Each July, the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team (ADT) conducts its annual Summer Jump School in Frederick, Oklahoma, at the site of the former WWII Frederick Army Air Field (FAAF). ADT has restored the sole remaining massive 79-year-old hangar where they house their Douglas C-47 and C-49, and train students who come to attend the 8-day immersive parachute school that is based on the WWII airborne training regimen. The students come from all walks of life, with or without prior military or parachuting experience and, by the end of the week, they have five round-canopy parachute jumps from a C-47 under their belts, weather permitting.
D-Day Pilot Celebrates His 99th Birthday Flying a C-47
Key Takeaways:
- The WWII Airborne Demonstration Team (ADT) hosted Lt. Col. Dave Hamilton (USAF Ret.) at their annual Summer Jump School for his 99th birthday, where he flew their C-47 *Boogie Baby* during a paratrooper drop.
- Hamilton is a decorated WWII veteran who, as a 21-year-old, piloted a C-47 carrying 82nd Airborne Pathfinders on D-Day and is now the last surviving pilot from that critical 20-ship mission.
- His C-47 sustained over 200 bullet holes during his D-Day return flight, and his distinguished military career also included 51 combat missions in the Korean War, earning him multiple Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
- The visit was a high honor for the ADT, bridging 77 years of history and allowing Hamilton to share his invaluable wartime experiences with the students and team members.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
