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C-47 Airplane

DC-3 SOCIETY

About  & Our Mission

Who We Are

Honoring 90 Years of the DC-3 — and the Evolution of Our Mission

This December marks the 90th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Douglas DC-3—an aircraft that transformed aviation and continues to inspire all who treasure its history and enduring legacy.

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As we celebrate this milestone, it is also a moment to reflect on our own evolution. What began as the D-Day Squadron—formed to honor the Greatest Generation through our 2019 and 2024 commemorative missions, flyovers, events, outreach, and educational efforts—has grown into something lasting: the DC-3 Society.

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The DC-3 Society exists to preserve these historic aircraft, support active operators, educate future generations, and ensure the stories of the DC-3 remain alive and flying.

 

If you have followed our journey as part of the D-Day Squadron community, we invite you to take the next step and join us as a Society member. Your support directly fuels this mission and helps carry it forward for decades to come.

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In 2024, the D-Day Squadron embarked on the Return to Normandy Legacy Tour, showcasing a fleet of restored C-47 and DC-3 WWII military aircraft to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The tour spanned the UK, France, and Germany, honoring history with aerial displays and paratroop drops.

The North Atlantic Route 2019
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156,000

TROOPS STORMED FIVE NORMANDY BEACHES, COMING IN FROM THE SEA

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13,000

PARATROOPERS DROPPED BEHIND ENEMY LINES

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11,000

1,000 AIRCRAFT FOR AIR COVER AND SUPPORT, 925 WERE C-47s

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9,000

LIVES LOST OVER THE COURSE OF THE INVASION

A Vision for Future Flight

Returning home from the 2024 Legacy Tour, our purpose remains steadfast: to preserve the airworthiness of DC-3 type aircraft, celebrate their legacy, and inspire future generations through static and flying displays. The 2024 Legacy Tour reinforced the mission of the DC-3 Society—uniting enthusiasts, pilots, mechanics, and operators in a collective effort to honor history and pass on the passion for “FLYING FREEDOM” to the next generation.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to organize the interest of DC-3 operators, enthusiasts and crew while maintaining airworthiness and displays for future generations to represent everything the DC-3 has accomplished in war and peace

Standing Committees

Steering Committee

  • Eric Zipkin, Chair

  • Doug Rozendaal

  • Jon Goldenbaum

  • Joe Anderson

  • Rod Moyer

  • Steve Rose

Maintenance Committee

  • Charlie Walker, Chair

  • Paul Bazeley, past chair

  • Ben Smith

  • Garret Fleishman

  • Shane Wallace

  • Sam Layman

  • Hannah McLaughlin

  • Jason Capra

  • Joe Garcia

Flight Operations Committee

  • Kevin Riley, Chair

  • Eric Zipkin

  • Rod Moyer

  • Doug Rozendaal

  • Rachel Lindvig

  • Keith Kearns

Education & Outreach (E&O) and Events Committee

  • Thomas Lemke, Chair

  • Franky Ortega, Co-chair

  • Kevin Carter, young historians program lead

  • Henry Simpson, young historians program lead

  • Savannah Bess

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