2015 Spring Friends Journal Sampler

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FOUNDATION, INC.

Spring 2015

Vol. 38 No.1

The Magazine of the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. • www.airforcemuseum.com

Air Force Museum Foundation Board of Managers Pictured (Left to Right): Col Mark N. Brown, USAF (Ret); Col James B. Schepley, USAF (Ret) – Vice President; Mr. Roger D. Duke; Col Susan E. Richardson, USAF (Ret) – Secretary; CMSgt Eric R. Jaren, USAF (Ret); Mr. Philip L. Soucy – President; Mr. Robert J. Suttman II, CFA – Treasurer; Ms. Frances A. Duntz – Chairman; Col William S. Harrell, USAF (Ret); Maj Gen E. Ann Harrell, USAF (Ret); Brig Gen Paul R. Cooper, USAF (Ret); Lt Gen Richard V. Reynolds, USAF (Ret); Mr. Jon G. Hazelton; Mr. David C. Evans; Mr. Harry W. (Wes) Stowers Jr; Dr. Pamela A. Drew Not Pictured: Dr. Deborah E. Barnhart, CAPT (Ret), USN; Gen William J. Begert, USAF (Ret); The Honorable Claude M. Bolton Jr; Dr. Thomas J. Burns, PhD; Lt Gen Charles H. Coolidge Jr., USAF (Ret); Maj Gen Charles S. Cooper III, USAF (Ret); Mr. James F. Dicke II; Lt Gen Lawrence P. Farrell Jr., USAF (Ret); Mr. Charles J. Faruki; Col Michael B. Goetz, USAF (Ret); Col Frederick D. Gregory, USAF (Ret); Mr. Charles F. Kettering III; Mr. Gregory G. Lockhart; Mr. Patrick L. McGohan; Col Pamela A. Melroy, USAF (Ret); Gen T. Michael Moseley, USAF (Ret); Gen Charles T. Robertson Jr., USAF (Ret); Mr. R. Daniel Sadlier; Mr. Scott J. Seymour; Mr. Gary G. Stephenson

Working together to break new ground, we are proud of our partnership with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the Foundation’s stakeholders. Your support helps preserve the U.S. Air Force legacy of innovation, leadership, and service for future generations.

Featured Articles Presidential Gallery Aircraft of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 1903 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-1903

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937-258-1225

Before the Columbine: General Eisenhower’s B-25J Mission to Casablanca

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The Story of the “Air Force One” Call Sign

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The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. is a Section 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization. It is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components, and it has no government status.

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THE AIR FORCE MUSEUM FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF MANAGERS Ms. Frances A. Duntz - Chairman Mr. Philip L. Soucy - President Col (Ret) James B. Schepley - Vice President Col (Ret) Susan E. Richardson - Secretary Mr. Robert J. Suttman II, CFA - Treasurer Dr. Deborah E. Barnhart, CAPT (Ret), USN Gen (Ret) William J. Begert The Hon. Claude M. Bolton Jr. Col (Ret) Mark N. Brown Dr. Thomas J. Burns, PhD Lt Gen (Ret) Charles H. Coolidge Jr. Brig Gen (Ret) Paul R. Cooper Dr. Pamela A. Drew Mr. Roger D. Duke Mr. David C. Evans Mr. Charles J. Faruki Col (Ret) Frederick D. Gregory Maj Gen (Ret) E. Ann Harrell Col (Ret) William S. Harrell CMSgt (Ret) Eric R. Jaren Mr. Gregory G. Lockhart Lt Gen (Ret) Richard V. Reynolds Gen (Ret) Charles T. Robertson Jr. Mr. Scott J. Seymour Mr. Harry W. (Wes) Stowers Jr.

From the Executive Director November 22, 1963. The day President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated is one of those indelible moments in American History. Ask anyone who was alive then if they remember where they were when they heard the news, and they can tell you.

Likewise for the photograph here.

This moment in time it captured is forever with us. The airplane on which it took place, SAM 26000, is currently in the Presidential Aircraft Gallery, soon to move to the fourth building currently under construction. Visitors to the plane stand on the very spot NMUSAF Lyndon B. Johnson stood in the Lyndon B. Johnson takes the oath of office on picture. The personal connection board Air Force One (SAM 26000) you feel to one of the United States’ most pivotal moments is spine tingling. And it’s an experience you can only encounter with the one-of-a-kind artifacts at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

As I read the presidential aircraft stories in this edition of the Friends Journal, I felt connected. Certainly I felt connected to our past, but I also felt a genuine kinship with the men and women who navigated our country through some of the most difficult challenges.

