Authorization Document

Description

This piece of typed and signed index card authorized TSgt. Winfield “Bing” Wood to wear an aerial engineer aviation badge on his uniform. The card was carried in his wallet and was to be shown upon request.

Biography

In 1944 Bing was assigned to the 61st Troop Carrier Squadron in Saltby, England. After his squadron received a new C-47 Skytrain, he named it “Turf & Sport Special” after his favorite horse-racing magazine. With Bing as the aerial engineer, “Turf & Sport” dropped 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers and supplies on 5 June 1944 in support of Operation Neptune, commonly known as D-Day. Bing and his airplane also flew missions in support of Operation Market Garden.

“Turf & Sport Special” has been part of the museum’s aircraft collection since 1986.