The navigator of the real Memphis Belle was Charles Leighton. From Flint Michigan, he retired as a teacher and counselor. He saved the Belle and other B-17s after identifying false German radio beacons designed to lure unwary B-17s into harm's way.
Actor Matthew Modine's uncle Wylder Modine was an actual B-17 pilot during WWII. Matthew wore his uncle's uniform and bomber jacket in the film and later donated it to the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Sally B, one of two B-17s portraying the Belle in the film, is the last airworthy B-17 in the UK. She is based at RAF Duxford, Europe's premier aviation museum, and is part of the USAAF WWII Memorial Flight making dozens of appearances across the UK and North Europe. She is maintained and run by volunteers and relies solely upon donations.
The tail gunner of the real Memphis Belle was John Quinlan. He was also awarded 3-kills in the pacific theater after his tour when he was assigned to B-29s
The Memphis Belle was named for Margaret K. Polk of Memphis, TN. Although she and Robert K. Morgan broke off their engagement after his returning to the US, they remained friends for life. Polk died April 5, 1990. Her obituary, titled "The Memphis Belle, Margaret Polk, dies", appeared April 6, 1990 in the (Memphis) Commercial Appeal. It runs almost 23 column-inches.