Most importantly I felt responsible. Responsible for ensuring that, along with Foundation staff, volunteers, and members like you, we continue to provide the resources required for Museum Director Lt Gen (Ret) John Hudson and the Museum team so that these treasured exhibits, found nowhere else, will be preserved for generations to come.

I was only three years old when JFK died, yet I can still hear his voice, in that thick New England accent, traveling through time to challenge us to go beyond that which is required—but which should be expected.

You know the quote, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

In 2016 the Museum’s fourth building, containing the Presidential Aircraft, R&D, Space and Global Reach Galleries, will open. Thanks to your generous and continued support, aircraft like the SAM 26000 will be part of the main campus, where all visitors can experience an unforgettable connection. I look forward to seeing you there, to enjoy the fruits of our labor and to connect with our past, each other, and our future.

With respect,

Mike Imhoff

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE Lt Gen (Ret) J. L. Hudson, Director

FOUNDATION

Executive Director - Michael Imhoff Chief Development Officer - Col (Ret) Mona Vollmer Special Events Manager - Andrew S. Duncan Membership Manager - Matt Lynch Membership Coordinator - Michele Giefer Membership Office: 1-877-258-3910 (toll free) or 937-656-9615

Friends Journal

Editor - Peggy Coale Art Director - Mark A. Riley Editorial Assistants - Michael Giefer, Joe King, Robert Pinizzotto, Art Powell Editorial Office: 937-656-9622 Cover: Presidential aircraft Sam 26000, photographed at the 1998 rollout after restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. USAF Photo

The Friends Journal is published quarterly by the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the expansion and improvement of the National Museum of the United States Air Force and to the preservation of the history of the United States Air Force. Authors retain all rights to further publication or use. Author’s views expressed in the Friends Journal do not necessarily represent those of the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. or those of the United States Air Force. Printed in the USA. USPS Standard ”A” rate postage paid at Dayton, OH. Subscription to the Friends Journal is included in the annual membership of the Friends of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. All materials are copyright 2015 and may not be reproduced without permission from the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. Submission of material for publication and correspondence concerning contents should be addressed to The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1903, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-1903, and marked in the corner of the envelope “ATTN: Editor.”

Air Force Museum Foundation Supporters Fourth Building Leadership Contributors

2014 Building Fund Donors $100,000-499,999

$25,000-99,999

S10,000-24,999

Ohio CAT Northrop Grumman Mr. W. Craig Willan Stowers Machinery Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corporation DPL, Inc. Vectren

Ms. Jan Ann Davis-Vater

In Memory of Col Joseph Davis, Jr., USAF (Ret)

Ms. Frances A. Duntz Col Mona R.M. Vollmer, USAFR (Ret)

In Memory of Ruth Olivia Gladman Colvin

Under $10,000 Mr. Lawrence S. Foster Col Amy J. McCain, USAF The Turner Foundation Integrity Applications, Inc. Dr. Thomas J. Burns, PhD Brig Gen Paul Cooper, USAF (Ret) CMSgt Eric R. Jaren and Mrs. Laura Jaren Mr. Ruey Hodapp Lt Gen Charles H. Coolidge Jr., USAF (Ret) Lt Gen Richard V. Reynolds, USAF (Ret) Col Norman H. Happel, USAF (Ret) Mr. David C. Evans Mr. Mike Nicol Lt Gen Michael A. Nelson, USAF (Ret)

Sgt R. M. Borcherding, USMC Mr. Don Klise and Mrs. Gail Klise Lt Col Harry B. Massingill Jr., USAF (Ret) Col Carl E. Walz, USAF (Ret) Mr. Timothy J. Daugherty Mr. Steven Shook Mr. Arthur Volk Mr. Guy R. Caviness Jr. Mr. Bill Schottelkotte Mr. James Sparkman Mr. James T. Wilson Mr. John W. Heinrich Jr. Capt Richard M. J. Kovich

Matching Gift Contributors Apogee Enterprises, Inc. AT&T Higher Education Cultural Matching Gift Program BAE Systems Matching Gift Boeing Gifts Matching Program Caterpillar Matching Gift Program Foundation Discover Financial Services GE Foundation IBM Corporation

Johnson & Johnson, Family of Companies Merck Partnership for Giving Microsoft Matching Gift Program Motorola Solutions Foundation Pepsico, Foundation PNC Foundation The Bank of New York Mellon Verizon Foundation

