Dallas, Oct. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the premier WWII Airshow in the United States, CAF Wings Over Dallas brings together the country’s finest collection of authentic WWII airplanes each year for an amazing weekend of educational and historic entertainment. This year, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to feature the regional debut of, That’s All Brother, the C-47 that was a lead aircraft during the D-Day invasion. That’s All, Brother appears in Dallas in preparation of its planned 2019 flight to Normandy to participate in the 75th Anniversary of D-Day events.
The CAF identified That’s All Brother in a boneyard in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2015, and immediately began a campaign to acquire and restore the aircraft. Upon closer inspection, the aircraft had substantial metal corrosion and required extensive work. CAF selected Basler Turbo Conversions to lead the restoration process. Over 1,600 hours of work were required to repair the corrosion damage to That’s All Brother, but there were some major successes along the way, including revealing original paint colors and old photos which allowed the restoration team to precisely match and restore the aircraft to its authentic look and configuration on D-Day.
Constructed late in World War II, That’s All, Brother has an impressive military history. Some of the key dates in its history are as follows:
- March 7, 1944: Built at Douglas Aircraft plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- March 8, 1944: To USAAF at Baer Army Air Field, Indiana, via Dallas Love Field.
- April 16, 1944: Departed for England with Air Transport Command.
- June 5, 1944: Lead aircraft of Mission Albany – the US airborne drop on the eve of D-Day. Led 432 aircraft dropping 6,600 paratroopers behind enemy lines in Normandy.
- September 1944: Participated in Operation Market Garden (September 17–25, 1944).
- March-May 1945: Participated in Operation Varsity (March 24,1945 – May 2,1945)
- August 4, 1945: Departed for the United States
That’s All Brother appears at CAF Wings Over Dallas amid an already impressive list of performers and aircraft including: AeroShell Aerobatic Team, B-29 Superfortress, B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress, P-51 Mustang, Corsair, and many more.
In addition to being able to tour That’s All Brother, guests at CAF Wings Over Dallas will be able to see it fly as a part of the Tribute to D-Day Showcase. WWII Pathfinder pilot David Hamilton will provide commentary on the events that unfolded that day in Normandy. Other scheduled showcases include:
Hometown Heroes Showcase
Go back in time with Dallas area veterans as they discuss their war-time experiences and are reunited with the airplanes they built and flew. The City of Dallas played a vital role in the American war effort with many World War II veterans proud to call Dallas home.
Tribute to D-Day Showcase
Nearly 75 years ago the largest allied invasion in history unfolded on the shores and the skies over occupied France. The invasion of Normandy is one of the single most important moments in history. Join David Hamilton, a World War II Pathfinder pilot who participated in D-Day. He will explain the events that unfolded that day alongside the CAF’s C-47 That’s All, Brother, the lead aircraft in the paratrooper invasion of June 6, 1944.
American Armor & USO Show
Experience the explosive CAF Ground Forces Detachment, with support from area Living History teams, as they demonstrate some of America’s most iconic World War II equipment, from rifles to armored vehicles and artillery pieces! This crowd-favorite showcase will conclude with the singing group, Ladies for Liberty, performing patriotic songs in the style of the Andrews Sisters.
American AirPower History Demonstration
Watch a visual history of America’s involvement in World War II through flight. Watch as the training aircraft of America’s daring aviators zip through the sky. Witness the evolution of American aircraft as they were outfitted with higher speeds and better armament to fight battles in the Pacific and European Theaters of War. Dozens of aircraft will fly in demonstration of America’s great Arsenal of Democracy in flight.
Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
The North American AT-6 “Texan” Trainer first flew 80 years ago and to celebrate this anniversary, Wings Over Dallas welcomes the AeroShell Aerobatic Team. AeroShell pilots Mark Henley, Steve Gustafson, Jimmy Fordham, and Bryan Regan are experienced award-winning pilots, enabling them to push these vintage aircraft to the limit, performing amazing tight formations and low passes in their T-6 aircraft. Be sure to watch for their signature diamond formation and vertical dives!
Paratrooper Jump
Fans of Band of Brothers will love this demonstration of an era-accurate World War II airborne paratrooper jump. Featuring the Liberty Jump Team and WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, guests can watch as over 20 paratroopers jump out of several C-47 transport aircraft, just like they did in World War II.
CAF Wings Over Dallas is October 26-28 at Dallas Executive Airport. Tickets are on sale at www.wingsoverdallas.org with advance purchase discounts available. Rides in numerous World War II aircraft are also available through the website.
CAF WINGS OVER DALLAS INFORMATION:
Dates: October 26-28, 2018
Times: Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Dallas Executive Airport
5303 Challenger Dr., Dallas, TX 75387
Ticket Prices: Adult admission: $25 at gate
Student /CAF Colonel Member /Active Military: $20 at gate
Child General Admission Ages 6-11: $10 at gate
Kids 5 and under: FREE
Prime View Saturday: $69
Prime View Sunday: $69
About the Commemorative Air Force (CAF):
The mission of the CAF is to educate, inspire and honor through flight and living history. Through six decades of collecting, restoring and flying World War II aircraft the CAF has become the world’s largest flying museum with a fleet of 170 airplanes supported by 12,000 volunteer members. Nearly all the aircraft are kept in flying condition enabling people to experience first-hand the sight and sound of vintage military aircraft in flight. The CAF produces and participates in many aviation events across the country. Each year the organization impacts over 1 million people through its programs and publications. The organization’s national headquarters is located at Dallas Executive Airport where it plans to develop an educational campus that is expected to play a significant role in the economic growth of southern Dallas. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.