The Douglas C-47 Whiskey 7, a rare “warbird” with actual combat experience, will be on display at the Museum Oct. 25

The Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., will host an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “fly into history” with the arrival of the D-Day C-47 on Saturday, Oct. 25.  The Douglas C-47 Whiskey 7, a rare “warbird” with actual combat experience, will be on display for public viewing at the Museum from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  The aircraft, owned by National Warplane Museum, recently returned from the 70th commemoration of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy, France. The National Warplane Museum is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, display, and flight of aircraft of the World War II and Korean War eras, as well as the recognition of all United States Military personnel for their service and sacrifice.

Though it’s vintage, the C-47 that dropped Allied paratroops behind enemy lines before dawn on June 6, 1944, isn’t done flying, yet.  The plane known as Whiskey 7, so named because of its W-7 squadron marking, will arrive at the Frontiers of Flight Museum for a special presentation and early tribute for Veterans Day.

Whiskey 7’s flight to Dallas is sponsored by the Happy State Bank. Participating bank representatives include Mikel Williamson, Chief Operating Officer and Robert Gottlich, Sr. Vice President, along with Vic Weir, Chairman, Fort Worth Airpower Council.

The aircraft is in the area to participate in the American Airlines Sky Ball, the nation’s largest event honoring military, veterans, wounded warriors and families of fallen service men and women.

Aviation enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to come early as Whiskey 7 arrives at approximately 9:15 a.m. and meet its VIP passengers, including Medal of Honor recipients and World War II veterans.  Special guests include: WWII and Korean War Veteran Joseph Turecky, a C-47 pilot who dropped paratroopers over Normandy; Michael Fitzmaurice, Medal of Honor Recipient; and Dominique Portier, Belgium Army S/Sgt., who is active in adopting graves of American WWII veterans buried on foreign soil.

“We are delighted to have these honored passengers and guests join us to welcome the arrival of this magnificent aircraft as we pay homage to our veterans during the 70^th anniversary year of D-Day,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Frontiers of Flight Museum. “It’s hard to imagine flying an unarmed plane like Whiskey 7 in the dark of early morning over Occupied France on D-Day,” she said. “The courage of those aircrews was truly amazing when you consider all the elements in play that morning—the foul weather, the antiaircraft fire, and the very real possibility of a midair collision due to all the aircraft in the air.  The people that flew and rode in these aircraft were true heroes.” Whiskey 7 is a national treasure and an important part of American history that we are so proud to share at the Museum for all North Texans to enjoy.”    

About the Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Frontiers of Flight Museum is conveniently located just north of downtown on Lemmon Avenue at the southeast side of DallasLoveFieldAirport, north of Mockingbird Lane. Housed in a modern 100,000- square-foot facility, the Museum provides a focal point to explore the history and progress of aviation, as mankind continues to pursue going higher, faster and farther. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adults $8; Seniors (65+) $6; Youths/Students (3-17) $5 and children under 3 are free. For more information, visit www.flightmuseum.com.