First-ever film footage of Veterans Air Express in 1945…
Veterans Air Express DC-3. Image courtesy of John Noll’s film footage.
Or, at least, the first I’ve ever found…let alone had the joy of watching. It needs little introduction. Maybe just a little explanation.
You’ve seen my post about John Noll’s story? In the last paragraph it promises 1945 film footage about Veterans Air Express. John was a member of the World War Two 450th Bomb Group, 723rd Squadron, and he shared this film footage with their Memorial Association website. His daughter, Buffy, shared it with me and gave me permission to add it to my research site. His “home movie” converted for YouTube comes to you compliments of Buffy with my deepest appreciation.
Watch and enjoy.
In the first 1:15 (75 seconds), John’s voice-over tells you about the start-up of Veterans Air Express Company and the first aircraft they bought.
The 4-engine DC-4 being prepared for Warsaw flight.
Simultaneously you get to watch him shovel New Jersey snow. He interrupts himself to marvel at his still-service-fit condition. (From that aside, you presume he did the “voice over” narration some years after the filming.)
And, unexpectedly, we also get to watch the christening of this DC-4. In another post, I ask you to help identify the Metropolitan Opera singer who does the champagne honors.
Please send the film’s YouTube link to as many people as you know. Aviation buffs. Lovers and loyalists of the DC-3. Ex-pilots of the DC-4. Men and women who served during WW II – especially if they wore the uniform & earned the insignia of the Army Air Corp. Let’s see if any of them can add to the Veterans Air story!
It gives me the Gooney Bird Bumps (sorry!) to bring this to you.
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