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) conducts an annual Summer Jump School, offering immersive parachute training based on WWII regimens, utilizing restored C-47 aircraft.
- This year, 99-year-old WWII veteran Lt. Col. Dave Hamilton was an honored guest, celebrating his birthday by co-piloting the ADT's C-47 "Boogie Baby" during a parachute drop.
- Hamilton is a highly decorated combat pilot who flew C-47s on D-Day, dropping 82nd Airborne Pathfinders, and subsequently participated in other major WWII operations and later the Korean War, earning multiple Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
- His visit provided a profound connection to history for the ADT and its students, highlighting his valor and service as the last surviving Pathfinder pilot of his D-Day mission.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
