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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What kind of airplane was the C-47 Skytrain?

The C-47 Skytrain was a famous twin-engine airplane built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It first appeared in 1947 to help move people and heavy equipment. It became known as a tough workhorse that could carry a lot of weight across long distances.

What was the main job of this airplane?

This airplane had the important job of carrying supplies to soldiers in battle. It was also used for medical evacuations to fly wounded troops away from danger. Because it could land almost anywhere, it helped save many lives during difficult missions.

How did Greece use the C-47 during the Korean War?

Greece sent the 13th Transport Flight to help the United Nations during the Korean War. Greek pilots flew hundreds of dangerous missions through freezing storms and enemy fire. They landed on short, icy dirt runways to deliver warm food and rescue injured soldiers.

What is one interesting fact about the C-47?

Pilots really loved this plane because it was very dependable in the air. Even when the plane took heavy damage from enemy fire, it was often strong enough to make it home safely. This toughness made it one of the most trusted airplanes of the twentieth century.

What was the lasting history of the C-47 in Greece?

After the Korean War, Greece kept using these sturdy planes for many years. They used them to connect soldiers living on far-away islands to the mainland. These planes were also perfect for training soldiers to jump as paratroopers.

Home Library GreeceC-47 Skytrain

Military Transport Aircraft

C-47 Skytrain

A trusted twin-engine cargo airplane that moved soldiers, wounded troops, and critical supplies across battlefronts.

Greece Introduced 1947 Douglas Aircraft CompanyRole: Cargo and medical evacuation transport

Specifications

Top Speed

224 miles per hour

Range

1,600 miles

Crew

4 crew members

Payload

6,000 pounds of cargo or 28 soldiers

History

The C-47 Skytrain was one of the most reliable cargo planes of the twentieth century. Greece flew these twin-engine workhorses during the Korean War as part of the 13th Transport Flight assisting the United Nations.

Greek aircrews flew hundreds of risky missions through freezing blizzards and enemy fire to resupply frontline troops. They landed on short, icy dirt runways to rescue wounded soldiers and carry warm food and blankets.

During the early Cold War, Greece kept using these airplanes to connect isolated island garrisons and drop paratroopers. Pilots loved the airplane because it was dependable and could take heavy damage and still return home safely.