Historic WWII Aircraft On Display At Tulsa Air And Space Museum This Weekend

A piece of World War II history is flying around Tulsa this week. A C-47 and B-25 Bomber are visiting the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, giving visitors a chance to learn about a heroic time in aviation history.

The C-47 World War II-era transport plane is making loops high above the Tulsa Skyline, a far cry from its original mission 80 years ago. 

“Flying an old airplane, you know it's all manual so that's tough, but we're flying history here too, so in the back of your mind you got to understand that this is a museum piece aircraft,” says Former Navy Pilot Stephen Rose.

He flies the C-47 bird for the Commemorative Air Force, traveling the country to tell its story.

It isn't just any old C-47, this was the lead plane ahead of the D-day invasion in Normandy, dropping off troops behind enemy lines.

The plane is called “That's All Brother,” a message to Germany that the war was about to be over. It led a group of 800 C-47s into France in 1944, dropping more than 13,000 paratroopers. 

“All young kids jumping into arms way and not knowing if they're going to survive...that's kind of brave to me,” says Rose.

It was a full flight, except for the seats that remained empty to pay tribute to the men who sat there before. 

“When you walk in that airplane and see those jump seats knowing that ya know 18, 19-year-old kids are sitting in that seat ready to jump out and go in harm's way, a lot of times if you really think about it, you just get chills,” says Rose.

For many people, it's a step back into history that gives a new perspective on the war effort. 

“I get to work around airplanes all day, but none that look like this,” says Spartan Aeronautics Dean Amy Moore.

She says this flight is fun for the group here, but recognizes that it was a different story in 1944.

“They definitely weren't out here for a day of fun with friends like were are,” says Rose.

The impact made on everyone here is potent, giving this plane's passengers a new respect for the men and women willing to sacrifice everything. 

The C-47 and B-25 Yellow Rose will both be on display at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum through Sunday. 

You can also book a flight on one of the planes. Details and prices can be found here.

For more information about the special event, visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum website.