National Museum of Transportation near Kirkwood in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Douglas Aircraft C-47A Transport
It's plane to see why this is a Museum favorite!
This twin-engine 1943 Douglas Aircraft product, the military version of the DC-3, is believed to have been used by the United States Army Air Force in the World War II invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
• The plane is painted in camouflage with invasion stripes. The stripes placed on allied aircraft used to D-Day helped to identify them so they would not be subject to friendly fire.
• Troops serving in the South Pacific nicknamed this type of aircraft "Gooney Bird" after a bird found on Midway Island. In contrast to the birds' awkwardness when taking flight from land, the C-47A proved both agile and dependable.
• After its war service, this particular plane was used in commercial passenger service in Nevada until reacquired by military for use by the 131st Tactical Fighter Group of the Missouri Air National Guard.
• The National Guard used "Old 635" for 22 years, until its retirement in 1972. The plane supported annual summer encampment, as well as cargo and emergency medical missions, with its ability to land and take off on comparatively short fields.
• The aircraft hosted many notables in its career. The late president, Harry S. Truman, several Missouri congressmen, numerous governors and other elected officials all
this page online
Erected by Museum of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1944.
Location. 38° 34.364′ N, 90° 27.683′ W. Marker is near Kirkwood, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in National Museum of Transportation. Marker can be reached from Barrett Station Road east of Old Dougherty Ferry Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2933 Barrett Station Road, Saint Louis MO 63122, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tow Boat H.T. Pott (within shouting distance of this marker); The H.T. Pott Towboat (within shouting distance of this marker); #2 (within shouting distance of this marker); #900081 (within shouting distance of this marker); #6944 (within shouting distance of this marker); Illinois Terminal Neon Sign (within shouting distance of this marker); #4006 (within shouting distance of this marker); #95589 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirkwood.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
