D-DAY DOLL RESCUE FUND
While enroute to an appearance at the Los Alamitos Air Show on October 25, 2014 the D-Day Doll broke a valve, sending shredded metal bits throughout her right engine. Her experienced crew members were able to nurse her back to her home base in Riverside, CA. The damage destroyed the engine and requires a complete overhaul and rebuild at an estimated cost of $50,000.
Donations to this fund are going to the Commemorative Air Force - Inland Empire Wing, a qualified 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible with 100% of the amount being applied to return the D-Day Doll to active flight status.
The D-Day Doll is identified as a C-53D Skytrooper. She was built by Douglas Aircraft Co. in Santa Monica, CA and was delivered to the United States Army Air Force on July 6, 1943. The "Doll" was designed for towing gliders and transporting airborne paratroopers.
On June 6, 1944 (D-Day) she was instrumental in towing gliders and delivering troops of the 101st Airborne Division as part of the Normandy invasion. In the days that followed, she transported more paratroopers from both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.
Today, she serves as a flying museum that goes to the people with appearances at airshows in various locations throughout the country. In the air, she delights the fans with fly-bys, paratrooper re-enactments, and transporting various skydiving groups. On the ground, she is available for guided tours with an historian to share her tales of valor.
Please enjoy this short (9-1/2 minutes) film highlighting the history of the D-Day Doll.
The Commemorative Air Force is an all volunteer organization and the members are working feverishly to get this 70 year-old veteran of World War II back into duty. We'll keep you up-to-date with our progress in both fund-raising and repairs. Any donation is appreciated.
We invite everyone to visit the D-Day Doll, and the other historic war planes we maintain, at our Aviation Museum located at the Riverside Municipal Airport at 6936 Flight Road, Riverside, CA. Or, you can visit us at:
Inland Empire Wing - CAF or
Commemorative Air Force
