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"The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't"
~ Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle
During WWII control of the skies was one of the main objective of militaries around the globe. To honor those aviators and the aircraft built by the everyday citizens, the Commemorative Air Force was organized. Though passion and dedication, volunteers all across the country come together to maintain and fly these magnificent warbirds in an effort to educate future generations of the deeds that were accomplished by what is affectionately known as 'The Greatest Generation"
Since 2000 the Missouri Wing has been restoring to original warbird configuration a 1945 TBM-3E Avenger. Identical to the TBM's that proved invaluable in the Pacific Theater our Avenger has been seen at air shows across the Midwest. The next time you find yourself in St. Charles, Missouri stop by and visit us, and at that same time realize that the TBM Avenger that you see in front of you came of the assembly line In May of 1945 and today is still operational.
A visit to the Missouri Wing will take you back to those years of WWII. Surrounded by artifacts, aircraft and ground support vehicles the visit will give you a memory to share with others.
While some aircraft were large and essential for combat operations it is often forgotten about the importance of the 1941 Aeronca L-3 also known as the L-Bird. Aeronica L-3's were pivotal in all theaters of war and were utilized as observation and liason aircraft. The L-bird at the Missouri Wing was manufactured in October of 1941 and has been completely restored to wartime configuration. Come out and see our Aeronica L-3 L-bird on your next visit to Smartt field.
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