History flies into DuPage

Tour lets visitors view old military aircraft

Jim Rollison and Jim Harley both offer their services as pilots to the Collings Foundation as it flies rare bomber and fighter aircraft around the country as part of its 110-city Wings of Freedom Tour.

But the duo spent the better part of Saturday afternoon manning the not-for-profit's souvenir stand, set up on folding tables under tents just off the tarmac at DuPage Airport in West Chicago. They sold T-shirts, photos and even flights on the aircraft.

But both men know that, for those who will listen, some of the best keepsakes come with the price of admission.

"We've had veterans camped out by the aircraft, telling their stories most of the day," Harley said.

"Yeah, the stories are the best part of it," said Rollison.

"We're here for the veterans. These are their planes," said Harley of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bombers behind him.

Unfortunately, Tom Capalety's plane wasn't on hand for this event. During World War II, Capalety, an 80-year-old Hinsdale resident, flew 70 missions in a North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber, which was a part of the tour until about a week ago, when an engine in the restored aircraft went out.

"The newspaper said you flew 74," said Laurie O'Connell, Capalety's companion.

"That was an exaggeration for when I was selling war bonds. It was really 70," said Capalety recalling his brief assignment between his tour in Italy and a tour of Japan that never happened, as the war ended right before he was sent back to action.

Capalety recalled his state of mind the night before his most dangerous mission.

"We had no heat in the tent, and it was raining on top of us, but I was sweating like a son of a gun," he said. "I was so afraid of that mission. We had no fighter cover! We flew with no fighter cover!"

But one of those 70 missions proved hairier than the rest. Capalety had to crash land in the Mediterranean Sea near La Spezia, Italy.

"The tail end of the aircraft was damaged, and I couldn't control it," he said. "So I landed in the water. We all got out, though."

Capalety said seeing the planes Saturday brought back memories, but he wouldn't have traveled all the way to DuPage Airport Saturday just for that. He had his 11-year-old grandson in tow. Sharing this part of his life with him was Capalety's reason for coming.

"He's happy as a lark," said Capalety, as his grandson climbed into the B-17. "He says he'd like to get in and fly."

The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour arrived Friday at DuPage Airport, and will remain there until noon Monday. The aircraft will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive in West Chicago.