Sponsors and In-kind Donors DPL, Inc. Pepsico - Dayton Dayton International Airport The Boeing Company Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau Scotts Miracle Gro

Lt Col Robert H. Scott Mrs. Zoe Dell Nutter Holiday Inn I-675 Fairborn Maj Gen E. Ann Harrell, USAF (Ret) Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister LLP Wright State University Foundation

For a complete list of all donors, visit www.afmuseum.com/2014annualreport

Contents ARTICLES

DEPARTMENTS

4 Presidential Gallery Aircraft of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

2 Editor’s Notes

Jerry Rep

3 Friends Feedback

45 Activities & Events

9 Before the Columbine General Eisenhower’s B-25J

46 New Exhibits

47 Restoration Update

50 Reunion Notices

53 The Museum Store

Lt Col (Ret) George A. Larson

12 Mission to Casablanca

David W. Lucabaugh

17 The Story of the “Air Force One” Call Sign

59 2014 Annual Report

Mr. Robert Spiers

20 Excitement Builds for Museum Expansion

Lt Gen (Ret) John L. Hudson

23 The Unique History of the Museum’s C-45 Charles W. Arrington and Ken Machtolff

25 Aircraft vs. Snakes

Col (Ret) Francis H. Potter

31 Memories of Harlingen AFB, Texas

34 B-47 Mechanic 1953-1957

36 Operation Bolo - The Other Part of the Story

Edward Tommasino

Thomas Wilson

Col (Ret) Drury Callahan

39 No Place to Land Lt Col (Ret) Ron Green

42 Twin Mustangs in Korea Maj (Ret) John L. Redrup

Do You Have a Story for the Friends Journal?

We love to hear from our Friends of their firsthand accounts of military service and combat. Our goal is to be able to present a variety of Air Force-related stories from all eras in which the U.S. Air Force or its predecessors played a role. We especially need stories from more recent conflicts, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you or someone you know has a personal experience you think our readers would find interesting, please consider submitting a story to us. Writers with all levels of experience are welcomed!

Contact the editor at 937-656-9622 or pcoale@ afmuseum.com with any questions you may have.

The typical Friends Journal article is 3,000 words maximum, and includes three to five photographs.

Your photos will be returned.

Submit manuscripts and photos to: Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., Friends Journal Editor, P.O. Box 1903, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433. Or email it to pcoale@afmuseum.com.

Friends Journal • Spring 2015

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EDITOR’s

NOTES

If you tried contacting the editor’s office in February or early March, then you know I was out of the office for five weeks.

Former Friends Journal editor Joe King filled in for me during my absence and pulled together this issue of the Friends Journal. Joe’s contribution to this issue was enhanced by his in-depth knowledge of the Museum’s Presidential aircraft collection, as he is a Museum volunteer in that gallery.

The whole Foundation staff enjoyed getting to see Joe on a daily basis, as opposed to one or two afternoons a week that he typically spends volunteering for us. Nice to know the Friends Journal editor has a wingman too. Thanks, Joe!

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s we explained in our last Friends Journal, our mission for this year is to highlight those galleries that will become part of the new fourth building.The winter Journal highlighted the Research and Development aircraft in the Museum’s collection and this spring issue will highlight the Presidential aircraft that are on display. Our Presidential aircraft are truly unique and many times have played vital roles in American history, taking our chief executives to important conferences around the world. Our lead article by Jerry Rep (a former editor of the Friends Journal) provides a history of Presidential air travel and the history of the nine aircraft in that gallery.

Lt Col (Ret) George A. Larson has written a very interesting article about the B-25J that was modified as a VIP aircraft for General Dwight D. Eisenhower when he was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II. The photgraphs in the article give a rare look at the inside of the aircraft.

Before a VC-54 (The Sacred Cow) was modified as a presidential aircraft, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had some rather unique experiences when it came to air travel. In David Lucabaugh’s article “Mission to Casablanca,” we learn how Roosevelt was flown to Africa in a Pan American Boeing 314 Clipper and then, after being wheeled (via a ramp) on to a C-54, he flew to Casablanca for a conference with Winston Churchill. It shows why the Sacred Cow was outfitted with an elevator.

Mr. Robert Spiers, the 89th Airlift Wing Historian has given us a fine article on the origins of the Air Force One call sign. In addition to explaining the Air Force One call sign, Mr. Spiers provides us with a short history of the Air Force Presidential Units from their earliest days in 1943 to the time of President Kennedy..

