INDIANAPOLIS - Several local World War II veterans took a trip back in time Monday as the historic B-17 bomber The Memphis Belle landed in central Indiana.

Indianapolis was one stop on a nationwide tour for the plane.

Many of the veterans at the event hadn't been in a B-17 since the 1940s.

"It's terribly exciting. When we saw that B-17 come in, I think my heart rate doubled," said veteran Marc Ogden.

As the old war plane took off with the 70- and 80-year-old men on board, they became kids and the famed Memphis Belle turned into their candy store.

Ogden had the job of right waist gunner when he flew in 14 bombing missions over Europe, but that didn't stop him Monday from getting better views at other positions.

The Memphis Belle is known in the history books as the first heavy bomber to complete 25 missions without losing a crewman.

Now it tours the country with the not-for-profit Liberty Foundation hoping to give the public a greater appreciation of the plane and the men who climbed aboard when their lives were on the line.

Ogden remembers one flight he'd rather not have a memory of.

"On our next to last flight, our tail gunner got killed in the flight, just got shot from the ground. It was quite a loss to lose your buddy," he said.

But the day brought back mostly good memories, Ogden said.

"I think once I get in the plane and you get surrounded by what you were familiar with it is just going to make you feel good," he said.

Public flights will take place Oct. 6 and 7 at the Indianapolis Regional Airport.

The experience lasts about 45 minutes and costs $450.

To schedule a flight, call 918-340-0243.