Project "Charlie 119"
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Charlie 119 is a rescue mission to save one of the few remaining C-119s. This beautiful piece of historical significance still has so much still to give - you can help us save it from being sent to the scrap yard and destroyed! This aircraft display would be a great draw for the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum, the Columbus Municipal Airport, the City of Columbus, and south central Indiana.
To help support this project, please fill out the form below and mail it to the museum.
| Charlie 119 Donations.pdf |
Airfield History
In 1942 an air base was built on the north side of Columbus, IN. The base was originally known as Atterbury Army Air Field. It was named in honor of General William Wallace Atterbury from New Albany, IN. During World War 2, the air base was used for training glider pilots and bomber pilots.
In 1942 an air base was built on the north side of Columbus, IN. The base was originally known as Atterbury Army Air Field. It was named in honor of General William Wallace Atterbury from New Albany, IN. During World War 2, the air base was used for training glider pilots and bomber pilots.
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After World War 2 the base was converted into a Reserve facility and it hosted the 434th Troop Carrier Wing. In 1954 the base was renamed Bakalar Air Force Base in honor of 1st Lt. John Bakalar from Hammond, IN. The 434th flew C-119 Flying Boxcars out of Bakalar AFB. Usually, about 36 C-119s were stationed here. This two engine aircraft was very distinguishable flying over Columbus due to its twin tail booms and boxy fuselage.
