Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

C-47D "Skytrain"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. C-47D "Skytrain" Marker

Inscription. Few aircraft are as well-known as the C-47, or "Gooney Bird" as it was nicknamed. The aircraft was adapted from the DC-3 commercial airliner that appeared in 1936. The first C-47s were ordered in 1940 and by the end of World War II, the United States had procured 9,348 for Army Air Forces use, they carried personnel and cargo, and in a combat role, towed troop-carrying gliders and dropped paratroops into enemy territory. After the war, many C-47s remained in Air Force service, participating in the Berlin Airlift and other peacetime activities. During the Korean conflict, C-47s hauled supplies, dropped paratroops, evacuated wounded and dropped flares for night bombing attacks. In Vietnam the C-47 served again as a transport, but it was also used in a variety of other ways including flying ground attack (gunship), reconnaissance and psychological warfare missions.

This aerospace vehicle (C-47D) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold • War, Korean • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 29° 23.449′ N,

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98° 37.061′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Street south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Staff Sergeant James A. Moran (a few steps from this marker); B-26 Invader (within shouting distance of this marker); Senior Master Sgt. Lucien Thomas (within shouting distance of this marker); A-26C "Invader" (within shouting distance of this marker); C-118A "Liftmaster" (within shouting distance of this marker);

C-47D "Skytrain" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. C-47D "Skytrain" and Marker

Military Working Dog Teams National Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Master Sgt. Thowas N. Barnes (within shouting distance of this marker); B-25 Mitchell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Douglas C-47 Skytrain. Wikipedia

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II. During the war the C-47 was used for troop transport,
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. C-47D "Skytrain"
cargo, paratrooper, for towing gliders and military cargo parachute drops. The C-47 remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years. It was produced in approximately triple the numbers as the larger, much heavier payload Curtiss C-46 Commando, which filled a similar role for the U.S. military.

(Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Two C-47 "Skytrain" in flight image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, August 15, 1944

4. Two C-47 "Skytrain" in flight

Two USAAF C-47A Skytrains (based on the Douglas DC-3) from the 81st Troop Carrier Squadron, loaded with paratroopers on their way for the invasion of southern France (Operation Dragoon). The aircraft in the back is a Douglas C-47A-65-DL (s/n 42-100550), the other is a C-47A-90-DL (s/n 43-15661).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.