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Flak-Bait’s D-Day Missions
Posted on Jun 06, 2019
We explore the D-Day missions of the Museum's Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder Flak-Bait.
Topics: AviationAircraftWar and ConflictWorld War II
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The Technology Behind D-Day's Moonlit Airborne Ops
Posted on Jun 05, 2019
The D-Day invasion relied on paratroop and glider landings the day before -- in moonlit darkness. In this blog, we explore the key technologies used to locate drop zones and landing zones under cover of darkness.
Topics: UltralightsWar and ConflictWorld War IINavigation
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Protecting the Beaches with Balloons: D-Day and the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion
Posted on Jun 04, 2019
The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only unit that stormed the beach at Normandy on June 6, 1944, that was comprised entirely of African American soldiers, played a vital role in protecting the ships and soldiers during the D-Day invasion.
Topics: AirshipsBalloonsAfrican American or Black peopleWar and ConflictWorld War II
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D-Day and the Douglas C-47
Posted on Jun 03, 2019
In the early morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of soldiers, sailors, and airmen readied themselves for D-Day of Operation Overlord. For several divisions of American and British soldiers, the invasion had actually begun the night before on board Douglas C-47s.
Topics: AircraftMilitary aviationWar and ConflictWorld War II
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D-Day: Aerial Photography in Action
Posted on Jun 02, 2019
D-Day was the boldest, riskiest and most anticipated operation of the entire World War II European Theater. To succeed in the Allied invasion of France, Allied commanders needed detailed information about prospective French coastal landing sites and surrounding areas. That's where aerial photography comes in.
Topics: War and ConflictWorld War IIReconnaissance
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Explore Newly Digitized Photos of WWII Women Pilots
Posted on Aug 10, 2018
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the WASP founding in August 1943, we are excited to bring you some original, newly digitized images from the National Archives.
Topics: AviationPeopleWomenWorld War II
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Women with Wings: The Legacy of the WASP
Posted on Aug 05, 2018
Seventy-five years ago, on August 5, 1943, a remarkable group of women stepped into roles as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Their story is one of courage, and their legacy is crucial to understanding the role of women as aviators within the United States Military.
Topics: AviationMilitary aviationPeopleWomenWorld War II
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The Complicated Lead Up to Pearl Harbor
Posted on Dec 07, 2016
Curator Laurence Burke took a step back and explored the long and complicated history that led up to the Japanese attack.
Topics: AviationMilitary aviationWar and ConflictWorld War II