Round Trip by Darby Perrin

Captain Lloyd Neblett of the 301st TCS, 441st TCG, flew his plane "Round Trip" (pictured above) to Drop Zone 'D' on 6 June, 1944; his passengers were from the 501 PIR. While over the DZ, an equipment bundle from another C-47 which was flying above Neblett's plane, landed on his right wing. He battled the controls to keep the plane from stalling as his stick of paratroopers jumped out. The plane then went out of control at 600 feet altitude, falling through a flak barrage and losing 8 feet of the right wing and 3 feet of the aileron. With aid from his co-pilot, Captain Neblett brought the plane under control with wheel and trim tabs less than 100 feet above the ground.

Flying the crippled plane home in darkness, Captain Neblett returned to his base in England and landed without any further damage to the plane. "Round Trip" was repaired and flew many subsequent missions in WW2. Captain, (later Major) Neblett received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage, professional skill, and initiative on the D-Day Normandy mission.

Signatures:

Lloyd NEBLETT - 301st C-47 Pilot

Paul HEWITT - 301st C-47 Crew Chief

Douglas MALTBY - 301st WACO Pilot