(Image Credit: National Warplane Museum)
(Image Credit: National Warplane Museum)
The National Warplane Museum’s C-47 is an actual WWII veteran. This aircraft originally served with the 12th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater in 1943 and the 9th Air Force in England 1944-1945 as part of the 316th Troop Carrier Group. It was one of the lead aircraft of the first strike of the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944 over Normandy, France. It transported paratroopers for the 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation Neptune.
The museum intends to travel to France for the 2014 D-Day Reunion and “Liberty Jump Team,” friends of the Warplane Museum, will actually re-enact a 2:00AM paratroop jump, corresponding to the planes mission on that historic day. The museum’s estimate for the trip is approaching $250,000. To raise this amount they are launching a direct mail campaign. Information on the museum, the plane, and the commemoration are all available at the museum’s website.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
