On the Night Before

Airborne operations over Normandy on the night of June 5, 1944

Depicted here are C-47 Skytrain military transport aircraft from the 440th Troop Carrier Group inserting units of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment into Normandy, France on the evening of June 5, 1944. The nose art and tail number of the lead aircraft (tail no. 292717) are historically accurate and depict the actual markings of the aircraft used by battalion commander Col. Frank Krebs and staff for the Normandy invasion. The nose art of the lead aircraft details a man wearing a top hat with coat tails pointing to the name of the aircraft, “Stoy Hora,” which translates to “I am here for you right now.” These powerful words embody the commitment and trust between air and ground forces that endure today. This painting commemorates the 75th anniversary of the American paratrooper and is dedicated to the bravery of those who volunteered to take that leap of faith.