David C. Tallichet
Founder Yesterday's Air Force and Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation (MARC)

In memory: David C. Tallichet passed away October 31 , 2007.

Background
David Compton Tallichet, Jr. was born December 20, 1922 to parents David Compton Tallichet and Margaret W. Tallichet in Dallas, Texas. He completed high school then enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin. Later, attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and worked as a shoemaker.

Wartime History
On June 10, 1942 at age 19 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as an aviation cadet with serial number 18082796. He was trained on the Gulf coast of the United States. During June 1944, commissioned as an officer. In January 1945 sent overseas to Europe and flew combat missions over Germany and France. Promoted to the rank of Captain. For his World War II service, he earned the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three battle stars, American Defense Medal and World War II Victory Medal. During April 1946 returned to the United States and went on reserve status June 17, 1946.

Postwar
Tallichet became a successful businessman who owned The Proud Bird with a passion for vintage aircraft. In the early 1970s he founded Yesterday's Air Force (YAF) and undertook the purchase, salvage and recovery of World War II planes from around the world, storing them at Chino Airport and restoring them at several locations. Later, renamed Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation (MARC) and stores, restores and maintains aircraft in the collection.

Warbird Salvage Operations
Worldwide,Tallichet searched for vintage aircraft that could be purchased or salvaged and shipped to the United States for restoration. During 1974, Tallichet funded a six week salvage operation conducted by Charles Darby and Monty Armstrong at Tadji Airfield in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The recovered aircraft were near the road and barge service was available to load them on the coast and transport them to Lae then export them to the United States. The salvage removed a dozen of the most complete aircraft, including six P-40 Warhawks, Anson, Beauforts, and Tiger Moth UV-Q. Many of the aircraft were stored at Chino Airport and later on-sold or restored by other entities.

Memorials
Tallichet passed away October 31 , 2007 at age 84 in Orange, CA. Afterwards, management of Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation (MARC) and his aircraft collection was managed by his wife Cecilla Tallichet and son John Tallichet.

Relatives
Cecilla Tallichet (wife)
John D. Tallichet (son)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - David C. Tallichet, Jr. date of enlistment February 24, 1943
FindAGrave - David Compton Tallichet Jr. (photos, obituary)
Los Angeles Times Obituary "David Tallichet, 84; WWII pilot preserved historic planes" November 11, 2007

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