Our selection for our Classic Aircraft of the National Museum of the U. S.Air Force is President Eisenhower’s Lockheed VC-121E named the Columbine III. President Eisenhower seemed to have a fondness for Lockheed Constellations as he had three of them, two while he was president and one while he was still in the military.

We are indeed fortunate that we have an additional seven articles that tell some very unique and interesting tales. One tells the story of the Museum’s C-45 that started out life as an AT-11. We have two Vietnam War stories. One is about a little known aspect of the famous Operation Bolo mission and the other is what happens when there is “No Place to Land.” There are also three Cold War Stories, one about a young Airman’s experience at Harlingen AFB, Texas, and one about the early days of refueling before the refueling boom came into existence. Another story relates what it was like to be a B-47 mechanic during the Cold War. And finally we have a story from Maj John L. Redrup, USAF (Ret) about the early days of night fighting flying the F-82G Twin Mustang in the Korean War. We hope you enjoy our selection of stories, especially those about our Presidental aircraft. Hopefully you’re planning a trip to the National Museum of the United States Air Force this summer. I guarantee you’ll enjoy your trip to Ohio.

Joe King

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Friends Feedback Winter Friends Journal I really enjoyed this quarter’s Friends Journal; it contained a couple of articles that really hit home for me.

I knew Ted Sturmthal from my time in the B-1 Combined Test Force; he was retired from the Air Force and working for Flight Systems at Mojave Airport by the time I got there, but he visited from time to time, and his legacy as a former CTF Director and first-flight pilot was ever present. The last time I saw him was at a Casablanca theme party at our house, just a few months before he passed away. Since then, I’ve worked briefly on a media production project with his daughter, Robin.

Ditto for Ted Wierzbanowski and the X-29; Ted was a first classman when I was a doolie at the Academy. I did not know him then, but we became friends with him and Sandy during our many years at Edwards. The X-29 was a cool project, during a time when there was a lot going on at EDW. Rogers Smith is another much admired and very good friend—in fact his grandson attended Air Camp last summer (from Switzerland…).

Anyway, congrats to you and your team for the great work. The Friends Journal seems to keep getting better and better—keep it up!

Dick Reynolds, Fairborn, Ohio (Lt Gen (Ret) Richard V. Reynolds was chairman of the Air Force Museum Foundation’s Board of Managers, 2012-2014.)

Jerk’s Natural I enjoyed thoroughly the article on the last flight of B-24 Jerk’s Natural in the winter edition of the Friend’s Journal. Jerk’s Natural was named after Major John (Jack) L. Jerstad; the “Jer” comes from his name and “Natural” is in reference to the airplane’s serial number which contains a 7 and an 11. Major Jerstad was killed on a different aircraft in the Ploesti Oil Field mission on August 1, 1943. He was awarded the Medal of Honor along with four other airman who flew on that flight.

Jerstad/Agerholm Elementary and Middle schools in Racine, Wisconsin are named in honor of Major Jerstad and Marine Harold Agerholm, another Metal of Honor winner. Both were brought up and attended school in Racine.

Allan Beach, Cincinnati, OH For Lack of a Cotter Pin A friend recently gave me a copy of the fall 2014 Friends Journal. I was very interested in the article “For Lack of

a Cotter Pin” because of the similarity between that incident and an eperience I had in the Air Force. I was flying a C-119 in Alabama in 1955 when we had a problem with a prop that resulted in us having to bail out of the plane. An investigation of the probable cause revealed a problem comparable to the one in the [author’s] C-124. A little later I experienced another mechanical problem, but luckily we were able to handle this problem without loss of the aircraft.

James Morrill, Manhattan, Kansas A Different Perspective Former Commander and Director of the 645th Aeronautical Systems Group (Big Safari), Col (Ret) Bill Grimes, wrote to tell us that he believes there is documented evidence of an earlier Rivet Ball collection of Soviet testing of a MIRV capability from an ICBM, prior to Oct 4 1968 as referenced in Robert Brown’s article, “The Last Flight of the Iron Pumpkin.” Although Col Brown’s article was focused on the crash, we felt it appropriate to enter Colonel Grimes’ letter into the record.

