A Legend has returned home!
C-47B-DK, USAAF Serial #43-49531, is a veteran of 3 wars and 55 years of
service between two nations, The United States and Israel.
She entered service as a Troop Carrier on 28 November 1944 leaving the
Oklahoma City factory for Bear Field, Indiana to upload her GFE -
Government Furnished Equipment, and for a final test flight. Upon
Completion 2 days later, she headed towards the war in Europe landing in
Italy attached to the 12th AF. She spent approximately 270 days in
combat before returning home in the September of 1945, bringing home
with her veteran troops from the quiet former war front.
She then entered service with Israel shortly after and saw wartime
service with Israel, the
War of Independence and Every one since. She retired from Israeli service in 1999.
So after 55 years of dedicated service she is now permanently home with
the American Aeronautical Foundation, of Camarillo, CA. She Joins B-25J
"Executive Sweet" as part of a flying museum that has a mission of
preserving history and allowing the public to view and soon to ride both
of these aircraft!
She's Home! See News page for new photos!!!