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| Douglas VC-54C “Sacred Cow”: Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential airplane |
Resting in the Presidential Gallery of the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, "the first purpose-built aircraft to fly the president of the United States, the Sacred Cow is the only VC-54C ever constructed. As a modified C-54, but the Sacred Cow is unique, especially for its extensive interior modifications. One special feature is an elevator behind the passenger cabin to lift the president in his wheelchair in and out of the plane. The passenger compartment includes a conference room with a large desk and a bulletproof picture window. President Roosevelt used the Sacred Cow only once before his death in April 1945; however, the Sacred Cow remained in presidential service during the first 27 months of the Truman Administration. On July 26, 1947, President Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947 while on board the Sacred Cow. This act established the Air Force as an independent service, making the Sacred Cow the "birthplace" of the USAF."
See the reflected world at Weekend Reflections.
7 comments:
So much history connected to this classic beauty.
Thank you Tash for sharing with us.
Costas
That is very interesting, Tash. And a good photo. Hmmmm, a business trip to Dayton. I am sensing a career with things that fly.
I'm a big fan of planes and military aircrafts (http://lesyeuxversleciel.blogspot.com/) I have to thank you for that particular sharing : I just love it ! The reflections on that one are spectacular...
Right now it looks like tin foil and all I can think of is a big chocolate airplane underneath, Hershey-kiss style!
I had no idea. The idea of the wheel chair accessible elevator is interesting. The artist Robert Grahm did a monument to Roosevelt depicting him in a wheel chair. Something he went to great trouble to hide. And doesn't that plane look like a flying Air Stream trailer?
What beauty, bearing such interesting history!
I love the texture and the angle you captured it.
The Roosevelt memorial at the Washington National Mall shows the president in his wheelchair. Going there at sunset shows it in the most beautiful light.
Fascinating history. Imagine having to polish that plane! (can you tell I've just been doing housework?)
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