The C-54 was the military version of the famous DC-4 four-engine commercial airliner. From 1942-1946, Douglas built 1,163 Skymasters for the United States military and they were used around the world. In 1948-1949, Skymasters were the backbone of the Berlin Airlift as they carried tons of supplies around the clock. The C-54 continued in U.S. Air Force service through the 1960s.
The Museum’s C-54 was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces in August 1945 and served with various units throughout its career. Most notable is its service with the 22nd Transport Unit at Rhein Main AB and the 313th Troop Carrier Group at Fassberg AB in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. No doubt it flew many cargo missions to Berlin during the crisis. The aircraft last served at Olmsted AFB, Pennsylvania before being retired to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, in 1964. It was moved to the Museum of Aviation in 1984.
Fun fact: Our C-54 is featured in the opening scene of the 1958 film “The Hunters”, starring Robert Mitchum and Robert Wagner, about two F-86 pilots during the Korean War.
