This Douglas C-47 Dakota "Skytrain" aircraft is located just north of the Luftbrückendenkmal memorial which commemorates the Berlin Airlift and those who sacrificed their lives during the operation. It is situated in a grassy area between Ellis Road and the A5 highway.

Combat Vehicle This green C-47 features the Air Force star insignia near its tail end as well as its name, "The Berlin Train," in yellow lettering on the nose, just below the cockpit, on both sides. Above the name is a depiction of two planes both going to and returning from Berlin with supplies. Berlin is represented as a joyous bear whose arms are open to receive the essential supplies which the airlift brought to the city.

Before becoming a staple of the fleet that facilitated the Berlin Airlift, the Douglas C-47 was used by the Allies in World War II as a multi-purpose aircraft. According to General Eisenhower, the C-47 was one of the four military tools that permitted the Allies to win the war. In fact, the C-47 was used as both a cargo plane, like it was during the air lift, and as a transport plane for soldiers. During the invasion of Normandy, Airborne troops parachuted form C-47's. Although the Douglas Aircraft Company originally produced the C-47 as a commercial airliner, the United States' entrance into World War II led to the transformation of the C-47 from a normal passenger plane to one which could transport 27 fully equipped soldiers.

Monument Text:

Commemorates:

Units:

United States Air Force

Wars:

Cold War

Battles:

Berlin Airlift