1943 WWII Press Photo – Waco CG-4A Glider & Airborne Engineers at Westover Field

Original WWII ACME press photograph dated March 3, 1943, showing a U.S. Army Waco CG-4A glider (serial 42-2777) at Westover Field, Massachusetts. Loaded with airborne engineer troops and their tools, the glider was set to participate in a training mission simulating the rapid repair of runways following a bomb strike. A C-47 transport aircraft waits in the background to tow the glider into the air. This image provides a rare glimpse into early airborne engineer operations and the critical training that underpinned America’s WWII glider assault missions. Stamped and captioned on reverse with wartime censor approval.

Historical Context:

• Date: March 7, 1943 (press release date).

• Aircraft: Waco CG-4A, the most widely used American military glider in WWII, capable of carrying 13 troops and equipment.

• Role: Used for combat glider landings in operations such as Normandy (D-Day), Operation Market Garden, and the Rhine crossings.

• Training Scenario: Part of airborne engineer training to rapidly repair airfields under simulated combat damage conditions.

Condition Notes:

• Sharp image with excellent clarity of aircraft and personnel.

• Reverse has original press release and censor approval stamps.

• Light surface handling consistent with press archive use.