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Aircraft History Built by Douglas Aircraft Company. Constructors Number 19054. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as C-47A-65-DL Skytrain serial number 42-100591. On November 6, 1943 assigned to the U.S. Army at Mobile Depot. During 1944, flown from the United States to England. Wartime History Assigned to the 9th Air Force (9th AF), 9th Troop Carrier Command (9th TCC), 437th Troop Carrier Group (437th TCG), 84th Troop Carrier Squadron (84th TCS) based at RAF Ramsbury. The nose was painted with squadron designator "Z8" in white on each side of the nose with "D-Day" black and white stripes on the wings. This C-47 participated in "Operation Neptune" the Allied landings at D-Day in France. On June 6, 1944 (D-Day) took off at 2:00am piloted by 1st Lt Jay E Bloch, O-731802 with co-pilot 2nd Lt Oscar B Hill, O-745093, crew chief S/Sgt John A Quinn, O-745093 and radio operator Pfc J. D. Calhoun, 15353761 towing a CG-4 glider transporting paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division (82nd Airborne) and was sucessfully released south of Cherbourg, France. On June 7, 1944 (D-Day +1) the same mission was repeated, flying in reinforcements. Afterwards, this C-47 participated in "Operation Dragoon" the invasion of southern France. Next, Operation Market Garden" in Holland and provided relief to Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and finally Operation Varsity in Germany. Postwar During 1950, this C-47 was assigned to the Norwegian Air Force with serial number 2100591. During August 1956 transfered to the Danish Air Force as serial number 68-684, later K-684. This C-47 was used a a transport for the Danish Royal family and other VIPs until retired in 1982 with 13,500 hours. Today In 1982, acquired by the Valiant Air Command Museum and registered as N3239T. Painted in D-Day invasion stripe marking with the nickname "Tico Belle" and the flags of the nations it was assigned postwar. Nose marking includes "US" on the right and "Z8" on the left. Tail letter "S" on the right and "V" on the left. This C-47 was used in many Hollywood movies and television shows including: A Bridge To Far (1977), Ehoades Raiders, Daytona Beach, Miami Vice, Drop Zone and Sea Viper. Damaged on July 9, 2001 during a landing at Titusville Airport. Afterwards, repaired and returned to flying status by June 23, 2009. In 2019, this C-47 was used to fly emergency supplies to the Bahamas as part of Hurricane relief efforts. References Contribute
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