PRESS RELEASE
The Douglas C-47A Skytrain (S/N 43-15512) was airborne at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum this February thanks to the Museum’s partners at Aerometal International LLC. After years of displaying aloft on its outdoor pedestal, the aircraft is on the move inside the Aviation Museum for restoration services.
The Restoration team at Evergreen plans to accomplish a refurbishment that will allow the public to see the C-47 in her original WWII configuration. Built-in Long Beach, California in 1944, the 43-15512 became part of Greenham Common, England’s 89th Troop Carrier Squadron in May of that year.
Just after midnight on June 6, 1944, 1,200 aircraft dropped more than 24,000 American, British, and Canadian paratroopers across occupied Normandy in the largest combined air, land, and sea operation in history. The Museum’s C-47 carried members of the 101st Airborne Division’s, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment to a drop zone near the town of Carentan, France.
“With the 80th anniversary of D-Day just a few months away, we want to begin restoration on this incredible aircraft as soon as possible,” Education Director Jay Lacano said. “Since Paris is also hosting the Summer Olympics, we at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum are excited to begin restoring our C-47 as the world’s eyes turn toward France.”
During the multiyear restoration process, Evergreen’s C-47 will be restored and displayed in an interactive exhibit featuring the illustrious DC-3, the original civilian transport on which the Skytrain is based. Through this enhanced interactive exhibit, the Museum’s growing population of global visitors will gain a better understanding of the “Douglas Twins.” The goal is to complete the exhibit by June 6, 2026.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum will also host Remembering D-Day: a commemorative 80th anniversary event on Saturday, June 8 in honor of the Battle of Normandy and all World War II Veterans. Tickets are $15 for children and Veterans, $25 for adults, free for Museum Members, and include full-day access to both the Aviation and Space Museums.
About the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is home to the iconic Hughes Flying Boat Spruce Goose and is recognized for its remarkable collection of aviation and spacecraft. Whether it’s viewing the rare, record-breaking SR-71 plane or experiencing the original launch room of the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle (SLV), Evergreen provides a space to explore and discover. As a 501(c) 3, we proudly partner with the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, the Oregon Space Consortium, and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. Discover more than 150 historic aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits on display, along with artwork and traveling exhibits daily from 9 am – 5 pm. The Museum is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, across the highway from the McMinnville Airport and about three miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18. To make a reservation, buy tickets, or learn more, please call (503) 434-4180 or visit www.evergreenmuseum.org. Follow @evergreenmuseum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Stephen “Chappie” Chapis's passion for aviation began in 1975 at Easton-Newnam Airport. Growing up building models and reading aviation magazines, he attended Oshkosh '82 and took his first aerobatic ride in 1987. His photography career began in 1990, leading to nearly 140 articles for Warbird Digest and other aviation magazines. His book, "ALLIED JET KILLERS OF WORLD WAR 2," was published in 2017.
Stephen has been an EMT for 23 years and served 21 years in the DC Air National Guard. He credits his success to his wife, Germaine.
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