WWII C47 - DC3 Flown By Vet Who Flew It On D-Day

[DougGuy]

95yr old veteran Gerald Parker flew this same aircraft in several theaters during the war, it is the only survivor of at least one of the North Africa campaigns, he flew this aircraft in support of the Market Garden offensive and also flew it during the D-Day invasion.

The aircraft has a storied past and through the diligent research and restoration efforts of owner Scott Glover, the history of not only this aircraft but the pilots who flew her is brought to life in a compassionate and colorful presentation.

Regretfully, Gerald Parker passed away on 10-18-2017 but he was in good enough health to fly this aircraft once more at the age of 95, and share some of his experiences with this aircraft. Ride along with Gerald Parker as he flies his last mission:


http://www.youtu.be/watch?v=5thY5l4G2kg


Not going to post the video, but here are some youtube links to more from Gerald Parker, and also the discovery and restoration of this aircraft:

https://youtu.be/uHZUOyg-ZWw

https://youtu.be/hnMLLg3Q2d4

Phone interview with Mr. Parker about the D-Day mission:

https://youtu.be/OeQFG2MTsgk

[pressonregardless]

Great video, thanks for posting it !!

[fecmech]

I was sitting at the kitchen table watching the video and commented to my wife how neat it was for this fellow to get to fly that aircraft after so many years. Being a"smart ****" she is said "maybe in 20 yrs they'll let you change a brake on a 727"!

[Buzz64]

Neat video, thanks for sharing.

[Grmps]

There are few left that remember All their memories should be documented BUT many don't want to remember much of what happened.
I've found that there are some memories from the war that most enjoy talking about. A friend never got tired of telling about calling in artillery bombardments every time he saw a natzi leave a bunker to go to the bathroom.

[woodbutcher]

:grin:Hi Doug Guy.Great video.Thanks for posting.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[jaysouth]

Nice video. My first commercial airline flight was on a DC-3(civilian model, C-47) in 1964. Around March or April 1966, I got to jump a Royal Netherlands Air Force Dakota(former C-47) while in the 509th Airborne in Germany. As I recall, there were 17 paratroopers and a loadmaster in the back. The prop blast was horrific and it appeared the the vertical stabalizer was going to cut you in half. In reality you passed several feet below it.

In VN, it was comforting to see and hear the AC-47 Spooky gunships overhead raining death and destruction.

Two years ago, at our battalion reunion in Charlotte, we arranged a 'heritage' flight on a C-47 with D Day invasion stripe and band paint scheme just like the one in the video above.

Good memories, the one featured in the video might have been the one that my father or uncle jumped out on 6 June 1944.

[Artful]

:goodpost:

No make that "Great post "

[shdwlkr]

Great post
I wonder what the overweight, marijuana, snowflakes would do if called to protect America

[woodbutcher]

:grin: Pee their pants and run screaming for their safe room and crayons.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[Bzcraig]

Thanks Doug!