In his well-written article in the winter 2014-2015, “The Last Flight of the Iron Pumpkin,” Robert Brown indicates there is no evidence of a Rivet Ball collection against the Soviet SS-9 Mod 4 (MRV) prior to his collection on Mission M567 on 4 October 1968. [I have] a time lapse image from Rivet Ball’s Ballistic Streak Camera taken on Mission M648 flown by Maj Dick Farnan’s Team on 11 Sep 1968. The annotations were not on the original image but were added by intelligence analysts when the image was declassified and released to the press shortly thereafter. Declassified National Intelligence Estimate of 8 November 1968 references this collection:“on 23 August and 11 September, ICBMs launched from Tyuratam into the Kamchatka Peninsula showed three objects reentering the atmosphere at the end of the flight and telemetry indicates that all three survived to impact.” Both teams received Air Medals for these missions.

As a sad note, the aircraft commander on mission M648, Maj Chuck Michaud was lost when Rivet Ball’s sister-ship, RC135E Rivet Amber, disappeared over the Bering Sea in June of the following year.

Col (Ret) Bill Grimes, Rumney, New Hampshire The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. is a Section 501 (c)(3) private, non-profit corporation. It is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components, and it has no governmental status. Friends of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force membership dues and all donations to the Air Force Museum Foundation paid in 2014 are tax deductible within the limits prescribed by law.

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Presidential Presidential Gallery Gallery Aircraft Aircraft of of the the National National Museum Museum of of the the U.S. U.S. Air Air Force Force Jerry Rep

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.he National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. The Museum tells the history of the United States Air Force. Part of that history is the major role played in providing air transportation to the Presidents of the United States and their families.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is proud of its historic collection of Presidential aircraft.

With eight airplanes and one helicopter, it is the most complete collection of Presidential aircraft in the country.

Aviation enthusiasts from all over the world visit the Museum daily, and for those who visit the Presidential Gallery, it invariably becomes one of the most interesting parts of their visit to this world-class facility.

Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to fly in an aircraft. The year was 1910, and the “Rough Rider” had already served his term as this country’s chief executive.

Attending a conference in St Louis, ex-president Roosevelt was offered the opportunity to ride along on a flight of a Wright Model B Flyer. Despite urgings from his staff to decline the offer, Roosevelt went up and seemed to enjoy his short flight. He later remarked, “You know, I didn’t intend to do it, but when I saw the thing [Wright Flyer] there, I could not resist it.”

It was the other Roosevelt, however, who goes down in the records as the first U.S. president to fly in an airplane while in office. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a Navy man who never exhibited a great desire to fly. Early in 1943, however, President Roosevelt needed to attend a wartime conference with Allied leaders in Casablanca, Morocco.

He considered sailing to North Africa on a ship, but his staff considered that too risky given that the Atlantic was teeming with German submarines. It was decided that it would be most prudent for him to fly to Morocco. His first flight was aboard a Pan Am Boeing 314 seaplane named the Dixie Clipper.

The Dixie Clipper was originally a commercial aircraft but, like many of Pan Am’s fleet, was on lease to the federal government during the war.The plane was specially fitted to the trans-Atlantic trip for the president, including a 4

Friends Journal • Spring 2015

double bed that was installed for Roosevelt’s comfort.

The Dixie Clipper was flown by Lt Howard M. Cone, USNR. Lt Cone thus became the first presidential pilot.

The flight was made in three legs. The first leg took FDR from Miami to Trinidad. From Trinidad the plane flew to Brazil and then finally from Brazil to the city of Bathurst in then British Gambia, Africa. There the president transferred to a waiting C-54 Skymaster transport plane for the remaining flight to Casablanca.

He arrived in Casablanca on January 14, 1943. After the conference, the trip was repeated in reverse.This was not FDR’s first flight in an airplane. He had flown during his campaign prior to being elected. This was, however, the first flight by a president while in office.

The first airplane configured for use by a U.S. president was a cargo version of the famous World War II B-24 Liberator bomber. The military designated it a C-87A and modified it for use by VIPs.The plane was unofficially named Guess Where II. (There was no Guess Where I. The name was a play on words signifying the phrase “Guess where to?” ) President Roosevelt never flew on Guess Where II. His Secret Service staff felt it was not that safe an aircraft. It was, however, used by other high-ranking government officials and was also used by Eleanor Roosevelt on a trip to Latin America. Evidently the plane was too dangerous for the president but not too dangerous for the president’s wife.

Douglas C-54C Skymaster The first airplane specifically designed for a president and actually flown in by a president was a military C-54 Skymaster which is currently part of the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The plane was at first designated Project 51. Later it was referred to as the Flying White House. Still later the press started referring to the plane as The Sacred Cow. Members of the presidential staff did not care for this moniker but the name stuck, and it is the name Museum personnel use today.

