Chevrolet Camaro and imports like the Toyota Celica. Probably the most famous Mustang ever built was a Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback driven by Steve McQueen’s character in the 1968 action pic “Bullitt.”

Decades of Mustang design changes have produced notable models like the 429 SCJ (Super Cobra Jet) and the Shelby Mustang, a high-performance variant built by Shelby American from 1965 through 1970.

The 1993 Shelby Mustang SVT Cobra was a pony car built by Ford and the Shelby Special Vehicle Team (SVT). With the introduction of the “new edge” Mustang in 1999, came a new SVT Cobra. Debuting in early 2002, the 2003 Cobra, codenamed “Terminator” by the SVT development crew, came with a supercharged 4.6 L DOHC engine.

Today’s fifth-generation 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe echoes in its styling the fastback Mustangs of the late 1960s.

The 30,000-sq.ft. Lyon Air Museum opened in Dec. 2009. The Museum has on exhibit some of the world’s rarest operational aircraft and vehicles. In addition to military vehicles and motorcycles, on display are an original 1939 Mercedes-Benz Model G4 Offener Touring Wagon used by Adolph Hitler in Germany and Poland until it was seized by the French Army at the war’s end.

Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707. P: 714/210-4585. F: 714/210-4588. Email: info@lyonairmuseum.org. Web: www.lyonairmuseum.org.

Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission rates: General admission–$12; Seniors and Veterans–$9; Ages 5-17–$6; Under age 5—Free. Groups of 10 or more–$1 off each visitor. Pre-arranged school groups—Free.

Media Contact:
Ned Madden
Rodheim Marketing Group
949/547-0143

George Emerson, born near Boise, Idaho, on April 1, 1925, is currently a docent at Lyon Air Museum.  This World War II veteran experienced near-death encounters as a tail gunner and prisoner of war (POW) in Germany late in the war.

In 1944, Emerson volunteered to join the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC), the forerunner of the U.S. Air Force. He trained in Amarillo, Texas, and received his gunnery training in Kingman, Ariz.  He then reported to Avon Park, Florida., to join the rest of his crew in the 303^rd Bomb Group, an Eighth Air Force B-17 Bomber Group.  Following phase training in the southeast U.S., and having achieved the rank of sergeant, he shipped out for Europe as a B-17 tail gunner.

Emerson and the rest of his crew arrived in Molesworth, England, home of the 303^rd, in November, 1944.  Following further training, they flew their first combat mission on December 23, 1944.

During their 16^th bombing mission on Feb. 9, 1945, the formation in which Emerson’s B-17 was flying took flak from enemy guns over Mannheim, Germany.  A plane in the formation was hit and collided with Emerson’s plane, shearing off the tail section with Emerson in it.  He was flung from the wreckage mid-air and parachuted safely to the ground.  But he was immediately taken prisoner by civilians and handed over to local police, who in turn handed him over to the German military.

“I’d never had to fire my guns and there I was a prisoner of war,” Emerson recalls.

After spending time in an interrogation center and several prisoner of war camps, he was liberated along with thousands of other prisoners by the forces of Gen. George S. Patton on April 29, 1945, shortly before the war officially ended.

He returned home in June, 1945.  Husband to wife Edmee, the decorated war veteran has five children and seven grandchildren.