SiteRing by Bravenet.com

Please support Soldiers' Angels and Project Valour-IT

« Saber Rattling serves a purpose
Main
»

Not to be confused with the California Aerospace Museum [of LA] the Aerospace Museum of California [at McClellan AFB, near Sacramento] has acquired the unique C-53 aircraft in which Col. William Whitacre, CO of the 434th Troop Carrier Group, led the very first wave of tugships that towed gliders of the 101st Airborne Division into Normandy in the early morning of June 6, 1944.

The museum has restored the old warhorse to her pristine condition including black and white stripes at the wingroots, which served to distinguish friend from foe in the crowded skies of D-Day.  The "CU" painted on her nose denoted aircraft of the (ahem!) 72nd Squadron, my own outfit.  Beautifully refurbished, she is a handsome hussy.  The picture can be found here.

The museum's notes that accompany the photo are informative, and well worth reading.  They include a capsule history of the 434th Group in the European Theater, plus the sad tale of the aircraft's decline in the postwar period.  A tale of Glory, Degradation, and Redemption.  Ta-daa! ...who needs soaps?

Posted by John Werntz on June 21, 2006 at 04:21 PM in John_Werntz, Old War Dogs | Permalink

TrackBack

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Pretty picture, nice story:

Comments

Note: I hate to have to do it but I'm turning on comment and trackback moderation. If you post a legitimate trackback or comment I'll do my best not to be too slow about approving it. If the only reason you're here is to advertise your porn, music, or penis enhancement site you can kiss my sweet ass.

---

Post a comment