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With more than 10,000 visiting aircraft, 650,000 aviation enthusiasts from 92 countries, 121 takeoffs/landings per hour and 800+ exhibitors. EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, USA is the biggest aviation event of the year.
This year you will find the AirCorps WWII quonset in the warbirds area proudly displaying P-47D-23RA Bonnie and P-51C Thunderbird from July 24 – July 30 2023
The world’s only flying Republic built razorback P-47D Thunderbolt BONNIE will make its AirVenture debut this year and will be featured on Warbird Alley across from the Warbirds in Review quonset. BONNIE, a P-47D THUNDERBOLT is immaculately restored to honor Brigadier General William “Bill” Dunham WWII triple ace.
Hosted by the EAA Warbirds of America, these sessions delve into an aircraft’s restoration, operation, and other aspects of owning a valued piece of history, while also spotlighting veterans by sharing realistic stories about the experience of flying the aircraft in combat or supporting the operation as a ground crew member.
Join us on Wednesday, July 23rd at 1pm to learn more about AirCorps Aviation’s most recent restoration project below.
P-51C Thunderbird, one of the recognizable P-51 mustangs from the post war era, will make a first appearance at EAA Airventure. The cobalt blue P-51C NX5528N, most notably won the 1949 Bendix race piloted by Joe DeBona where it set the piston driven speed record at 470 mph. Thunderbird was owned by WWII Brigadier General, bomber pilot and academy award winner Jimmy Stewart. Jackie Cochran, the Speed Queen, also owned Thunderbird.
DAKOTA TERRITORY AIR MUSEUM
Warren Pietsch, Pilot and Owner P-51C Thunderbird
Bernie Vasquez, Pilot / Dakota Territory Air Museum
Gen. Ed McIlhenny, Moderator
This immaculate P-47 THUNDERBOLT is the only flying Republic built razorback P-47D in the world. BONNIE was named by Brigadier General William “Bill” Dunham Commanding Officer of the 460th Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group. The Bonnie namesake was emblazoned on all three of Dunham’s P-47s and ended with an P-51K which was named Mrs. Bonnie because by then Miss Bonnie Harris had become Mrs. Bonnie Dunham.
DAKOTA TERRITORY AIR MUSEUM
Bruce Eames, Owner P-47D THUNDERBOLT Bonnie
Margo Prudente & Shelly Wheeler, Daughters of Major Dunham
Lt. Gerald Teldon, P-47 Pilot 62 mission / 12th AF, 79th FG, 85th and 87th Fighter Squadrons
Warren Pietsch, Pilot / Dakota Territory Air Museum
Gen. Ed McIlhenny, Moderator
Join us for an Oshkosh Forum discussion titled “SAVING WARBIRDS FROM INCINERATION” surrounding the story of Ken Jungeberg, the NAA draftsman who recued 500,000 original engineering drawings from the furnace. Meet Ken in person, learn about his incredible story, and see some amazing examples of the drawings he saved.
When: Tuesday, July 25th at 11:30am
Where: Hilton Theater in the EAA Museum
This presentation is a great opportunity for anyone unable to see EAA’s newest exhibit titled “Drafting: The Art Of Aircraft Engineering in WWII“. An exhibit designed by AirCorps Aviation that focuses on the draftsmen of NAA, and their contribution to the war effort. Specially featured in the exhibit are an impressive selection of original drawings from the Ken Jungeberg Collection! Located in the Telling Gallery of the EAA Museum, this exhibit will be on display through September of 2025.
The AirCorps Aviation booth will be staffed with knowledgeable team members that are more than happy to answer any question you have, but if you have a specific question regarding the capabilities of a service we offer look for one of these guys to help!
Erik: AirCorps Aviation | Eric: AirCorps Aviation | Ester: AirCorps Library| Nic: AirCorps Art / AirCorps Depot
Members of the media are welcome to contact us for more information.
Contact: Eric Trueblood – erict@aircorpsaviation.com
