On Saturday, July 16, 2022, the last living D-Day Pathfinder Pilot, LtCol David Hamilton (USAF, Ret.) celebrated his centenary with the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team (ADT). Hamilton participated in airborne operations involving WWII ADT’s historic Douglas C-47 Skytrain, nicknamed Wild Kat, with ADT members parachuting from the aircraft in honor of his 100th birthday.
The airborne operations took place at the Frederick Regional Airport Army Airfield, in Frederick, Oklahoma. The airport, which first began operations in September 1942 as Frederick Army Airfield, a military pilot training facility, is the WWII ADT’s present day home.
LtCol Hamilton, the last surviving Pathfinder pilot from the Normandy Invasion of June 5th/6th, 1944, also flew troops/cargo in Operations Dragoon and Market-Garden, not to mention the Battle of the Bulge. Furthermore, Hamilton logged 51 combat missions flying Douglas RB-26 Invader ground attack aircraft in the Korean War, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during this period.
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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.
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