C47

 

The C47 at the Silent Wings Museum is getting a new coat of Army green paint. The propellers, wrapped in foil, glisten as the “Gooney Bird” is gussied up. The Silent Wings Museum promotes the history of the World War II military glider program and is located at the site of the WWII South Plains Army Airfield which was a glider training base. The C-47 is owned by the Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps and is on a permanent loan to the Silent Wings Museum. The “Gooney Bird” was placed in its present position in in front of the museum in 2006. The Douglas DC-3, designated the "C-47" for U.S. military use, is one of the most successful aircraft designs in aviation history.

 

Silent Wings Museum

6202 North I-27

Lubbock, Texas

the girl who went to war

 

The Silent Wings Museum has an exhibit that replicates a World War II barracks.  Makes you wonder how many GIs had similar photos of sweethearts in their kits. Hopefully the veterans ended up with the girl back home.

 



 



USAF L-4

 



D-Day activities at the Silent Wings Museum included exhibits and rides. For a fee, one could fly in a vintage C-47 or B-25.  On display was a Piper Cub Grasshopper hat was used as an observation plane during WWII.  The L-4 was the Air Force version of the Piper Cub in which many a pilot learned to fly.  We asked Pop if he wanted a ride; he replied that he'd logged his share of hours -- free and courtesy of the US Marine Corps!

 

Silent Wings Museum

Lubbock, Texas