D-Day Squadron Pairs WWII Flyover Missions with Multiple Film Screenings of "Into Flight Once More"
Oxford, Connecticut (April 27, 2022)– On April 27, two DC-3s of the D-Day Squadron’s “Mighty 15” performed a special World War II commemorative two-pass formation flyover of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival following the screening of “Into Flight Once More.” This event is the first of many opportunities for the public to watch a Sound Off Films’ production of D-Day Squadron’s historic journey to Europe in June 2019. The roaring sound of freedom was led by C-47 Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber and joined with C-53 Spirit of Benovia. Both aircraft flew in formation during a narration by the festival for two passes over the festival and downtown area. The public were welcomed at the Estrella Warbird Museum in Paso Robles to see the aircraft up close following the afternoon’s flyover. In addition, DC-3D Kippie Lee, the only D-model still flying today, also joined the public display. Crews of the Mighty 15 spoke with attendees and showed flying history to all who appreciate the significance.
Produced by Sound Off Films and narrated by Gary Sinise, the film “Into Flight Once More” brings to life the stories of World War II veterans, crews, and a most historic reenactment of “Operation Overlord,” the codename for the Battle of Normandy, which took place on June 6, 1944. The D-Day Squadron along with Sound Off Films plan to do more events in the future with film screenings combining historic DC-3 flyovers, World War II veteran presence and public aircraft displays.
“Our commemorative flying mission schedules are becoming increasingly busy now that we’ve started to publicly screen our documentary film with other known airshows and events,” shared Lyndse Costabile, executive director of the D-Day Squadron. “We appreciate all those donors, investors and partners who made this film possible, as well as our Mighty 15 crews who, as we say, keep em flying!”
April 29-30, 2022, the D-Day Squadron and DC-3 Society will participate in the second annual W&R Vets organized “JUMPFEST” in Xenia Ohio to celebrate 101st airborne, World War II paratrooper and veteran, Jim “Pee Wee” Martin’s 101st birthday. World War II reenactment jump teams will assemble and load at the Lewis A. Jackson Greene County Regional Airport. The public will gather to watch parachutists jump from both C-47s Placid Lassie of the Tunison Foundation and *Tico Belle*of Valiant Air Command. The public is welcome both days where multiple jump teams fill the skies over Skydive Greene County. Several World War II veterans are planned to attend.
On May 21, 2022, the D-Day Squadron will participate in the GI Film Festival in San Diego, Calif. as “Info Flight Once More” is planned for a 4:30 p.m. screening. Additional film festivals and film premiers are in the works for June 2022, with more details coming soon.
For tickets to the GI Film Festival May 21: https://gifilmfestivalsd.org/2022/movies/into-flight-once-more. For more event information from the D-Day Squadron: https://ddaysquadron.org/events/. You can sign up to host your own screening here: https://bit.ly/IFOMScreening.
About the DC-3 Society & D-Day Squadron The DC-3 Society is a program of the D-Day Squadron with the purpose to promote DC-3 type aircraft airworthiness, serve members, and promote static and flying displays for future generations. The North American DC-3 Society was born to organize the collective efforts of enthusiasts, pilots, mechanics, and operators. It actively educates and involves the next generation in “flying freedom” and celebrates everything the DC-3 has accomplished in war and peace.
The D-Day Squadron is part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron led an American fleet of 15 historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft to take part in a flyover of more than 30 international aircraft to drop over 200 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event honored the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadron’s education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance is appreciated for generations to come. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org.
About Sound Off Films: Sound Off Films is a production and impact studio specializing in creating, marketing, and distributing films, branded content, and other media projects. Whether Sound Off is producing material for Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, organizing impact-driven events, creating pro-social marketing campaigns around a product launch, or managing online communities, we balance equality, inclusivity, and advocacy with creativity, quality, and innovation.
