B-25 Vertical Tail and Rudder Assembly
In 1995, George Bauer published his first book on the B-25 called "Fairfax Ghosts, the Bomber Builders and Others Who Made A Difference". While researching that book, he contacted the NAA-K B-25 Newsletter to interview former plant workers. Also contributing to his book Jim Stella. Jim had a desire to honor the men and women that worked at the plant. He also knew that he was in a unique position to not just honor them, but preserve their memory for future generations.
George had recently completed an interview with Carl Scholl the owner of Aerotrader. Carl owns more B-25 "spare parts" than any other individual. Jim enlisted George to help acquire a B-25 vertical tail and rudder assembly. The concept was to restore the assembly and then have former bomber builders sign it. The completed piece could then be placed in a museum to be preserved for future generations.
Carl did indeed donate the assembly. The part was from a B-25J-25-NC. The transportation and restoration costs were paid for by the Kansas City Warbirds, owners of the B-25 "Fairfax Ghost". The restoration work was completed by Jim. On Sunday, August 18, 1996, the completed assembly was signed by former North American Aviation - Kansas employees. Eventually, over 100 men and women that built the B-25 bomber had signed the vertical tail and rudder assembly. Every square inch has been covered.
The assembly now stands on permanent display at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum. A small sample of signatures from the more than 50,000 men and women that worked at the plant now stands tribute to the efforts of every single one of them. There may never be a more personal memorial to this group of people.
I have said on many occasions that this is my favorite project. I am proud of Jim for not only having the foresight, but the commitment to make it happen. The lesson I learned from that experience is that sometimes just knowing the right people and having the right idea is all it takes. Each name on the assembly represents the reason I do this. I may never be able to repay what they have given me, but I will do everything I can so we never forget.
