The museum began in 1986 with a single C-47A that was rejected as “beyond salvage” by other museums.  Today, it stands immaculately restored; complete with D-Day invasion stripes, as it was when it served with the 61st Troop Carrier Squadron in World War II.  Its extensive combat history is meticulously documented with actual photos and memorabilia donated by former crewmembers.  This plane, the "Turf & Sport Special”, was the centerpiece of a reunion in July 1990, that included the D-Day pilot, aerial engineer, and three of the 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers who dropped into St. Mere-Eglise on June 6, 1944—forty six years earlier.

Received into collection in October 1986.