Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 11:00am in the CAM Library Free Lecture: The D-Day Normandy Airdrops:
Presented by Brigadier General Paul R. Cooper, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Eighty years ago, the massive airdrop from C-47 aircraft occurred at Normandy, France beginning the D-Day Invasion of Hitler’s Europe. Much has been written about the longest day from the paratrooper perspective or about the casualties on the invasion beaches. This presentation will look at the perspective of the C-47 aircrews that made the air assault possible. An historical background of the airdrop will also be included.
Be sure to arrive early and stay late to see the C-47A That’s All, Brother in action at Grimes Field! The C-47A That’s All, Brother was named by its D-Day crew as a message to Adolph Hitler and was the troop carrier aircraft that led the Airborne Invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944, carrying 101st Airborne Division paratroopers into France. That’s All, Brother also served in Operation Dragoon, Market Garden, the Relief of Bastogne, and Operation Varsity.
Staging from the Grimes Airport terminal, the CAF Central Texas Wing features opportunities to tour and fly in this WWII aircraft with flights at 10:30am, 1pm & 3pm. Book online: commemorativeairforcecentraltexaswing.thundertix.com/
Meet out Guest Speaker: Brigadier General Paul R. Cooper retired in 2002 as commander of the Air Force Reserve’s 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, completing almost 35 years of military service with the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. Eight times the unit that he led received the Air Force Distinguished Unit Award as a result of his creative mentorship, innovative team building, and inspirational leadership. Paul is a command pilot with over 12,000 flying hours in jet aircraft. His numerous decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, 3 Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, and 3 Air Medals.
Champaign Aviation Museum
1652 N. Main St., Urbana, OH 43078
937-652-4710
Champaign Aviation Museum is Site #13 on the Aviation Trail
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