. Consolidated B-24H, natural metal, “Arise My Love and Come With Me”. Unit letters are Z5, denoting the 754th BS, 458th BG, 96th CBW, 2nd Air Div. (USAF via Gerry R, Markgraf)

Douglas C-47s in their newly applied black and white stripes prepare for the invasion of France on the night of June 5/6, 1944, (D-Day). There are more than twenty-five aircraft visible, plus one Cessna IJC-78. Aircraft marked 8Y are from the 98th TCS, 440th TCG and those marked 9X are from the 95th TCS, 440th TCG, Ninth Air Force. (USAF)

Douglas C-47s and Waco CG-4s are seen lined up ready for takeoff. The aircraft are coded М2 for the 88th TCS, 438th TCG of the Ninth Air Force. Note that each glider has a large white number painted on its nose, together with the black and white stripes on the aircraft. A huge force of several hundred of these aircraft flew over London, England, on June 5/6,1944, all with their navigation lights on to help prevent collisions. It was the first time that such lights had been seen over England since September 3,1944. (Witnessed by the author). (USAF)

Two Consolidated B-24HS, J4-V and Z5-S, follow B-24H-20-DT, 41-28965, “The Spotted Ass Ape”, lead ship of the 458th BG, 96th CBW, 1st Air Div.. Note the AZON blade antennas under the rear fuselage of J4-V. AZON was a guided-bomb bombing technique that proved to be of limited value. (USAF)