In recognition of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Dakota Territory Air Museum of Minot, North Dakota, participated with its fleet of aircraft in the air show yesterday.
In addition to its air show performance, along with the Warbird Living History Group, the Dakota Territory Air Museum participated in a reenactment of the D-Day invasion stripe painting on the Duchess of Dakota, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper that is best known for its vital role in cargo and paratrooper transport on D-Day.
The C-53 is a specialized version of the C-47 that more closely resembled the DC-3 airliner. The Skytrooper lacked the cargo door, hoist attachment, and reinforced floor found in the Skytrain, and only 380 were produced in total.
EAA Executive Director of Warbirds of America Bill Fischer said the painting was a significant and accurate part of the D-Day commemoration.
“The invasion stripes were painted on allied aircraft to help identify them as friendly aircraft so that our naval and ground personnel wouldn’t be shooting at them.” Bill said.
One of few remaining World War II veterans who jumped on D-Day from C-53s and C-47s, Col. Ed Shames, was also present at the event to share his experiences.
“He was with the final six parachute infantry regiments of the 101st Airborne Division, better known as the Band of Brothers,” Bill said. “Personally, it’s an honor to have Col. Ed Shames with us, and this is his second time to AirVenture. He recognizes and was there; he was jumping out of the C-47s and fought the battles from June to the end of the war in May of 1945. The personal connection with him is something that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life, and I know that Col. Shames is very proud and honored to be here sharing his experiences with the AirVenture attendees.”
Bill said the goal of the event was to honor the past generations, to educate, and to inspire the leaders of tomorrow through active display of WWII flying warbirds.
“Thousands of sailors, Army, and Air Force personnel participated and it was the first time that Americans had set foot on continental Europe,” Bill said. “Seventy-five years ago, on June 6, that battle took place and, in my opinion, it was the most significant battle in the history of the world. It was a huge undertaking, thousands of airplanes, thousands of ships, and it really marked the beginning of ending WWII.”