Honoring Heroes: Guide to the B-52 Memorial on Elephant Mountain, Maine | Moosehead Lake History

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B-52 Memorial crash site on Elephant Mountain near Greenville Maine with Moosehead Lake region map and Moosehead News logo.

Honoring Heroes: The Ultimate Guide to the B-52 Memorial on Elephant Mountain, Maine

Deep in the heart of the Maine wilderness lies a powerful piece of Cold War history: the B-52 Memorial on Elephant Mountain. Whether you’re a history buff, a hiker, or a snowmobiler exploring the Moosehead Lake region, this site offers a sobering and unforgettable experience.

Discover the story behind this 1963 tragedy, how to visit the wreckage today, and why it remains a sacred landmark for the local community.

The Story Behind the Tragedy

On a brutally cold day—January 24, 1963—a United States Air Force Boeing B-52C Stratofortress took off from Westover Air Force Base for a routine “Terrain Avoidance” mission. This low-altitude flight was designed to practice techniques for evading Soviet radar.

As the massive jet flew over the mountains near Greenville, it encountered severe wind turbulence that literally tore the vertical stabilizer from the tail. Of the nine brave crew members on board, only two survived the crash and the grueling night that followed in temperatures reaching nearly -30°F.

The Miracle Survivors

  • Lt. Col. Dante E. Bulli (Pilot): Spent the night dangling 30 feet above the snow in a tree, surviving the sub-zero temperatures until rescue teams reached him.

  • Capt. Gerald J. Adler (Navigator): Achieved the impossible by surviving an ejection where his parachute failed to deploy. He landed upright in deep snow, suffering a fractured skull and broken ribs.

Visiting the B-52 Memorial Today

The site has been preserved by the town of Greenville and the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club as a “living memorial”. Visitors can see engines, twisted fuselage, and the partially intact tail cone scattered across several acres of the forest floor.

Essential Visitor Information:

  • Location: Southern slope of Elephant Mountain, approximately 13–15 miles from Greenville, Maine.

  • Access: Reachable by car or truck in summer (high-clearance 4×4 recommended for the rugged Prong Pond Road) and by snowmobile or ATV when trails are open.

  • The Trail: A short, easy 0.25-mile walk from the parking area takes you directly into the wreckage site.

  • Respect the Site: A plaque marks the memorial. Visitors are reminded that this is a sacred site; please leave all wreckage exactly where it lies.

Dive Deeper at the Center for Moosehead History

For those who want to see the original ejection seats and news clippings from 1963, a visit to The Center for Moosehead History in downtown Greenville is a must.

  • Location: 6 Lakeview Street, Greenville, ME 04441

  • Phone: (207) 695-2909

  • Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 10 AM – 3 PM (Winter) | Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM (Summer)

Your Home Base: Moose River Lookout

When exploring the rugged beauty of Elephant Mountain and Moosehead Lake, stay at the region’s premier riverfront retreat. Moose River Lookout in Rockwood provides the perfect blend of luxury and adventure.

  • Direct Access: Situated right on the ITS66 snowmobile trails, making the annual January B-52 Memorial ride easier than ever.

  • Amenities: Private dock on Moose River, 3 bedrooms (sleeps 7), and breathtaking views of Blue Ridge Mountain.

  • Adventure Resource: Visit our Moosehead News blog for the latest updates on fishing, boating, and local events.

Contact Us to Book Your Stay:

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