May 10, 2019
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Yesterday, representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters were on hand at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, Mo., to welcome D-Day Doll, an iconic C-53D “Skytrooper” that flew during World War II and over Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The VFW was proud to sponsor the refueling of the plane, as well as host a reception for the flight crew.
The D-Day Doll offers a rare glimpse into our nation’s World War II efforts, and its arrival in Kansas City is just one of many stops as it travels to Europe to participate in events commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
While in Europe, the D-Day Doll will conduct paratrooper drops into original WWII drop zones. Paratroopers will include original D-Day veterans from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and reenactors. VIP flights, beach and cemetery over flights will also be flown. Upon D-Day Doll’s return, there will be a “Victory Tour” to include New York City, Washington, D.C., and Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“The VFW is honored to support such a rare and priceless piece of war history,” said VFW Programs Director Lynn Rolf III. “We’re proud to play a part in commemorating the D-Day Doll and its crew’s brave service which helped resupply and save the lives of many American and Allied forces.”