D-Day Commemorative Jump Celebrates A Special 100th Birthday

This spring, in Xenia, Ohio, a very special mission is planned to honor and celebrate the centennial birthday of Jim “Pee Wee” Martin. The Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force in Riverside, California, has committed to flying its C-53D, D-Day Doll, to Xenia for the event on April 23 to 25, 2021, joined by That’s All Brother!, from the CAF Central Texas Wing based in San Marcos, Texas.

Pee Wee’s 100th Birthday Jump Fest is a tribute to one of the hailed 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles,” who are among those credited with the liberation of Europe during World War II, expressly for freeing European citizens from Nazi Germany. “Pee Wee,” nicknamed for his small stature during training, parachuted into Normandy on June 6, 1944—known as D-Day—and Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and he survived the Battle of the Bulge. Pee Wee served with G Company, 3rd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), of the 101st Airborne Division. “We are honored to be part of Jim “Pee Wee” Martin’s 100th birthday celebration in Ohio this April,” said Captain Stephen Rose of D-Day Doll. “Pee Wee and veterans like him are deserving of our respect and gratitude for their war-time service to the United States of America.”

Those who remain of the World War II “Screaming Eagles” plan to attend the event, including Bob Izumi (aged 97), Tom Rice (aged 99), Dan McBride (aged 97), Dick Klein (aged 98) and Vincent J. Speranza (aged 96). “This may be the last time the WWII ‘Screaming Eagles’ will be together due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, and we intend to honor them while they’re still with us,” said Dave Krasner, founder of the W and R Vets 501(c)(3) organization, which is hosting the event.

D-Day Doll is a specialized C-53D model of the Douglas DC-3 used to transport paratroops and cargo during WWII. D-Day Doll was rolled off of the Douglas Aircraft Company production line on July 6, 1943, in Santa Monica, California. Of the 380 C-53 variants built, she was number 138 of only 159 “D” models. D-Day Doll carried troops and gliders on D-Day during Operation Overlord.

The event organizers have made a call for assistance funding D-Day Doll’s journey from California to Xenia, Ohio—which is Pee Wee’s hometown: the “All For Doll” campaign. CJ Machado—veteran advocate, Homeland magazine’s photojournalist, award-winning filmmaker and producer of the “Libertas” documentary—is leading the campaign. “Our hope is to support those organizations that honor our veterans,” said Machado. “D-Day Doll has served our country, our veterans and its citizens for over 75 years. We want to make certain she continues her tremendous work in preserving our history for generations to come.” The “All for Doll” campaign features commemorative watches from “The Lost Watch of D-Day” series honoring D-Day Doll’s service and Pee Wee’s 100th birthday, collector pinup art, and variety of items related to D-Day Doll’s historical contributions. Pilots and enthusiasts can support the “All For Doll” campaign by shopping online For more information on “The Lost Watch of D-Day,” which Rice lost during his trip out of the aircraft door on that fateful day, visit praesidus.com.

Participants who would like to register as a parachutist or attend Pee Wee’s 100th Birthday Jump Fest should visit the site. The event will be free to the public, but VIP packages and sponsorship are available. The organizers confirm that they will be following COVID-19 guidelines, and all WWII guests have been encouraged to receive vaccinations prior to attending.