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 Famed
war correspondent Ernie Pyle called the C-47 “the workingest airplane in
existence… Almost any pilot would tell you it was the best airplane ever
built.” The Douglas C-47 was used as a cargo transport to fly the notorious
“Hump” over the Himalayas after the Japanese closed the Burma Road, and as a
paratroop carrier in various campaigns from New Guinea to Normandy and beyond.
Known also as “Dakota” (British designation), R4D (U.S. Navy), “Skytrooper” and
“Gooney Bird,” the Douglas C-47 (USAAF) went through many modifications during
its long service life, largely with respect to engine power ratings, but also
with structural modifications for specific tasks like reconnaissance and
navigation training. It was even tested as a floatplane and as an engineless
glider.
“Like the Higgins Boat, the Sherman tank and the jeep, the C-47 was so
important to the success of the war effort that The National WWII Museum would
not be complete without it,” noted Museum President and CEO Dr. Gordon “Nick”
Mueller. “The Hilliards’ generosity enabled us to acquire and restore C-47
#096, a true hero of WWII aviation history.”Dr. Mueller stated “The C-47 is an
amazing new acquisition that will be a major attraction for New Orleans
residents and all our future visitors.”
 C-47
#096 carried Pathfinder paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne into Normandy on
D-Day, June 6, 1944; dropped a Pathfinder paratrooper team of the 101st
Airborne into German-occupied Holland in Operation Market Garden; flew in a
massive re-supply mission to the 101st Airborne during the Battle of the Bulge;
and participated in Operation Varsity, “the Rhine Jump,” in 1945.
The National D-Day Museum has four
interactive galleries which profile America's role in World War II through
exhibits featuring electronic maps, mini-theaters, photomurals, text panels and
original artifacts that allow visitors to see a piece of D-Day firsthand. Also
among the exhibits are nine "Personal Account" or oral history stations where
visitors can hear the stories of veterans and home front workers who
participated in the war effort. Historically rich artifacts and the stories
behind them, donated by veterans and their families. Plenty of aircraft,
vehicles, weapons, uniforms, home front materials, and other significant
artifacts that the whole family can enjoy, and special
educational programs are offered for students of all ages.
 The
National D-Day Museum opened in 2000, and has been designated by Congress as
the country’s official National World War II Museum. It interprets the American
experience during the World War II years; celebrates the American Spirit, the
teamwork, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won WWII; and promotes
the expression of these values for future generations. As the National WWII
Museum grows it will feature a six-acre campus of Museum exhibition pavilions,
an advanced format theater, USO entertainment venue, and education and research
center in downtown New Orleans.
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The National D-Day Museum
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