Presidential Gallery Aircraft of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

The Sacred Cow was built in 1944 with extensive modifications. The most notable feature was a batteryoperated elevator installed behind the passenger cabin.

This elevator was specially built to accommodate President Roosevelt as he boarded and deplaned in his wheelchair.

A stateroom measuring 7-1/2 by 12 feet was installed in the aircraft for use by the president. The room was fitted with a bullet-proof picture window and contained a large desk. A sofa was installed in the aircraft which could be opened to make a bed.The plane also was fitted with a full galley and extra fuel tanks.

President Roosevelt flew in The Sacred Cow only once, but the trip was a significant one. It carried him from the island of Malta to Yalta in the Soviet Union. There FDR met with Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill in a summit meeting to make plans for the remainder of the war. After this conference Roosevelt flew in The Sacred Cow from Yalta to Cairo, Egypt. In Cairo the president boarded a ship for a sea voyage home.

Two months later President Roosevelt died. He never had the opportunity to fly on The Sacred Cow a second time.

The Sacred Cow then became President Truman’s plane, and he used it often. It served the White House until 1947 when it was relegated to the government fleet for VIP use. On one congressional trip abroad, The Sacred Cow’s elevator was used to store liquor purchased on the trip.

One particularly significant event occurred on The Sacred Cow. On July 26, 1947, President Truman was aboard ready to take off for Independence, Missouri to visit his ailing mother. Before the plane took off, Truman’s aides came aboard to have him sign the National Security

Act of 1947. This piece of legislation created the United States Air Force as a separate service. It also created the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency. Not only is The Sacred Cow on exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, but the very table on which the historic document was signed is also on display. It seems appropriate that the birthplace of today’s Air Force can be found at the museum that relates the history of the Air Force to visitors.

The Sacred Cow is one of four presidential aircraft at the Museum through which visitors can walk. It is currently configured as it was when FDR made his historic flight to Yalta. It took Museum restoration staff members ten years (approximately 34,000 man-hours) to accomplish this restoration.

Douglas VC-118 Liftmaster In 1947 the White House ordered a replacement for The Sacred Cow. They received a Douglas DC-6 modified for presidential use. The DC-6 was considered the top commercial aircraft of its day. The aircraft received a military designation of VC-118. Initially, an aviation magazine referred to the plane as The Sacred Cow II. Because the White House didn’t care for the name, the plane’s pilot, Lt Col Hank Myers, suggested naming the plane The Independence after the president’s home town of Independence, Missouri.

The Independence had added fuel tanks installed giving the plane a range of 4,400 miles. This enabled it to fly to any point in the continental United States without stopping to refuel.

This presidential aircraft was further modified with three closely placed windows on the starboard side.They correspond to the location of the president’s stateroom.

Configured as it was, the plane could carry 25 passengers. A normal commercial DC-6 could carry 52 passengers.

President Truman used The Independence frequently. His most famous trip in it was a flight to Wake Island in October 1950.

He made the trip to consult with General MacArthur regarding the progress of the Korean War.

The Independence was retired as a presidential aircraft in May 1953, after the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

It remained in the Douglas C-54C Skymaster used by Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. The press dubbed it The Sacred Cow. NMUSAF

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Presidential Gallery Aircraft of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

Columbine III served President Eisenhower for the rest of his term.

It remained in the government fleet until 1961. In 1966 it was retired to the Air Force Museum, where it is currently on display and open for visitors to board.

U-4B Aero Commander President Eisenhower did not always require a large plane for his air travel. Many of his flights were just short hops, most significantly NMUSAF between Washington, D.C., and his home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Douglas VC-118 Liftmaster used by President Truman during his presidency. It was named The Independence after the president’s hometown in Missouri.

The Air Force had purchased 15 small L-26Bs (later to be government fleet for a time to be used as a VIP transport. redesignated U-4Bs) from the In 1965 it was permanently retired and flown to the Aero Commander Company for use by the government.

