The invasion of Normandy, also known as D-day, was one of the most horrific days in history, but it was also the beginning of the end of a horrific war — World War II. Most of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who died on that day remain nameless in the history books. The same is true for the airplanes that led the heroic efforts.The attacks came from several fronts on that fateful day, with ships dropping troops on the beaches of Normandy and airplanes deploying droves of people and ammunition from the skies. Once the war was over, most of those aircraft were destroyed or recommissioned, and their historic significance evaporated like the fuel that burned in their engines. Even some of the most notable airplanes fell into the shadows of the past.
Return to the Front Line
Key Takeaways:
- "That's All, Brother," the C-47 transport aircraft that led the first wave of paratroopers into Normandy on D-day, had its historic significance forgotten for decades after World War II.
- The aircraft was serendipitously rediscovered and saved from an irreversible turbine conversion after a historian and a local reporter highlighted its D-day past.
- The Commemorative Air Force acquired and meticulously restored "That's All, Brother" to its original D-day appearance and operational condition, integrating hidden modern avionics for safety and functionality.
- The fully restored aircraft is set to lead a formation of Dakotas back to Europe for the 75th D-day anniversary, serving as a "flying museum" to honor history and connect with families of those who served.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
