It is the night of June 5, 1944. England has become a marshalling point for the greatest invasion force ever assembled ready to liberate occupied Europe from the forces of Nazi Germany. At Upottery RAF Station in East Devon, England the C-47s of the 439th Troop Carrier Group are prepared for the largest airborne drop ever attempted up to that time. The men of the U.S 101st Airborne Division finish their final preparations before boarding the C-47s that will drop them well behind enemy lines into occupied France, with the mission to take the enemy by surprise, create mass confusion behind the German front lines, destroy critical artillery that might threaten the D-Day invasion beaches, and finally to secure vital crossroads so the forces that hit the beaches can rapidly advance inland deep into the French country side to link up and establish a secure beachhead to begin the liberation of occupied Europe.

The 101st finish their final mission briefings, take stock of their equipment, and reflect on the historic mission for which they are about to embark on. Some of the men have the opportunity to meet with the Allied Expeditionary Force Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower for a last minute pep talk while final preparations are made.

As the sun begins to set on England on the night of June 5th, 1944, the paratroopers finally board their C-47s and prepare to set off for what is for many of them, their first foray into combat in World War Two. This night time combat airdrop would kick off the historic D-Day invasion of France and would soon be known as the "Night of Nights" to all who survived this courageous and extremely dangerous mission. Many of these men were in reality just boys barely out of high school. For many this was just the beginning of their World War Two combat experience that would culminate in the Liberation of Europe, the fall of Nazi Germany, and Victory in World War Two. But for many heroic men this would be a one way mission. Sadly the cost of such a daring mission was extremely high, and many of these heroes would not survive the night.

The risk was not only great for the paratroopers that night. The pilots and crews of the unarmed and slow C-47 transports would be traveling into hostile airspace with no escort. And the size of the aircraft and their airdrop formations would make them an easy target for German anti-aircraft guns even in the dark of night. In order to drop the paratroopers with pin point accuracy and minimal amount of time under parachute they would be required to be at low altitude in the heart of the anti-aircraft guns. There is no doubt that the dedication and courage was shared by all who took part in this historic event.

Under the cover of darkness the C-47s lumbered across the English Channel in a formation trailing as far as the eye could see. The armada of aircraft passed over the massing ships and boats waiting in the English Channel to begin the invasion. They crossed into enemy territory only to be welcomed by a hail of anti-aircraft fire and searchlights. The hours of boredom while in transit became minutes of sheer terror for the paratroopers and the crews of the C-47s. Dodging "flak" and searchlights, the C-47s dove to low altitude, many breaking formation and losing their way, and delivered their precious cargo to their drop zones. The men of the 101st exited their aircraft, and many would end up scattered across the French countryside miles from their original drop zones. The sight out of the door must have been unimaginable as "Flak" was all around and burning planes fell from formation.

The lights above the jump door change from red to green signaling they were over their drop zone. Once out of the jump door and under parachute, the "Night of Nights" had just begun.

Thanks to the Book and HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers" this story has finally been told to a new generation. At the American Airpower Museum we have taken it a step further and made the retelling of this historic event into a living experience where one can hear, see, touch, and experience first hand what it was like 67 years ago. Our program has become very popular and has gained the attention of both local and national media such as the New York Times, The NY Daily News, NY News Day, Air Classics Magazine, and ABC TV News to name a few.

To honor both the troop carrier crews and the soldiers of both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division we have created a living history experience found nowhere else. With the help of the 101st Airborne re-enactor group you will be transported back in time and be issued your jump jacket, helmet, and harness. You will take part in a recreated D-Day mission brief, and then you will form up with your re-enactor guides in full World War Two 101st AB gear and board the museum's World War Two veteran C-47 transport just like those heroic men did 67 years ago risking all to liberate occupied Europe.

Once aboard the C-47 you will be briefed and relive the sights and sounds of what is was like the night of June 5th, 1944 as the C-47s started their engines and took off into history. During the approximately 30 minute flight you will have the opportunity to see how the crews operated the C-47s in flight and you will get a true sense of what it was like on that historic night.

Now do remember it is 2011 and there isn't anyone shooting at you, it will be daylight in the skies over Long Island, and you will get to recreate the experience all the way up to the point the paratroopers hooked up their parachutes to the static line and although you might like to, you won't be leaving the airplane until you are safely back on the ground. Don't get carried away remember it's a flight experience not the real thing!

Upon return from your historic flight, you will learn more about what the men of the 101st did that night 67 years ago and how they overcame the odds to succeed in their mission and help make the D-Day invasion of Normandy a victory for the allies.

We would be honored if you join us for this once is a lifetime opportunity to take a trip back in time to honor the legacy of the aircrews and paratroopers and all those who sacrificed so much to save our nation and liberate others from oppression and tyranny.

This is a family friendly experience available to all that will be long remembered.

To reserve your place for the D-Day flight experience contact The American Airpower Museum Public Relations Office: (212) 843-8010

The cost for this flight experience is a $300 Flight Commander Membership to the American Airpower Museum.

(All museum flight experiences require museum membership)
(Current rates are available until October 1, 2011)