Air Force Museum. Restoration on the aircraft began These proved to be ideal aircraft for these short-distance in 1977 and was completed the following year. Visitors presidential flights. One of these Aero Commanders are encouraged to enter this aircraft and are permitted to was painted a white-and-blue paint scheme (the first walk through most of the fuselage. presidential aircraft to sport such a design) and was designated for use by the White House. It was a handy Lockheed VC-121E Constellation aircraft for those trips to Pennsylvania, and in fact, Ike would often pilot this aircraft himself. After Ike suffered After World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a heart attack while in office, the plane was fitted with a Supreme Allied Commander, did much of his travelling bed he used for recovery purposes. in a Lockheed C-121A he named Columbine. (The The Aero Commander was flown with a crew of two and columbine is the state flower of Colorado, the home state could carry up to eight passengers. It was based at Bolling of President Eisenhower’s wife Mamie.) He liked the AFB, near Washington, D.C., and served the president aircraft, so when he was elected president he requested until 1960. After Eisenhower left the presidency in 1961, and received in 1953 a C-121A modified for presidential travel. The plane was christened Columbine II and was used by the president until it was replaced in 1954 with a Lockheed VC-121E Super Constellation.

This improved version was longer, roomier and could fly greater distances. Not surprisingly the plane was named Columbine III. The presidential pilot of Columbine III was William B. Draper.

On November 24, 1954, Eisenhower made his first trip on the plane, flying to Augusta, Georgia. Although he was a certified pilot (the only president NMUSAF to accomplish this up to that time) he never flew any of the Lockheed VC-121E Constellation used by President Eisenhower and named Columbine III after the state flower of Colorado, Mrs. Eisenhower’s home state.

Columbines.

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Friends Journal • Spring 2015

Presidential Gallery Aircraft of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

fly to Ireland and Germany. It was on this trip that he made his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech in Berlin.

NMUSAF

The Aero Commander U-4B was a handy aircraft for short presidential hops.

the plane was used for government VIP flights. In 1969 it was transferred to the Air Force Academy to be used by cadets for parachute jumping training. In 1977 it was sent to the Nebraska Civil Air Patrol and then, in 1996, retired to the Air Force Museum.

Boeing VC-137C Air Force One (SAM 26000) Officially, the term “Air Force One” is used to designate an Air Force aircraft that is carrying the president of the United States. When the president is aboard a Marine helicopter, the designation is “Marine One.” The name Air Force One today continues to refer to the aircraft carrying our chief executive, but it is also commonly used to designate the Boeing 707 that was purchased for the use of President Kennedy in the early 1960s.

In 1962 this 707, the first jet specifically assigned to a U.S. president, entered into the service of JFK. Kennedy had the plane painted according to a design

by Raymond Loewy, a renowned product designer of the time.

Officially, it was designated SAM 26000; SAM standing for “special air mission.”

President Kennedy’s first flight on SAM 26000 occurred in November 1962 when he flew to New York to attend Eleanor Roosevelt’s funeral. Col James B. Swindall was President Kennedy’s pilot.

JFK used SAM 26000 in 1963 to

On November 22, 1963, the president flew to Dallas, Texas in 26000. It was on that infamous date that Kennedy was assassinated.

His body was placed aboard the plane for transport back to Washington. Not wanting to put the body of the president in the cargo hold, Colonel Swindall had a bulkhead and four seats removed from the plane so that the Kennedy casket could be placed in the passenger cabin.

Vice President Lyndon Johnson happened to be in Dallas at this time. He was secreted aboard 26000 and was sworn in as 36th president of the United States before takeoff for Washington. SAM 26000 was now LBJ’s aircraft. He used it often, including trips to Vietnam during the War in Southeast Asia.

After the Johnson administration, President Richard M. Nixon used 26000 for many of his numerous trips. He named the aircraft the Spirit of ’76 to commemorate the upcoming bicentennial of the United States. He used the plane to fly to Vietnam in 1969. In 1970 Nixon’s Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, used the plane to take him to many of his secret meetings with North Vietnamese officials in what became known as the Paris Peace Talks. In 1972 President Nixon used SAM 26000 to fly to China, becoming the first U.S. president to visit China while in office.

SAM 26000 was replaced as the primary presidential aircraft in 1972. A newer, more modern Boeing 707, SAM 27000, was assigned to serve the president. SAM

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This Boeing VC-137C, often called “Air Force One,” has been the longest lived presidential transport, entering service in 1962 and used until 1998.

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Presidential Gallery Aircraft of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

26000 was then used as a backup, although it remained the favorite of the Nixon family during the remainder of the president’s term. Upon Nixon’s resignation, the expresident and family flew in 26000 back to their home in California.

Colonel Swindall flew SAM 26000 to the Air Force Museum in May 1998. It is probably the most popular of the nine presidential aircraft on exhibit there.Visitors are permitted to walk through the aircraft. Areas where President Kennedy’s casket was placed and where President Johnson was sworn in to office as the 36th U.S. president are marked with signs.

