SLIDESHOW: Historic Aircraft from Twin Cities on Display in Bemidji

From a trainer named "Valiant" to a bomber known as "Miss Mitchell," aircraft from South Saint Paul's Commemorative Air Force are playing a major role in a northern Minnesota air show this 4th of July.

While in the area covering storm damage, KSTP.COM Photojournalist Jim O'Connell documented two pieces of American history.

"Miss Mitchell" is a B-25J.  According to its profile on the Commemorative Air Force website, it served in the 310th Bomb Group, 57th Bomb Wing of the 12th Air Force in North Africa and Italy, completing more than 130 missions.

"Its legacy of no crew fatalities during all of its missions during all of its missions was a rare accomplishment," according to the profile.

The bomber was donated to the Commemorative Air Force's Minnesota Wing.  Volunteers spent 12 years restoring it, making its first flight in 1992 possible.

Also on display, a BT-13A Valiant Basic Trainer.  According to its profile, the Valiant was nicknamed "Vibrator - not for what it did to you, but to the windows of buildings when it flew by."

To learn more about the "Valiant," click here.

To learn more about "Miss Mitchell," click here.