2024LT Affiliate Partner Collaborations

Building on their 2019 accomplishments, the D-Day Squadron (DDS) is coordinating a fleet of aircraft to fly to Europe in 2024 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion and the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. So far, 12 aircraft have confirmed their participation including various DC-3 aircraft between North America and across Europe. In mid-May 2024, roughly five of the 12 DC-3 variants representing World War II and Cold War vintage aircraft will ‘cross the pond’ from the United States to the United Kingdom, cross the English Channel to Normandy, France with the European contingent, then fly on to Berlin, Germany, Venice, Italy and beyond. This effort is dubbed the “2024 Legacy Tour.” With many WWII veterans having ‘flown west’ since the D-Day Squadron’s 2019 mission, 2024 will be an opportunity to focus on both the LEGACY of these WWII veterans and the legendary aircraft that served as the backbone to multiple war campaigns. “Our veterans are our window to the past, and this is a chance for us to continue honoring those who made sacrifices for the freedoms we have today,” shared D-Day Squadron’s mission chief pilot, Eric Zipkin. Eric will fly the lead C-47, WWII combat veteran, “Placid Lassie” throughout the entire journey. 

This is no easy task, and while nothing can compare to the amount of organization the Allied forces faced in planning for the D-Day invasion, there is still a tremendous amount of preparation, time, and cost involved in recreating this historic anniversary tour. The DDS is currently setting the schedule, organizing appearances across Europe, and serving as Mission Control for the 2024 Legacy Tour – a central unit for all operators, crew, and operations.

Starting from the Northeast United States in May of next year, the aircraft must complete six total flight legs to Europe involving crew rest, refueling, proper maintenance, formation planning, and logistics. Can you imagine? It will take the squadron 15 days, close to 3,000 nautical miles, approximately 15 hours of flight time, 120 gallons of oil, more than 1,400 gallons of fuel, and 150 crew to make this historic transatlantic crossing!

With your support, we will honor the sacrifice of the citizen soldiers who bravely fought to end WWII and combat the tyranny of the Cold War. That is why the D-Day Squadron is grateful to partner with Warbird Coffee Co. US, share in this mission and ‘brew’ the finest coffee to keep you, crew and organizers alert and ready to go!

Discover the Limited Edition DC3 Polo, exclusively designed for the 2024 Legacy Tour. Celebrate aviation history with this unique, moisture-wicking polo shirt, featuring the iconic D-Day Squadron Logo. A tribute to the DC-3’s enduring legacy, each purchase supports the DC3 Society’s mission to preserve this historic aircraft. Perfect for pilots and enthusiasts, this durable, 100% polyester shirt is a must-have for anyone passionate about aviation history and the legacy of the DC-3. Order now to honor the past and inspire the future of aviation.

Crafted to meet the demands of both daily wear and the unique needs of pilots, this polo combines heavy-duty resilience with the light comfort of its moisture-wicking and odor-fighting fabric. Stay cool, dry, and fresh throughout your aviation adventures or your day-to-day activities.

To honor the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, as well as the Troop Carrier Command Aircrews of the USAAF and USAF who flew the C-47s during these historic events, we have once again teamed up with the D-Day Squadron Team to follow up our 2019 collaboration in developing a New “Limited Edition” MADE IN THE USA A-2 Leather flight jacket that is custom designed with a unique D-Day Squadron Lining insert tribute art, a D-Day Squadron 2024 Legacy tour patch, and a custom designed tribute to Pathfinder pilot Lt Col Dave Hamilton who is representing the surviving veterans and leading the way to honor those no longer with us.

The jacket is a collaboration project with requests and input from the D-Day Squadron Board and members on desired details in building a new, unique A-2 that both pays tribute to its historic roots during WWII but also creates a jacket for Aviators and Aircrew about to cross the Atlantic to represent our great nation and who need a functional piece of flight gear that is both rugged, practical, and that also happens to look great!

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Learn more here.

Datum Attitude is a modern craft brewery based in the UK, with a passion for all things aviation. Datum’s head brewer is a Royal Air Force veteran, and all of their beers are inspired by his time serving his country and his love of flying and aviation.

To celebrate the UK leg of our 2024 Legacy Tour, Datum Attitude have brewed a special D-Day Squadron Legacy Tour Pale Ale. You can find this collaborative beer at a number of major air shows in the UK, along with their other aviation inspired beers!

With a true passion for flight, we here at LIFT Aviation embark on the creation of aviation products that simply will be a cut above the rest. This is why we have decided to partner with the D-Day Squadron, our shared love for aviation and its history. Stop by our booth at Sun N Fun or purchase a leather kneeboard during the month of June to be entered to win a flight at Oshkosh! Also, proceeds from purchases of our leather kneeboard will help support their efforts in the future!