Beech VC-6A “Lady Bird Special” The Beech VC-6A was the Air Force version of the Beechcraft King Air B90. Only one was purchased by the Air Force. It served President Lyndon Johnson during his presidency, flying out of Bergstrom AFB, Texas. The plane was used frequently by the president’s wife and eventually became known as the “Lady Bird Special.”

Other Presidential Aircraft on Display In addition to the other aircraft mentioned in this article, the three aircraft described below are on display in the Presidential Gallery.

The Bell UH-13J Sioux was one of two helicopters purchased by the Air Force for use by President

Eisenhower. He became the first president to travel in a helicopter, and the two UH-13Js were the first presidential helicopters. One is displayed suspended in the Museum’s Presidential Gallery; the other is displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The North American T-39A Sabreliner was a very successful executive jet. The T-39A on display in the Museum’s Presidential Gallery was assigned to Bergstrom AFB,Texas to support former president Lyndon Johnson and his family. The plane was flown to the Air Force Museum in 1984.

The Lockheed VC-140B Jet Star was a military version of a popular civilian aircraft.The plane on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force was used by Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan.

It was retired to the Museum in July 1987.

The Presidential Gallery is scheduled to move to the fourth building, currently under construction, in 2016.

This will be a vast improvement over the current situation requiring visitors to board a shuttle bus and travel onto Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where they are limited to a one-hour visit in the Presidential/Research and Development Galleries. Future Museum visitors will enjoy this first-class collection of presidential aircraft on the main campus, along with the other historic artifacts at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

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Beech VC-6A “Lady Bird Special.”

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North American T-39 Sabreliner

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Bell UH-13J Sioux

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Friends Journal • Spring 2015

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Lockheed VC-140B Jet Star

Before the Columbine: General Eisenhower’s B-25J Lt Col (Ret) George A. Larson

W

hen the North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber is mentioned, the first American air raid on Japan led by Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle comes to mind.

The B-25 was indeed a versatile aircraft. During World War II, one B-25J was converted to a VIP transport for General Dwight Eisenhower. Aircraft serial number 402165 was flown to North American Aviation’s Kansas City, Kansas production facility to determine what modifications had to be made to turn the medium bomber into a VIP transport. There North American engineers designed and made changes to the Mitchell’s structure and configuration. Today that aircraft is on display at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, outside the main gate of Ellsworth Air Force Base.

In the VIP configuration, all non-essential military equipment was removed from the aircraft, including armor plate, guns, crew items, and bombing related items. Five over-stuffed passenger chairs were installed in the aft passenger compartment, and a drop-leaf desk was installed across the width of the passenger compartment at the rear of the compartment. An intercom was installed, allowing communications between the passenger compartment and the pilots in the cockpit.

Two additional seats were installed ahead of the bomb bay. The area aft of the cockpit and the bomb bay was converted to carry luggage. One sleeping bunk was installed in the crawlway between the cockpit and passenger compartment. The nose was faired over, and windows were installed in the passenger compartment. A flare unit was installed behind the gunner’s position to allow the aircraft to fly over a proposed landing area at night and release the flares to light the runway or landing area below. Although more than 4,000 B-25s were produced, only three airframes were modified to be VIP aircraft.

The War Department decided to

modify a B-25J for General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the European Theatre Supreme Allied Commander. B-25J serial number 40-4030 was selected to be modified.

This aircraft was more extensively modified than North American’s prototype VIP configured aircraft.

In the B-25J modified for General Eisenhower, the top of the bomb bay was removed and lowered to create a comfortable passenger compartment, as on standard U.S. airliners. To accommodate bomb bay alterations, additional structural supports were added to the wing’s center section carry-through structure. The area below the bomb bay was fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks to provide maximum range when carrying passengers and baggage. Four leather passenger chairs were installed in the passenger compartment, two facing to the rear at the front of the compartment and two along the left side of the compartment.Two metal armchairs with padded seats were installed behind the cockpit, facing aft. Airline style luggage racks were installed above the passenger seats along the side of the fuselage. A fold-down, drop-leaf desk was fitted at the rear of the passenger compartment, across the width of the fuselage, with a walnut storage cabinet installed above the desk. The passenger compartment’s interior walls were covered with sound proofing material to reduce the noise from the aircraft’s two engines. The insulation was covered with airline

Larson

North American B-25J that was modified as a VIP transport for General Eisenhower on display at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.

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