Douglas C-47   Col Frank X Krebs, 440th Troop Carrier Group, Nornandy Invasion       

This Douglas C-47 Dakota was flown by Colonel Frank X. Krebs, Commanding the 440^th Troop Carrier Group.  This ship led a 45 plane mission to deliver paratroopers of the 101^st Airborne on Operation Neptune, 5 June 1944, which was a precursor to the Normandy Invasion of Europe.  In the illustration, you can see the cross-hatched 1 behind the boarding door, which signified this was the lead ship.

Also called the Skytrain, and affectionately by her crews, “Gooney Bird”, the C-47 was the military version of the Douglas DC-3.  Built in plants in Long Beach and Santa Monica, California and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, between March 1943 and August 1945; over10,000 of these famous aircraft left the factory to entry service.

Critical to operations in World War II, the Dakota served from Guadalcanal to Berlin, moving troops and supplies and towing gliders where ever they were needed.

This is the 21st in a Series of Historic Aircraft                                         edition size - 500           print size  22" x 10 1/2"         $ 46.00

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